As summer winds down, it’s crucial not to put away your sunscreen just yet. Despite its benefits in preventing skin cancer and premature aging, sunscreen safety has been debated, fueled by concerns over certain chemicals and incidents like the discovery of carcinogenic benzene in some recalled sunscreens. The link between sun exposure and skin cancer is well-established, with UV radiation being a major cause of various types of skin cancer.
The link between sun exposure and skin cancer has been well established.
However, questions have arisen about the safety of some sunscreen ingredients, particularly chemical ones, prompting the FDA to request more safety data. Some ingredients, like oxybenzone, have been shown in lab studies to disrupt hormones, potentially posing risks, especially for vulnerable populations. While evidence from human studies shows associations with health issues, causality hasn’t been definitively proven.
Experts like Dr. Rachel Neale and Laura Vandenberg agree that while sunscreens are essential, choosing safer, mineral-based options and demanding safer products from manufacturers and regulatory bodies is key. Protecting skin from UV exposure remains crucial, but awareness of ingredient safety is equally important.
