Does Sunscreen Cause Cancer?

Posted by Neena on 06/19/07 in Children of All Ages, Health and Beauty

Now that summer is here, every conscientious parent is slathering their beloved children with sunscreen. Why? Because we live in fear of those dangerous UVA and UVB rays that could potentially cause skin cancer. We think that we are doing the right thing and protecting our little darlings.

So, imagine my surprise when I read Our first tests: Nanoparticles found in many sunscreens - in the July 2007 issue of Consumer Reports. This article was written as part of a larger article about Nanotechnology.

Apparently, there are nanoparticles of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in many sunscreens - although this may not be listed on the label (the ingredients of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will be listed but the form of the ingredient ie: nanoparticles may not). The benefits of using nanoparticles is cosmetic - the sunscreen does not look as white when you smear it on if the particles are smaller.

The problem is that it has not been determined if slathering yourself (or your kids) with nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is bad for your health. Lab studies show that, yes, they are harmful but only if they get through all that outer skin which is unlikely. But what if your skin is cut or damaged?

I guess the good news is that there are sunscreens that don’t contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - you just need to read the labels. And the dangers of sun exposure probably outweighs the dangers of sunscreen.

But isn’t that the paradox of life - you think you are doing good when in reality it just might be the opposite.

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8 Comment(s)

laurie | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

another paradox of all that is that “natural screens” (aka, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are supposed to be better for you than chemical sunscreens.

ugh.
Neena | Jun 19, 2007 | Reply

Whatever is a mother to do?!
nvedf | Jun 20, 2007 | Reply

an organization called the environmental working group has a comprehensive cosmetics database. they look at the ingredients of most products we use everyday and rate them accordingly. they did a big study on sunscreen recently. you can find it here:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens//

also you can type in names of other products in the search. it’s very interesting. definitely one to bookmark!
Neena | Jun 20, 2007 | Reply

That site also mentions the concerns of nanoparticles in sunscreen. It has a lot of good information - too much to take in at one sitting. I will have to explore it further. Thanks!
Anonymous | Jun 21, 2007 | Reply

Also a great website that sells everything UV protected is http://www.shadysun.com

They have clothing for the whole family and sunscreen too!
Pam | Jun 24, 2007 | Reply

This boggles the mind. I never thought I had to read the label to make sure the sunscreen was safe!
Anonymous | Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

This doesn’t surprise me as I am, at the moment, googling any and everything I can find on allergic reactions to titanium dioxide. This past summer, I’ve had skin reactions to sunscreen, an SPF face moisturizer, and a mineral foundation (all of which list TD as an ingredient.) When I switched my sunscreen to one that does not contain TD, I had no adverse reaction to it.
Neena | Aug 3, 2007 | Reply

Anonymous,
It is interesting that you should say that. My daughter also gets a skin reaction when I use sunscreen with TD (her skin becomes very bumpy and rough). I avoid using sunscreens with TD on her.