Many people rely on sunscreen to protect them from skin cancer and signs of sun damage. Despite the widespread use of sunscreen however, more than one million new cases of skin cancer are reported each year according to the Environmental Working Group, or EWG. Not only are some popular sun blocks considered ineffective by the EWG, but many also contain toxic chemicals that can impact your health or even increase your risk of skin cancer.
UVA's
The sun protection factor, or SPF, you see on many bottles of sunscreen indicates the product's ability to block UVB rays. Unfortunately, there is no labeling criteria to inform consumers of a sunscreen's ability to block UVA rays. According to EWG, most products provide little to no UVA protection and UVA rays are linked to skin aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer. Even products with a high SPF may contain very little UVA protection, which can leave users with a false sense of confidence. Some users may buy sun block with an exceptionally high SPF, not realizing they are virtually unprotected from UVA rays. This may even encourage people to stay in the sun longer, which can further increase long-term damage. To minimize your risk of dangers from UVA exposure, look for sunscreens labeled "broad spectrum," which covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Hormone Disrupters
The EWG estimates that 60 percent of sun blocks contain hormone disrupters such as oxybenzone or other chemicals. When you apply sunscreen, these chemicals seep into the skin and enter the bloodstream. Oxybenzone and similar products help protect against any UVA rays but are also linked to low birth-weight in girls, which can lead to serious health problems later in life according to the EWG. Oxybenzone can also impact the adrenal system and may reduce testosterone levels in men.
Vitamin A
The EWG estimates that 41 percent of all sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate, which is a form of vitamin A used in many anti-aging products. Manufacturers add this ingredient to sun-block in an effort to reduce sun-related skin damage. According to Reuters however, retinyl palmitate and other forms of vitamin A may actually increase your risk of developing skin cancer. In essence, UV rays cause a biochemical reaction between your skin and the retinyl in some sun blocks, which can increase the presence of cancer-causing free radicals. Reuters reports that the Food and Drug Administration committees found a 21 percent increase in skin tumor and lesion growth rates associated with retinyl palmitate compared to sun blocks that don't contain this ingredient.
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