Some say ladies have more sensitive skin, but I think men may suffer from sunburn more often. Outside jobs are mostly held by men and guys play plenty of outdoor sports. I'm sure some use sunscreen religiously, but most of the men I know, don't.

But soon, in perhaps five years or so, these sun-loving lads can protect their precious skin cells with something as simple as popping a pill, thanks to coral.

British researchers have found that coral shields itself against harmful ultraviolet rays and scientists are close to producing synthetic compounds that will provide the same benefit for humans.

"What we have found is that the algae living within the coral makes a compound that we think is transported to the coral, which then modifies it into a sunscreen for the benefit of both the coral and the algae,” said Dr. Paul Long, who is heading the three-year project at King's College London.

"We are very close to being able to reproduce this compound in the lab, and if all goes well we would expect to test it within the next two years."

Coral samples were obtained from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the compounds will be tested on human skin samples obtained from cosmetic surgeons.

By ingesting a tablet containing the compounds, scientists predict that the whole body will be protected from sun damage, including the eyes.

Source: guardian.co.uk, Photo: bugdog

Tags: sunscreen pills, prevent sunburn, coral compounds, dr. paul long
Categories: Men's health