Almost half of all new suncreams do not offer protection against harmful UVA rays, a new study has shown.

Almost half of new suncreens 'do not offer protection against harmful rays'
Article in the Telegraph

Extract:

"Although the vast majority protect against UVB rays, which cause the skin to burn, many do not shield against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for aging.

Scientists have shown that both forms of sunray can lead to skin cancer.

Mintel, the market research firm, looked at more than 750 suncreams launched across Europe in 2007.

It found that fewer than half offered protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

The majority were missing UVA protection, the company found.

Products display their level of protection against UVB rays in the sun protection factor (SPF) number listed on the bottle.

But this "factor" does not shield against dangerous UVA rays.

Instead suncreams which also screen wearers from UVA show their level of protection through a star rating system.

Last night experts warned consumers to ensure that the suncream they bought offered both forms of protection."

You can also reduce skin damage/aging by cutting down on salt and salty food.