The mechanism whereby Ultraviolet radiation induces a suppression of the immune system is complex, being both multilayered and multi cellular. One important aspect of the mechanism involves cells of the immune system, called antigen-presenting cells, resident in the skin. Their function is to capture foreign invaders and carry them to the lymph nodes, where immune response starts.

If exposed to UV radiation, these antigen-presenting cells can be directly damaged or be suppressed by proteins called cytokines leading to a reduced immune response. A fully functional immune system provides the body with a defence mechanism for the elimination of developing cancer cells. If the immune system is compromised then the body's ability to eliminate these cancers is reduced. The amount of UV radiation required to induce an immune suppression is less than needed to cause sunburn.


The role of the immune system in preventing skin cancer is clearly illustrated in individuals whose immune system has been compromised, such as patients who have had kidney transplants. These patients have a significant increased risk of developing skin cancers.

The importance of UV-induced immunosuppression is understood by the World Health Organisation which has recognised that UV exposure is of considerable concern to human health. It has suggested public health policies should raise awareness of the effects of UV exposure, particularly considerable hazards like immunosuppression.

Realising the importance of protecting the skin against a decreased immune system, Australia's leading sunscreen developer, Hamilton Laboratories, has developed a world first sunscreen to help protect not only against sunburn but also against UV-induced immune suppression. Hamilton is the international forerunner in sunscreen development, having formulated what is believed to be one of the first commercial sunscreens in the world in 1932.

After more than ten years of extensive research, Hamilton Optimal™ Enhanced Protection Sunscreen was launched last year and has raised the bar on sunscreen knowledge and innovation. Hamilton Optimal™ was developed in a collaborative project between Hamilton Laboratories and researchers at The Flinders University of South Australia and Flinders Technologies Pty Ltd. Tests designed to specifically measure the response of the immune system on exposure to UV, clearly showed that Hamilton Optimal™ could reduce the suppression of the immune system induced by ultraviolet radiation.

Hamilton Optimal™ is a registered product that makes the claim "UV induced immune suppression may contribute to the development of some skin cancers. Hamilton Optimal sunscreen helps to reduce some of the effects of UV induced immunosuppression" and is the only product in Australia that currently can make that claim.

Hamilton Optimal™ retails for $15.95 for a 125ML and $18.95 for a 250ML and is available in pharmacies nationally. For stockists phone 1800 882 592.