Studying Sunscreen Safety
UV Skinz offers an alternative to using a lot of sunscreen.
A recent study found that ingredients in some sunscreens may be absorbed into the bloodstream and the findings have prompted a variety of media coverage.
“Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the United States, affecting more than three million people each year. Using sunscreen is one mainstay of prevention. But the recent news that sunscreen ingredients can soak into your bloodstream has caused concern,” writes Aaron E. Carroll for The New York Times.
His article, titled “How Safe Is Sunscreen?,” goes on to say that “some may think covering up and limiting time in the sun is important only for those with lighter skin, but the recommendations against UV exposure apply to everyone.”
Carroll delves into the history of sunscreen regulations in the U.S. and Europe as well as the details of the recent study published in JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) in which 24 people were given one of four sunscreens (two sprays, a lotion and a cream).
He suggests those who want to play it safer with their sunscreen should use ones that contain zinc oxide (check out UV Skinz’s Zinc Oxide Natural Sunscreen).
The Food and Drug Administration is preparing a final recommendation regarding sunscreen that is due later this year. In the meantime, Carroll says he’ll continue to wear a UV protective swim shirt and hat in the sun. “My children tell me I don’t look as cool as the other dads, but I need to use a lot less sunscreen than they do,” he writes.
Here is some additional media coverage regarding sunscreen safety:
- National Public Radio conducted an interview with Trisha Calvo of Consumer Reports titled, “How Safe Is Sunscreen And How Much Should We Wear?”
- The Washington Post’s Health section recently ran an article by Consumer Reports titled, “What you need to know about the chemicals in your sunscreen”
