Although tans may still represent high fashion, no one can dispute the scientific trend that too much sun is unhealthy. Many studies have shown that sun overexposure can accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
There is also some medical debate that sunscreens might be providing a false sense of security on the health hazard. Many people tend not to apply enough sunscreen during the first application to cover all sensitive spots. Another mistake is failing to reapply sunscreen frequently enough during a sun-soaked day.
A new German study sheds a different sort of light on the issue. Researchers there found a lotion made with photolyase, an enzyme found in ocean algae, can reduce redness and DNA damage (the latter up to 45 percent) caused by sunburn.
The study is small – 19 volunteers were exposed to intense ultraviolet light to mimic the sun, then rubbed the photolyase concoction on affected areas – but new products with photolyase will be available in some stores this summer. They will be marketed as skin rejuvenators or sunburn prevention creams for now, because more research is needed to see if photolyase works with all degrees of sunburn and whether it can reduce risk of skin cancer.
Another new product for sun lovers appears promising, but Americans will have to wait until next year to test it out. It is a dime-sized patch worn on skin or clothing that measures total accumulated dosage of UV rays absorbed by the body during an outing.
Called the Sticker, it will be available in time for summer in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina (which will be our winter). There will be versions for six different skin types, plus you can choose one marketed to sunscreen wearers. The Sticker changes from blue to silver/purple to yellow; each new color warns the user to get out of the sun, cover up or reapply sunscreen. Pricing is not yet determined.
