Paging Dr. Frischer: Sunscreen
Let’s take a breather from COVID-19 articles. We are well into the strangest summer in my experience, but there is certainly plenty of sunshine. Let’s make sure that we are all aware of the newest information about sunscreen.
We’ve long been told to apply sunscreen generously and frequently, in order to protect ourselves from skin damage and cancer. This is still excellent advice, but some types of sunscreen may be safer than others.
The FDA requires sunscreen manufacturers to conduct safety testing of their products to ensure that chemicals are not absorbed by our bodies in significant quantities. When manufacturers don’t act quickly enough, the FDA steps in and performs its own studies. The results of such studies, published in multiple medical journals as recently as this year, have raised some significant issues. A number of the most common UV filters in chemical sunscreen, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule, were indeed found to be absorbed in substantial amounts. Some of these chemicals have been found to disrupt hormones and could lead to fertility problems, poor birth outcomes for babies, and possibly cancer. (By the way, Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate starting in 2021, due to the damage these chemicals are doing to coral reefs.) The FDA is requiring more testing of these and other ingredients.
These sunscreens are labeled chemical, and are also referred to as organic. When I hear the term organic, I think of food grown without pesticides. This is not the case here! They are labeled as organic sunscreens because they are made with carbon-based ingredients that absorb into the skin.
Mineral sunscreens are not absorbed and are an alternative to chemical (organic) sunscreens. They are thicker, and sit on top of the skin, so they may aggravate skin conditions like acne. Because they are not absorbed, mineral sunscreens tend to wear off more rapidly than chemical sunscreens and need to be applied more often. They tend to be more visible and make the skin look whiter.
Current data shows that mineral sunscreens are not as effective in blocking UV rays, but may on balance be the healthier choice due to the absorption issue. However, until the FDA makes definitive regulatory changes, both chemical and mineral sunscreens, as well as combinations, remain available.
What are my recommendations?
Consider using mineral sunscreen instead of chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen will contain ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. While the chemical (organic) sunscreen may be slightly more effective than the mineral type, the safety of chemical sunscreen is still in question.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays, with an SPF of at least 15, and preferably 30 or above.
Check the expiration date. If none is listed, you can figure that the typical shelf life is about three years.
Reapply sunscreen often, especially if it is the mineral type.
Avoid the sun where possible between 11 a.m. and 4 a.m., when UV radiation is at its peak.
Make the effort to wear a wide brimmed hat to protect the ears, face, and neck; as well as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sunglasses.
I urge you to enjoy your (physically-distanced and masked) summer, and to stay well protected!