There are many myths about protection from skin cancer; some are pro-sunscreens, some are against. Find out the truth and protect yourself better!
When summer time comes and vacations the media are filled with articles related to headlines like “the hidden dangers of sunscreen.” Our initial reaction usually is being afraid a lot. It is a product that we and our children use during a daily time! If that’s not a tool for protection from skin cancer, than what is?!
But can my sunscreen actually cause cancer?
Instead of staying with the information of the headline of the news ideally is to delve a little more to see if the sunscreen really is safe.
These are the facts (not the headlines hype) about sunscreens:
Sunscreens work best when used consistently.
A pale person should not leave the house without applying sunscreen. Never. Lists of “safe” sunscreens often only recommend zinc based products. Yes, these products work well, but nevertheless, they are very thick, clog pores, and leave a white residue. Thank you, but we are not interested in the kabuki aspect. The key is to use a consistent sunscreen, so you have to find one that is easy to use, feels good on the skin, and does not cause acne breakouts.
The science behind it.
There has been a great cry in the sky about some of the ingredients of sunscreens. Some even claim that these ingredients cause cancer. However, there is no verifiable scientific evidence to prove that any of these ingredients cause cancer. The ingredients have been effectively and rigorously tested. Here are the facts exposed by numerous independent scientific sources:
Oxybenzone: One of the studies often tells us about mice that were fed with oxybenzone. But misinterpretation of the results of this study led some people to claim that the chemical, when applied to the skin rather than when ingested, could cause cancer. This is in no way supported by the results of the study. Research with humans has shown that this chemical applied to the skin is safe.
Retinol palmitate: This chemical is a form of vitamin A and some people claim it speeds up the growth of tumors based on a study that was never published in a serious scientific journal. There is no evidence that retinol palmitate or vitamin A does anything other than prevent skin cancer.
Nanoparticles: The concern that the small size of these chemical particles would allow them to penetrate the skin, attack the DNA and cause a cell mutation is unfounded. Nanoparticles can not penetrate the skin in vivo. The purpose of these chemicals is to apply them on the outside of the skin to create a protective barrier. Some people are also concerned that these nanoparticles can be breathed while applying a sunscreen spray and can cause the mutation. Experts suggest that the only real concern about aerosol sunscreen is that people do not apply enough of the product, which leads to a false sense of protection.
It only takes a little sun to get vitamin D.
Go ahead, use the sunscreen. Your body still converts sunlight into vitamin D. On average, we only need about 15 minutes of sun exposure to get the vitamin D we need. The small decrease in the conversion of vitamin D that can be caused by a sunscreen is less. Too much exposure to the sun actually destroys vitamin D, so relying on dietary sources such as dairy products and blue fish may be the best strategy.
Sunscreen is just a tool for protection from skin cancer.
Experts agree that a complete package of sun protection involves the sunscreen, as well as a hat and other protective clothing, staying in the shade when possible, and avoid tanning beds.
Skin cancer is a serious concern. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and more than two million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed each year . Prevention of skin cancer is essential. Be smart about sun exposure, know the facts, and use the sunscreen that works best for you.
Please SHARE this important health information about protection from skin cancer with your friends and family. Thank you!