It is estimated that one person dies every hour as a result of melanoma in the United States. In the past decade, the count has been increased by 53 percent. A recent study suggests that regular use of sunscreen lotions in childhood can reduce the risk of melanoma by 40 percent in young adulthood.

Dr. Caroline Watts, the author of this study and post-doctoral researcher from the University of Sydney said, “We found that Australians aged 18 to 40 years who were regular users of sunscreen in their childhood reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 40 percent compared to those who rarely used sunscreen. Lifetime use of sunscreen was associated with a 35 percent reduced risk of melanoma,”

Children need sun protection since their skin is much thinner and more susceptible to burning. Dr. Caroline Watts stated, “Regular users of sunscreen were more likely to be female, of British or northern European ancestry, and to have higher education levels, lighter skin pigmentation, and a stronger history of blistering sunburn; this may be related to women being more receptive to messages about sun protection, or that many cosmetic products have sunscreen in them.”

The study authors recommended wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen like SPF 30 on all exposed areas. It would be better to reapply the