Sunscreens – are they as safe as we think?

'DAVID R. FRAZIER PHOTOLIBRARY, INC.' / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

This summer might not have seen much cause to break out the sunscreen, but the Environmental Working Group in the USA has given us reason to pause before using sunscreen.  Whilst it is well known that UV radiation exposure can cause skin cancer, we often don’t pause to think about the effect of the sunscreen.  Some sunscreens have been found to contain ingredients that cause skin cancer in their own right when exposure to UV radiation, one of which is retinyl palmitate.

Sunscreens can also contain chemicals that can disrupt the hormone systems in the body.  The skin is the largest organ of the body and it absorbs chemicals.  Oxybenzone or 4-MBC in particular are two ingredients to watch out for.  Generally sunscreens that contain minerals (zinc and titanium) as micronized- or nano-scale particles are less likely to be a problem.

Preferably use things such as staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, covering up with long sleeved shirts and wearing a wide brimmed hat to block sun exposure.

For more information on toxic sunscreens visit http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/9-surprising-facts-about-sunscreen/