Suncream ingredient 'could damage skin cells when exposed to UV rays'

Holidaymakers are advised to slap on plenty of suncream to reduce their risk of skin cancer. But now scientists are saying an ingredient in some bottles could possible harm the skin.

Early research from Missouri University suggests that zinc oxide, when exposed to sunlight, undergoes a chemical reaction that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals. 


Free radicals seek to bond with other molecules, but in the process, they can damage cells or the DNA contained within those cells.

The researchers suggest this in turn could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.
Lead author Dr Yinfa Ma also found that the longer zinc oxide is exposed to sunlight, the greater the potential damage to human cells.           More