Do you depend on sunscreen for skin protection? Millions of Americans do, but they shouldn’t. Melanoma rates are increasing. The consensus among scientists is that sunscreens alone cannot reverse this trend. Yet a good sunscreen can play a role in preventing sunburns that are a major risk factor for melanoma – provided it is used correctly.
1. FDA’s sunscreen rules have changed but products haven’t improved.
The federal Food and Drug Administration put new sunscreen rules into effect last December, but they have had little impact on the sunscreen market and could actually make things worse for consumers. FDA’s rules allow most sunscreens to claim they offer “broad spectrum” skin protection and also that they can reduce skin cancer risk. However, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) assessment of 750 beach and sport sunscreens on the market this year spotted significant problems. Many do not filter skin-damaging rays safely and effectively.
2. There’s no proof that sunscreens prevent most skin cancer.
Rates of melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer – have tripled over the past 35 years. Most scientists and public health agencies – including the FDA itself – have found very little evidence that sunscreen prevents most types of skin cancer. Skin cancer on the rise
3. Don’t be fooled by high SPF.
High-SPF products tempt people to apply too little sunscreen and stay in the sun too long. The FDA has proposed prohibiting the sale of sunscreens with SPF values greater than 50+, calling higher SPF values “inherently misleading,” but it has not issued a regulation that carries the force of law. One in seven sunscreens advertises SPF values greater than 50+, so get the most bang for your hard-earned buck. Other countries like Australia and Japan have capped SPF values off at 30 and 50 respectively.
High-SPF products have greater risks to health. They require higher concentrations of sun-filtering chemicals than low-SPF sunscreens. Some of these ingredients may pose health risks when they penetrate the skin, where they have been linked to tissue damage and potential hormone disruption. Some may trigger allergic skin reactions. Our current research and testing at BodyCures confirms this. Choosing a sunscreen with lower concentrations of active ingredients is safe and prudent.
4. The common sunscreen additive vitamin A may speed development of skin cancer.
The sunscreen industry adds a form of vitamin A to nearly one-quarter of all sunscreens. Retinyl palmitate is an anti-oxidant that slows skin aging. But federal studies indicate that it may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to skin in the presence of sunlight. Avoid sunscreens, lip products and skin lotions containing vitamin A, often labeled “retinyl palmitate” or “retinol.”
5. European consumers can get better sunscreens.
European sunscreens offer superior protection from skin-damaging UVA rays. In Europe, sunscreen makers can formulate their products with any of seven chemicals that filter UVA rays. American manufacturers can use only three UVA-filtering ingredients. They have been waiting seven years for FDA approval to use Europe’s better filters. Until the FDA approves these ingredients and lifts restrictions on combining certain active ingredients, American consumers will be hard-pressed to find sunscreens with the strongest level of UVA protection.
6. Sunscreen does not protect skin from all types of sun damage.
The sun’s ultraviolet radiation generates free radicals that damage DNA and skin cells, accelerate skin aging and may cause skin cancer. American sunscreens can reduce these damages, but not as effectively as they prevent sunburn. Consumers can run into problems if they pick a sunscreen with poor UVA protection, apply too little or reapply it infrequently. The FDA should strengthen its regulations to ensure that sunscreens offer better protection from skin damage.
7. Some sunscreen ingredients disrupt hormones and cause skin allergies.
The ideal sunscreen would completely block UV rays that cause sunburn, immune suppression and damaging free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours. It would not form harmful ingredients when degraded by sunlight. It would smell and feel pleasant so that people would use more of it.
No sunscreen meets these goals. Americans must choose between “chemical” sunscreens, which have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body’s hormone system, and “mineral” sunscreens, made with zinc and titanium, often “micronized” or containing nano-particles.
8. Mineral sunscreens contain nano-particles.
Most zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based sunscreens contain nano-particles a twentieth the width of a human hair. These help reduce or eliminate the chalky white tint that these minerals used to leave on the skin. Based on the available information, EWG gives a favorable rating to mineral sunscreens, but the FDA should restrict the use of unstable or UV-reactive forms of minerals that would lessen skin protection.
9. If you avoid sun, check your vitamin D levels.
Sunshine serves a critical function in the body that sunscreen appears to inhibit — producing vitamin D. This hormone is enormously important. It strengthens bones and the immune system and reduces the risk of breast, colon, kidney and ovarian cancers, and perhaps other disorders.
About one-fourth of Americans have borderline low levels of vitamin D, and 8 percent have a serious deficiency. Breast-fed infants, people with darker skin and people who have limited sun exposure are at greatest risk. Many people can’t or shouldn’t rely on the sun for vitamin D. Check with your healthcare practitioner to see if you should take seasonal or year-round supplements.
One quarter of sunscreens EWG reviewed for 2013 offer good skin protection and are free of ingredients with serious safety concerns. But many fall short. A sunscreen must be free of oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, must be broad spectrum (protect against both UVA and UVB rays), and not have an SPF above 50. It should not be in the form of a spray or combined with bug repellent.
Is your sunscreen safe?
When choosing any personal care product, be your own health advocate. There are chemicals in the products on your drugstore’s shelves that have been linked with cancer, birth defects and a variety of other health issues. Sunscreen is not exempt.
Look For:
- Active ingredients – zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Mexoryl SX, or avobenzone 3%
- SPF 15 to 50 depending on your skin tone and sun intensity
- Lotions, not sprays or powders (can cause internal damage if inhaled)
- Water-resistant for the beach or the pool
Avoid:
- Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) causes skin cancer in laboratory tests
- Oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor and skin allergen. Experts warn against using it on children.
- High SPF misleads consumers, offers no additional benefit, and may pose health risks
The EWG Guide to Sunscreens 2013 is chock full of research and product information on more than 1,800 products including sunscreens, lip balms with SPF, moisturizers, and makeup.
Here are some of EWG’s top-rated sun care products in the beach and sport sunscreens category, for adults and kids:
- Green Screen D Organic Sunscreen, Original, SPF 35
- Kiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen with Hydresia, SPF 40
- Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Sunscreen, Green Tea, SPF 30+
- Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Sport Stick Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- Releve’ Organic Skincare by Emerald Essentials Sun-Lite Sunscreen, SPF 20
- Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
- Seventh Generation Wee Generation Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30
Click Here to see the 208 Best Sunscreens that meet EWG’s criteria
Stay tuned for future articles where we will discuss Sun Safety Tips and the best foods to help optimize your vitamin D levels. To make sure you receive our updates, enter your email on the right side of this page.
To your good health and happiness,