A new study finds that rubbing Sunscreen into the skin provides very little protection

An investigation by RAFT has found that rubbing sunscreen into the skin greatly reduces your protection against dangerous radiation. The result can be skin cancer and premature ageing, because the skin is protected from burning, so people tend to stay in the sun longer.

Melanoma is frequently the result of a childhood burn, so the answer is to cover children up, encourage them to play in the shade, and not to rely on sunscreens.

New studies are needed to develop creams to protect against UVA, UVB, and also visible light.

("RAFT - Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust - was set up ten years ago by a group of consultant plastic surgeons to support research and education in the fields of reconstructive surgery and burn injury treatment.")