The world market for sunscreens is estimated to be worth $4 billion annually and it continues to grow as consumers become increasingly aware of the dangers caused by sun exposure, such as sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer (melanoma). Sunscreens and brightly coloured sunblocks have become so widely used, they are now regarded as sports-fashion accessories and products have been carefully crafted to meet this market. There is a daunting choice of sunscreens with sun protection factors to suit every combination of skin type and holiday destination. Everyone knows they should choose the right product and that it should protect against both UV-A and UV-B, but few people know what it all means. A recent report suggested that too many people were spending too much time in the sun, wrongly believing their sunscreen would completely protect them. This chapter attempts to spell out the facts about sun, suntans and sunscreens, and to dispel some myths that people hold dear.

© Gina & Steve Antczak, 2001

This page was last updated, January 2001

CosmeticsUnmasked.Com