Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health. Join more than one million Future fans by liking us on Facebook , or follow us on Twitter or Instagram. If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc. Sunscreen: What science says about ingredient safety. Share using Email. By Jessica Brown 23rd July Sunscreen is essential for staying protected in the Sun — but recent research suggests some of the ingredients could be improved.
BBC Future analyses the evidence. So what is the reality? Double filter Two types of UV filters can be used for sunscreen. High-level exposure to phthalates has been found to disrupt development of male genitals. Vitamin D Aside from any one precise ingredient, there are concerns that sunscreen prevents the human body from making vitamin D, which we mostly get from Sun exposure.
But could Sun exposure provide benefits other than vitamin D? It might be that sunscreen prevents the heart benefits of Sun exposure — Richard Weller. Oxybenzone can act as endocrine disruptors and cause sex change in fish, reduced growth or egg output — Cheryl Woodley. So what should someone concerned about their health, or that of the seascape, do? Oxybenzone was applied to the skin of human volunteers, and researchers saw that there were no biologically significant alterations in the reproductive hormones.
It has been used safely since Do young children or pregnant women need to be concerned about these ingredients? Generally, it is not recommended to use sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months old. The best way to protect them is to keep them out of the sun. But certainly, for young children, pregnant women, people with sensitive skin, or any person who may be nervous about these ingredients, I would recommend a physical sunscreen.
Those are sunscreens that contain the two ingredients that the FDA recognizes as safe and effective: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. What is the difference between a chemical sunscreen and a physical sunscreen? A chemical sunscreen works like a sponge.
Chemical sunscreens are easy to rub into the skin, and they generally do not leave a white residue. Physical sunscreens act like a shield. They usually leave a white residue. What should people do to protect their skin? I encourage people to reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating, swimming, or rubbing off sunscreen.
I advise my patients to pick a sunscreen that they are going to use every day. Are the nanoparticles that are used in sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide harmful?
Manufacturers use nanoparticles in the physical sun blockers I mentioned above. Nanoparticles are made using a process called micronizing that breaks up larger particles. This makes the sunscreens easier to apply and allows them to disappear into the skin, in contrast to the greasy, white sunblocks of the past. I think that these physical blockers are much easier to use now that they are frequently micronized.
Nanoparticles have not been shown to penetrate beyond the level of the skin and migrate into the bloodstream, which means that they are unlikely to create health risks. Does everyone need to use sunscreen? I've heard some people say that they don't need to wear it because they have darker skin that tans well. We recommend sunscreen for skin cancer prevention, including melanoma prevention, which has been demonstrated in cohort studies as well as prospective randomized trials.
Given that darker-skinned patients have a very low risk of skin cancer, using sunscreen for skin cancer prevention is not necessary. However, people looking to ward off the aging effects from sun would still benefit from sun-protective habits, which include sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and sun avoidance.
Sun-protective clothing, which has become increasingly popular, is a nice addition to using sunscreen. Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied approximately every two hours. The effect of chemical sunscreen wanes after you apply it, and most sunscreens tend to be sweated off.
Does wearing sunscreen put you at risk for a vitamin D deficiency? Does this mean that you should skip it? It's true that sunscreen blocks ultraviolet B rays, which are shortwave rays from the sun that are important for generating vitamin D in the skin. However, because most people apply far less than the recommended amount about one shot glass—sized amount to the body and a teaspoonful to the face of sunscreen, users typically aren't deficient in vitamin D.
If you're concerned that sunscreen will put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency, there's an easy solution. Your doctor can recommend a vitamin D supplement, such as IU of vitamin D3 daily.
Some experts recommend spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun each day before applying sunscreen, but there's debate about whether this is actually necessary when vitamin D can be obtained from certain foods and as an oral supplement.
Concern about vitamin D deficiency should not be a reason to avoid sunscreen. The AAD's Coronavirus Resource Center will help you find information about how you can continue to care for your skin, hair, and nails. To help care for your skin during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, the AAD recommends these tips from board-certified dermatologists.
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AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun.
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