A short history of sunscreen, from basting like a chook to preventing skin cancer.

This article provides a short history of sunscreen in Australia, highlighting how the use of sun protection has evolved over time. In the early 20th century, suncreams were primarily used to achieve a tan without burning. However, research in the 70s revealed the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, leading to the development of broad-spectrum sunscreens. The introduction of SPF in the 80s allowed consumers to understand the level of protection offered by different products. It wasn't until 1999 that research confirmed the effectiveness of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer. Today, sunscreens use a combination of chemical absorbers and physical blockers to provide high levels of sun protection. While concerns exist about the environmental impact and absorption of sunscreen ingredients, they remain an essential part of sun protection alongside other measures such as protective clothing, hats, shade, and sunglasses. [Extracted from the article]