New sunscreen can reduce heat by 6 C: Chinese scientists

​​​​​​​By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Scientists in China are claiming to have designed a sunscreen that can reduce body temperatures by up to six degrees Celsius, the Daily South China Morning Post said Thursday.

The sunscreen has been designed to protect the skin as climate change has resulted in higher temperatures around the world, according to research by Beijing-based Tsinghua University.

“We prepared a radiative cooling sunscreen that can not only significantly reduce the skin temperature but also protects the skin from being harmed by the ultra violet radiation,” according to the research.

The product has “promising commercial potential in the sunscreen market,” it added.

Zhang Rufan, one of the researchers, said: “Humans must adapt as climate change leads to more extreme weather, but adjusting to heat is generally more challenging than dealing with cold.”

“We can wear thick clothing to stay warm in freezing temperatures. But in extreme heat higher than 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), outdoor workers like transport police, road workers and farmers have to cope with severe conditions that can lead to heat stress, exhaustion or death,” said Zhang, according to the South China Morning Post.

“They need effective cooling methods and skin protection.”​​​​​​​