Skin Cancer: Is Sunscreen Still Enough to Protect Us?

By Ana Espino | Published on June 22, 2026 | 4 min read

Skin cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide. Each year, millions of new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma are diagnosed, largely as a result of cumulative sun exposure. For decades, prevention strategies have relied primarily on the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Yet despite these measures, the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise in many countries.

This situation raises several important questions. Do sunscreens provide sufficient protection against all forms of solar radiation? Are other biological mechanisms involved in the development of skin cancer? And could new preventive strategies further reduce risk among highly exposed individuals? To address these questions, Spanish dermatologists reviewed the latest evidence on photoprotection and emerging approaches to skin cancer prevention.


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Protection That Goes Far Beyond UV Filters

The authors first emphasize that the effectiveness of sunscreens in reducing the risk of actinic keratoses and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is now well established. The Australian Nambour Trial, one of the landmark studies in this field, demonstrated that daily sunscreen use can reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by approximately 40%. Benefits have also been reported for melanoma prevention, although the evidence remains less robust.

However, the review highlights that photoprotection is no longer limited to UV filters alone. Several compounds capable of repairing sun-induced cellular damage are now attracting growing scientific interest. Among these, DNA repair enzymes, such as photolyase, have shown the ability to reduce certain UV-induced genetic lesions and improve actinic keratoses in high-risk patients.

Researchers also examined the role of antioxidants. Extracts from Polypodium leucotomos, a tropical fern used orally or topically, appear to be among the most promising compounds. Several studies have reported reductions in precancerous skin lesions and decreases in sun-induced oxidative stress. Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has also demonstrated encouraging potential in reducing the development of new skin lesions in certain high-risk individuals.

Another notable finding concerns visible light, particularly high-energy blue light, which may contribute to skin damage. Experimental studies suggest that it promotes oxidative stress and may interfere with DNA repair mechanisms following UV exposure. These observations support the development of photoprotective products that provide broader-spectrum coverage beyond UVA and UVB radiation alone.


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Toward More Personalized Photoprotection?

This review confirms that skin cancer prevention still relies on traditional measures: limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and regularly applying broad-spectrum sunscreens. However, it also suggests that emerging strategies could further enhance protection, particularly through the use of antioxidants, DNA repair enzymes, and selected oral supplements.

The authors note, however, that several uncertainties remain. Evidence regarding melanoma prevention remains heterogeneous, and the true effectiveness of some complementary strategies still requires confirmation through large-scale studies. Likewise, the precise role of visible light in skin carcinogenesis continues to be debated.

Despite these limitations, the review illustrates the rapid evolution of the concept of photoprotection. In the future, skin cancer prevention may rely on a combination of sun filters, biologically active compounds, and personalized approaches tailored to each individual’s risk profile. This perspective is particularly important as increasing sun exposure and population aging continue to drive the global rise in skin cancer incidence.


About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology  
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.