SLIP, SLOP, SLAP: New research shows there are now even more reasons to wear sunscreen.

Sunscreen not only prevents sunburn but protects a "superhero gene" that fights all three forms of skin cancer, Australian researchers have discovered.

Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology have conducted a "world-first" human study examining the impact of sunscreen at the molecular level.

They have found that sunscreen not only provides 100 per cent protection against sunburn, but also shields the important p53 gene, which works to prevent all three forms of skin cancer - BCC (basal cell carcinoma), SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) and malignant melanoma.

Lead researcher Dr Elke Hacker said the study found repeated sunburn could damage the p53 gene, preventing it from doing its life-saving work.

"As soon as our skin becomes sun damaged, the p53 gene goes to work repairing that damage and thereby preventing skin cancer occurring," Hacker said.

"But over time if skin is burnt regularly the p53 gene mutates and can no longer do the job it was intended for - it no longer repairs sun damaged skin and without this protection skin cancers are far more likely to occur."

Fifty-seven people who participated in the study underwent a series of skin biopsies to determine how UV exposure affected molecular changes in their skin.

Two skin spots on each particpant were exposed to a mild dose of UV light, but sunscreen was applied to only one spot.

Researches tested the two skin spots after 24 hours and found that where sunscreen had been applied there were no DNA changes and no damage to the p53 gene.

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Sunscreen protects cancer-fighting gene

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