According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most
common cancer in the United States. Between 1973 and 2003, malignant melanoma
increased by 83% and continues to increase at a rate of 3% per year. We have
all heard that we should apply sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, but did you
know that a number of published studies suggest that applying sunscreen either
does not significantly decrease the risk or may actually increase the risk of
melanoma? A 2006 publication from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
stated “there is no evidence that sunscreens protect you from malignant
melanoma.” Contrary to the research, huge efforts have been made to increase
the use of sunscreens that block UVA and UVB radiation, but is the sunscreen
you use doing more harm than good?
Many
of the widely used commercial sunscreens contain ingredients that are actually
harmful to your skin and body. Some of the most common toxic chemicals in these
sunscreens are avobenzone, oxybenzone, phthalates, and parabens. Studies show
that when avobenzone is exposed to sunlight, it creates carbon-centered free
radicals and damages DNA. This alone is a significant risk factor for
developing skin cancer, yet we are spraying this onto our skin to prevent it.
A
few studies have also shown that oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and enter the
bloodstream. This chemical has been shown to disrupt hormones and mimic the
effects of estrogen. Also, due to its UVA and UVB blocking ability, oxybenzone
prevents your body from producing vitamin D. A deficiency in vitamin D is
actually a risk factor for developing malignant melanoma, as well as a number
of other diseases. The human species has been producing vitamin D through UVB
exposure since the beginning of time. In the proper amount, UVB rays are
essential for health.
Some
of the latest research considers phthalates and parabens “probable human carcinogens,”
which means they probably cause cancer. If your sunscreen contains phthalates
or parabens, it seems counterproductive to spray something on your skin that
“probably causes cancer” to help prevent cancer. The scary thing is that a lot
of these toxic sunscreens are deemed “dermatologist approved/recommended.” I
believe this to be more of a marketing scheme rather than a scientific one.
The good
news is that there are a number of different sunscreens that do not contain any
of these toxic chemicals and are just as effective at preventing sunburns. One
of my favorites is The Honest Company sunscreen. This sunscreen does not
contain any parabens, phthalates, benzone’s, or any other known cancer causing
chemicals. I always wait at least 20 minutes before applying sunscreen so that
my body has a chance to produce a sufficient amount of natural vitamin D. The
key is to prevent sunburn, not sun exposure. Next time you need
sunscreen, consider buying one without all the toxic chemicals. Your body will
thank you!
1. CDC.Gov
2. Planta, B.M. Sunscreen and Melanoma: Is Our Prevention Message Correct? J Am Board Fam Med 2011;24:735–739.
3. Gorham et al. Do Sunscreens Increase Risk of Melanoma in Populations Residing at Higher Latitudes. Ann Epidemiol 2007;17:956–963.
4. Hanson M.K. Sunscreen enhancement of UV-induced reactive oxygen species in the skin.
Free Rad Biol & Med. 2006;41:1205–1212.
