Factor 50 suncream cannot be relied on to prevent skin cancer, scientists have warned.
In research that revealed how ultraviolet light causes genetic mutations that trigger the disease, factor 50 cream offered powerful protection against burning and slowed the onset of cancer, yet failed to negate the risk.
Mice that were predisposed to melanoma took only about 40 per cent longer to develop cancer when they were coated with SPF 50 suncream, compared with those that had no protection.
Professor Richard Marais, of the University of Manchester, who led the research, said that there was a case for redesigning sunscreen for better protection against skin cancer. “Sunscreens were developed to prevent the immediate effects of sun exposure, such as red skin and burning,” he said.