There has been talk about a new study reported by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) scaring consumers into believing that sunscreens may be dangerous to our skin. The report stated that many sunscreens have toxic ingredients in them that can do harm to any skin growths or even to our hormonal systems. They also claimed that sunscreens don't work.
Let's attempt to clarify some truth about the benefits and dangers of sunscreens. Can sunscreens be dangerous? Yes, if not used efficiently and correctly. However; in general, sunscreens are safe and extremely effective if used in the right way and are a most imperative product to apply to the skin if a person wishes to avoid the great dangers of the sun.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shared that sunscreen is not dangerous and that "scientific evidence supports the beneficial effects of sunscreen" and that sunscreen is "an important tool in the fight against skin cancer." The EWG report talked about studies of two chemicals, retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone (the former for accelerating skin damage and increasing skin cancer risk and the latter for being a "hormone-disrupting" compound) that were applied and tested on rats in much greater amounts than humans would ever use on their skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contested the claims due to evidence that rats are much more likely to develop skin cancer than humans and the two should not be compared to each other. Other research found no significant changes in blood hormone levels in human volunteers who were told to apply sunscreens containing oxybenzone every day for two weeks.
So, can sunscreens ever be dangerous? For the most part, no, as long as the products are being used according to the directions on the labels; however, there are a few things to be conscience of when using sunscreens. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) pointed out that many people who go out into the sun believe that they only have to apply sunscreen once in the morning and they will be protected from the sun all day long. This is simply not true and this can become dangerous because people think they are protected when they are not. Then they blame the sunscreen saying it did not work. Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 30 minutes before entering the sun and then reapplied every two hours since sweating, rubbing and swimming can cause sunscreens, even those that are labeled "water resistant," to wear off. Once they wear off, the person will not know this and damage will occur.
Sunscreens can also be dangerous if, according to the FDA, they are not labeled as protecting from both UVA, the kind that causes tanning, wrinkles and also contributes to skin cancers and UVB rays, the kind that causes sunburns and skin cancers. Products containing titanium dioxide, ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), avobenzone, or zinc oxide generally provide all the protection a person will need.
Lastly, there may be some danger when using sunscreens on people who have inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. The chemicals in the sunscreens can seep into the tiny cracks in the skin and could enter the bloodstream. "Since the body can't metabolize these compounds, they can collect in the body over time," with unknown effects, says Henry W. Lim, chairman of dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital. For this reason, he says it might be a good idea for those with skin problems to avoid the sun completely.
The bottom line is that people should definitely use sunscreen correctly, apply often and make sure to cover all parts of the body, and enjoy the sun for moderate amounts of time only.
Written by KC Kelly, Ph.D.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
Comments
#1 It is a fact that sunscreens
It is a fact that sunscreens are more dangerous than beneficial. Although it protects your skin from the torching heat of sun, many of the facial experts advices not to use it regularly. Not only the sunblocks(sunscreens), but also tanning beds are harmful and dangerous for our skin. It also got a few benefits but also it is restricted for many types of people due to their sensational skins. And talking about their benefits, I don't know at all excepts the "sun block" thing. Anyways, thanks for sharing all the beneficial points about these product.