A study coming out of Australia has indicated that daily use of sunscreen may lower the chances of skin cancer. The Nambour study was started in 1992 and followed a study group of 1, 6121 individuals. The group was divided into two with one group following their regular sunscreen ritual, and the control group applying sunscreen with SPF 16 on their ‘arms, hands, neck, heads’ every morning. After four and a half years, it was found that there was a possible reduction in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer and affects the upper layers of the skin.

The study was stopped after four and a half years, but the study group was monitored for another eight years. The subjects continued with sunscreen according to personal preference. It was found that the controlled group had lower incidents of squamous cell carcinoma.

The study report was focused on protection from UVB rays rather than UVA.