Which is worse: sun exposure, or the chemicals that absorb into your skin from sunscreen? Yes, we know sunscreen prevents sunburns, and you may think it also prevents skin cancer, but does it?
We don't actually have a consensus on whether sunscreen prevents skin cancer. The Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 draft on sunscreen safety regulations say: “the FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer” The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees that sunscreen may not be protecting us like we think. In fact, some suggest sunscreen use may increase the risk of skin cancer. Researchers speculate a few reasons for this. (1) Sunscreen users stay in the sun for longer periods of time and absorb more radiation overall. (2) Inferior sunscreens with poor UVA protection saturate the market. (3) Vitamin A (an ingredient in 30% of sunscreens) is a great antioxidant for skin aging, but when applied to skin in sunlight, the development of skin tumors and lesions may be sped up (NTP 2009).
Even though there isn't a consensus on the safety of sunscreen, most organizations still recommend use. So, if you are going to cover up, then use the best possible non-toxic alternatives. Look for sunscreens without harmful ingredients and hormone disrupters. The Environmental Working Group has done the research for us, and has ranked all kinds of sunscreens to help us know which are better and worse. Click here for their sunscreen guide. Unfortunately, many of the good alternatives are difficult to find in Canada, so we probably have to visit a health food store to find brands like Jason, Aveeno, or Earth's Best. Clayburn Comforts (here in Abbotsford) makes a safe adult and baby sunscreen. Otherwise, the best way to find a recommended safe formula is to buy online. If you want to know how your favorite sunscreen rates, you can search by brand.
Our best advice: This summer, go out and get some natural vitamin D from the sun while you can. It's always smartest to cover up with a hat and shirt or stay in the shade, but if you are going to be in the sun all day, choose to protect your skin with a healthier sunscreen!
We don't actually have a consensus on whether sunscreen prevents skin cancer. The Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 draft on sunscreen safety regulations say: “the FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer” The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees that sunscreen may not be protecting us like we think. In fact, some suggest sunscreen use may increase the risk of skin cancer. Researchers speculate a few reasons for this. (1) Sunscreen users stay in the sun for longer periods of time and absorb more radiation overall. (2) Inferior sunscreens with poor UVA protection saturate the market. (3) Vitamin A (an ingredient in 30% of sunscreens) is a great antioxidant for skin aging, but when applied to skin in sunlight, the development of skin tumors and lesions may be sped up (NTP 2009).
Even though there isn't a consensus on the safety of sunscreen, most organizations still recommend use. So, if you are going to cover up, then use the best possible non-toxic alternatives. Look for sunscreens without harmful ingredients and hormone disrupters. The Environmental Working Group has done the research for us, and has ranked all kinds of sunscreens to help us know which are better and worse. Click here for their sunscreen guide. Unfortunately, many of the good alternatives are difficult to find in Canada, so we probably have to visit a health food store to find brands like Jason, Aveeno, or Earth's Best. Clayburn Comforts (here in Abbotsford) makes a safe adult and baby sunscreen. Otherwise, the best way to find a recommended safe formula is to buy online. If you want to know how your favorite sunscreen rates, you can search by brand.
Our best advice: This summer, go out and get some natural vitamin D from the sun while you can. It's always smartest to cover up with a hat and shirt or stay in the shade, but if you are going to be in the sun all day, choose to protect your skin with a healthier sunscreen!
