Ask Dr. Maxwell

Is Your Sunscreen Safe or Toxic?

Dr. Craig A. Maxwell

You probably already take steps to minimize toxins in your environment. Perhaps you use air and water filters? And you carefully read food ingredient labels? Well you should! But do you think of sunscreen as your friend, a necessary precaution against sun skin cancer and premature aging?

Unfortunately, sunscreen goes both ways. It can help and it can harm. When you apply lotions of any kind to your skin, you absorb any toxins they contain.

According to the nonprofit, nonpartisan Environmental Working Group (EWG), many chemicals absorbed through sunscreen can actually be measured in blood, breast milk and urine samples. What about that tropical, beachy scent? You’re inhaling chemicals.

But before you throw out all of those bottles of coconut-scented creams and tubes of gooey lip balm, think twice. A certain amount of sun provides valuable Vitamin D, after all. And spending time outdoors affords a host of benefits. Just educate yourself about sunscreen ingredients so you know which ones to trust.

 

How Sunscreen Works

There are two basic ways a product can filter the sunrays hitting your skin: mineral and chemical. The FDA recognizes 16 chemical or mineral active ingredients for sunscreen. Most widely available sunscreens use chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

The chemical barriers generate the most concern. Some are known to disrupt hormone function, spur production of harmful free radicals, or irritate skin.

You may simply opt for mineral sunscreens, as they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply. However, they are generally harder to wash off and may clog pores. There is also the possibility that they could be inhaled and harm your lungs.

 

Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid!

The FDA reviews the active ingredients in sunscreen to determine whether they are safe and effective. The FDA began to review sunscreens in the 1970s. Some ingredients, already in use prior to that time, receive dispensation.

Problems have been reported with several of the most commonly used chemical ingredients. According to a 2006 study, oxybenzone can cause allergic skin reactions. Inconclusive evidence also suggests it can lower testosterone. Like most of the others listed here, it tends to stay in the body a long time. An oxybenzone study published in Environmental Health Perspectives caused concern in 2001. However, a subsequent study claimed that the first one relied on unrealistically high dosages. In my opinion, it’s better to play it safe.

EWG shares a report that shows evidence of similar risks with other active sunscreen ingredients. For example, octinoxate may cause hormone disruption and produce free radicals that can damage skin and cells.

The EWG report lists a number of chemicals that contribute to the production of free radicals. Free radicals damage DNA and may lead to cancer. Retinyl palmate produces free radicals and FDA studies have shown that it may speed the development of malignant cells and skin tumors. Octocrylene absorbs UV radiation and also produces free radicals.

Check inactive ingredients, too. Methylisothiazolinone, a common preservative, can cause serious skin allergies, most notably in children.

 

How To Use Sunscreen

The bottom line? Use sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology says that the benefits outweigh the risks. However, read the labels and stay up-to-date on the latest findings.

The FDA recommends that you choose a broad spectrum sunscreen. The broad spectrum label indicates that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. They also recommend using SPF 15 or greater and reapplying at least every two hours.

Toss your sunscreen if it’s past its expiration date or more than three years old.

 

The Best and The Worst

 

Here are EWG’s best and worst picks for sunscreens in 2017:

 

Best Beach and Sport Formulas

 

Best Moisturizers

 

Best For Kids

 

The WORST Sunscreens

So be sure to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Just keep in mind that if you are outside longer than 20-30 minutes, it is important to apply the proper sunscreen!

 

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Photo credit: jovanmandic / bigstock.com