Sunscreen: How It Prevents Skin Cancer

How does sunscreen help keep you safe from the risk of skin cancer? In this video, Alex Dainis addresses the debate around the pros and cons of sunscreen. Sunscreen can help protect the DNA in skin cells from being damaged by UV radiation released by the sun. This damage occurs when two DNA bases are incorrectly stuck together. When this damage occurs on genes that are associated with cancer, there is a risk of developing skin cancer. Studies show that using sunscreen provides protection from exposure to UV radiation, and that regular sunscreen use leads to decreased risk of skin cancer. So don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen this summer!