Top 5 Fast Facts About Sunscreen

Before you make a trip to the store, though, it is important to make sure you known some fast facts about sunscreen! If you spend any time outdoors or near a window, you are exposing yourself to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays given off by the sun. Because of the constant possibility of exposure, experts recommend sunscreen to help reduce the risk of skin cancer developing.

Fast Fact About Sunscreen 1 - Sunscreen Causes Cancer?

While sunscreen is promoted as a method to prevent skin cancer, research has shown that some of the ingredients used may be doing more harm than good. The dangers of sunscreen are not widely advertised. A 1992 study found that melanoma was more prevalent in countries that had heavily pushed chemical sunscreens.

An article published in 1993 by Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh indicated that the 17% increase in breast cancer rates between 1981 and 1992 may be due to sunscreen use. Common chemical ingredients that have been linked with cancer include benzophenones and derivatives, PABAs and PABA esthers, cinnamates, salicylates, digalloyl trioleate and menthyl anthranilate.(2)

A study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found evidence that benzophenone had carcinogenic activity. Mice and rats that were exposed to the chemical had significantly higher incidences of cancer than controls (3). Other research has shown that it is activated when exposed to ultraviolet light. Once exposed, the bonds that hold the chemical together break apart, producing free radicals.

A British study found that Padimate-O, a PABA, was mutagenic in sunlight. Specifically, when exposed to sunlight, it attacked DNA (5). These are just a few of the many studies that have proven ingredients in sunscreen causes cancer.

Fast Fact About Sunscreen 2 - Does Sunscreen Expire?

According to research, when sunscreen is stored correctly, it is designed to be stable and usable for up to three years. Some manufacturers include expiration dates on their products. If you have had the same bottle for three years, it is past its expiration date, or the product appears to be different in any way from normal, it should be disposed of. Keep in mind, though, that if you are properly using sunscreen, a container will not last very long.

Fast Fact About Sunscreen 3 - Sunscreen Effectiveness

When sunscreen is used properly, it can be effective at reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, research has shown that most people do not use it properly. Failure to apply enough or reapply as often as needed can severely reduce the effectiveness of a sunscreen.

One of the fast facts about sunscreen often overlooked is the use of waterproof sunscreens. While these are designed to stand up to sweat or swimming longer than regular sunscreens, they are not infallible. They too must be reapplied often to stay effective.

Typically, a higher SPF sunscreen offers better protection from UV rays. However, no sunscreen offers 100% protection. Care should be taken to protect skin in other ways in addition to sunscreen use. In some cases, sunscreen causes skin cancer because the user mistakenly assumes it offers full protection.

Fast Fact About Sunscreen 4 - Correct Sunscreen Application

To get the full protection of sunscreen, it must be applied properly. All areas exposed to UV light should be covered liberally. On average, you need approximately one ounce of sunscreen for adequate coverage. This equates to the amount needed to fill a shot glass.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two to three hours, more often if swimming or perspiring heavily. You should also remember to reapply sunscreen after toweling off as this can rub away protection. Reapplying is especially important with waterproof sunscreens. While these are designed to withstand some water, they can still break down in water.

Fast Fact About Sunscreen 5 - Can You Have An Allergic Reaction to Sunscreen?

One of the fast facts about sunscreen not often advertised is the potential for an allergic reaction. The most common allergic reaction is contact dermatitis, a rash caused by direct contact with the offending sunscreen. The individual may be allergic to some of the ingredients used in the product or possibly a fragrance or preservative used. Many of the same ingredients linked to cancer are the ones that trigger allergic reactions.

Summary

When care is taken to find sunscreens that do not contain potentially carcinogenic ingredients and it is used properly, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer. However, it is important to keep in mind that no sunscreen can fully protect you. For optimal protection, make sure you know the fast facts about sunscreen and consider it part, but not all, of your sun protection plan.

Sources

1: Garland, Cedric F., et al. Could sunscreens increase melanoma risk? American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 82, No. 4, April 1992, pp. 614-15.

2: Ainsleigh, H. Gordon. Beneficial effects of sun exposure on cancer mortality. Preventive Medicine, Vol. 22, February 1993, pp. 132-40.

3: Rhodes, MC, et al. Carcinogenesis of benzophenone in rats and mice Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2007 May;45(5):843-51. Epub 2006 Nov 15.

4: skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html.

5: Knowland, J, et al. Sunlight-induced mutagenicity of a common sunscreen ingredient. FEBS Letters. 1993 Jun 21;324(3):309-13.



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