A new study just released says suncreen does a poor job of protecting you from UVA rays, the rays that increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen also allows people to stay in the sun longer, further increasing chances of skin cancer. Looks like you're gonna need to pick up a few tubes of Zinka afterall. From the Associated Press:
Sunscreens generally do a good job filtering out the ultraviolet
rays that cause sunburn — UVB rays. But with sunburn protection, many
people get a false sense of security that keeps them under the harsh
sun much longer. That adds to the risk of eventual skin cancer — both
deadly melanoma and the more common and less-threatening basal and
squamous cell cancers.
And most sunscreens don't defend nearly as well against the UVA rays
that penetrate deep into the skin and are more likely to cause skin
cancer and wrinkles. That's true even for some products labeled
"broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection."
Experts say the best protection against UVA is a sunscreen that
includes zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone. Consumers should
also look for those that are water-resistant and have an SPF of 30 or
better, indicating strong protection against UVB rays, and apply
liberally and often.