Introduction:
Sunscreen is a critical tool in the fight against skin cancer and premature aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. However, amidst varying reports and misinformation online, fears regarding sunscreen safety have started to creep into the public consciousness. The debate regarding the safety of sunscreen is a daily conversation I have with patients in the dermatology clinic and unfortunately sometimes it’s too late. This post aims to provide reliable and evidence-based information about the safety of sunscreen with hopes to put those fears to rest.
Addressing Safety Concerns:
A major concern often raised about sunscreen is the potential harmful effect of chemical UV filters and nanoparticles present in many products, including oxybenzone and octinoxate. These concerns largely stem from studies suggesting these ingredients may disrupt hormones or penetrate the skin barrier, leading to potential toxicity.
However, it's important to note that these experiments often involve exposure to far higher levels of these chemicals than would typically be administered through sunscreen usage. For instance, a 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) acknowledges that while chemical UV filter levels in the blood may exceed the FDA's theoretical safety thresholds with frequent sunscreen use, the health significance of these findings is unclear and does not necessarily mean they are unsafe.
Moreover, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) maintains that, "just because an ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream does not mean that it is harmful or unsafe." Additionally, an article posted by the Skin Cancer Foundation states “It’s also important to know that one of the reasons zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been designated GRASE (FDA’s classification for generally recognized as safe and effective) is because they’ve been shown to stay on the surface of the skin with almost no absorption into the skin.” The top layer of the human skin, also known as the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier preventing particles and nanoparticles from absorbing into deeper layers of the skin.
Understanding Benefits:
When considering sunscreen safety, it is also crucial to understand the risks of not using sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Data suggests one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and over two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. Sunscreen reliably decreases sunburn risk, skin cancer and photoaging (wrinkles and sunspots).
According to a study published by the Journal of Clinical Oncology on participants in Australia, regular sunscreen use reduces the incidence of melanoma by up to 73% after 15 years of follow-up. These facts indicate sunscreen remains our primary defense against skin cancer.
Transparency in Products:
With growing concerns about the safety of ingredients, the sunscreen industry has responded by committing to increased transparency. Labels can now provide information about the main active ingredients and whether or not a product contains oxybenzone or nanoparticles. This allows consumers to make informed decisions about the products they choose based on their comfort levels.
Conclusion:
Despite safety questions that have emerged around certain sunscreen ingredients, the consensus among medical professionals is clear: regular sunscreen use is critical to protect against skin cancer and the harmful effects of UV radiation. The FDA has not provided any evidence that chemical sunscreens cause direct harm, yet admittedly, more information is needed before we can definitively state there is no possibility of inadvertent ill effects on a person’s physical health. In science and in medicine, new data and information is emerging on a daily basis and we will continue to follow, interpret, re-evaluate and implement findings when scientific evidence supports doing so. Furthermore, without hesitation, we do know physical sunscreens, also known as mineral-based sunscreens, provide a safe alternative to chemical sunscreens in the meantime as classified by the FDA. I encourage anyone with lingering concerns to consult with a dermatology provider to find a product they feel comfortable using.
Additionally, remember that sunscreen is one of the many many tools used for sun protection, not the only one. Don’t forget other methods of sun protective measures such as UPF 50+ clothing, wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, seeking shade and avoiding peak UV rays.
At this point in time, sunscreen remains a safe, effective and crucial part of skin care and skin cancer prevention. Let's continue to prioritize science, data, and the advice of health care professionals over misinformation and fear mongering.
