Recently, a number of national and local media outlets carried a story that questioned whether sunscreens do more harm than good. The source of this story was a report issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington, D.C. based advocacy organization. 

Unfortunately, the EWG report and the subsequent media coverage may have left many people with the impression that sunscreens don’t work and really do more harm than good.

 

Specifically, the EWG report cited U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data which suggests that a Vitamin A compound called “retinyl palmitate,” found in many sunscreens, may accelerate skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk when applied to skin that is then exposed to sunlight.  The EWG also reported that products with high SPF ratings sell a false sense of security because most people using them stay out in the sun longer, still get burned, and subject their skin to large amounts of UVA radiation.

 

Although FDA data may suggest that retinyl palmitate may accelerate skin damage and increase cancer risk in animal models, that data is preliminary and has not been peer reviewed; that is, it has not been evaluated by others to confirm the same conclusions. Furthermore, testing was not performed to evaluate retinyl palmitate in the presence of sunscreens.  In fact, some vitamin A compounds have actually been found to provide protection from skin cancers.

 

Are sunscreens perfect? No. Should you avoid using sunscreen? Absolutely not! Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. However, sunscreens are not foolproof and should be used responsibly and in combination with other actions to minimize the risk of skin damage and cancer.

 

• The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), are responsible for suntans, sunburns, and sun damage. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) only reflects a sunscreen product’s screening ability for protection against UVB rays. At present, there is no FDA approved rating system that identifies UVA protection. For stable UVA protection, find a sunscreen with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl, or Helioplex as ingredients.
•  The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of exposure in the sun uses an SPF 2 sunscreen, it would take 20 minutes of exposure for that person’s skin to turn red.
•  No sunscreen can provide 100 percent UVB protection.  Using a higher SPF provides greater UVB protection than a lower SPF, but it does not mean that you should stay out in the sun longer.
• When applying sunscreen, generously apply a “broad-spectrum,” water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin.  Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays.  Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, whenever possible. Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen. By way of reference, a typical white tee shirt has an SPF of 3.
• Seek shade when appropriate. The sun's rays are strongest between 10AM and 4PM. Use extra caution near water and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Finally, if you notice any changes to your skin (growths, bleeding, unusual discolorations or rashes), see a dermatologist.  Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. In the meantime, follow these important tips, and enjoy your summer!

June, 2010