Sunscreen and Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know

The sunscreens available in the market today are proving to be more harmful than advantageous to the body. A sunscreen is created to lessen the risk of diseases caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun. These creams also help in preventing the skin cancer and one can enjoy the natural sunlight without any worries! But unfortunately, sunscreens can also increase the risk of cancer and upset the natural functioning of hormones in the body.

Are The Chemicals Present In Sunscreen Harmful?

• The sunscreen protects your skin in one of the following two ways. It either uses natural minerals and components, or man-made compounds. There have been various researches to suggest that retinyl palmitate (form of Vitamin A) interacts with UVA rays and induces cancer in mice.
• Oxybenzone is a sun blocking agent commonly found in the sunscreens. The animal studies reveal that it disrupts the normal hormonal balance of the animals. This chemical can leach through the skin.
• But, the human studies on the same chemicals are conflicting. The human research on the same subjects does not prove that the chemicals are harmful. A lot of leading dermatologists and researchers have published their reviews and investigative reports trying to convince people that the compounds used in the sunscreen are safe.
• But even then you can always be careful and avoid picking the sunscreens with such chemicals. A lot of dermatologists recommend using sunscreens with avobenzone or mexoryl SX base. You can also try the natural variety.

Is The Tiny Mineral Particle In Sunscreen Harmful?

• A lot of researchers have shown concern about the tiny zinc and titanium crystals present in the modern sunscreens. Many researchers have found out that the nano particles in zinc can kill the colon cells. Titanium particles can cause genetic damage in mouse.
• But then there is no proof that these tiny particles can harm healthy skin. Essentially, the dose required for harming the human skin is way higher than what you apply on your body.
• The researchers and dermatologists state that the mineral sunscreen formulas are still a great option.

Will The Sunscreen Protect You From Skin Cancer?

• The shocking truth until recently and proof that the sunscreen prevented the deadly disease melanoma (skin cancer) was as thin as paper. But this changed last year when a randomized control trial was published in Australia.
• This was a study where the participants who had used sunscreen over a period of 10 years had less melanoma. This is a strong proof for the cosmetic industry according to the dermatologists and other researchers.
• But even then it is still unclear as there have been various reports in the cancer magazines against the sunscreen usage. Many people who used sunscreen on the beach reported of suffering from sun burns and bright red marks – these are the risk factors of skin cancer.
• The dermatologists assert that most of the times people who apply sunscreen tend to spend lengthy hours in sunlight. This way, people do not get enough protection and end up with melanoma.
• If a person does not apply the sunscreen thickly and to all the exposed areas of the body then they will not get enough protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
• The dermatologists and researchers all over the world agree that sunscreen is the correct weapon to avoid deadly skin diseases. But you must take proper physical protection too – like hat, proper clothing, thick sunscreen and an umbrella to protect you from direct rays of the sun.