Suncream may interfere with skin’s natural defence to UV light

Suncream may actually block the body’s natural defense against harmful UV rays, a surprising new study has found.

Scientists from Brown University have discovered that human skin contains sensors that detect radiation from the sun.

These light receptors – which are also found in the retina of the eye – immediately prompt the release of melanin, the body’s own form of sun protection.

This is likely to provide rapid protection against UV damage, long before the skin starts to tan.