Summer may be winding down, but safeguarding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays remains a year-round concern. However, questions about the presence of “toxins” in sunscreen have left many people wondering if their sun protection is safe and effective.
Experts assert that apprehensions about sunscreen potentially causing harm are often misplaced and could prove dangerous if they lead individuals to forgo SPF altogether.
Dr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York, emphasizes the importance of sun protection, stating, “We are aware that exposure to the sun and its UV rays can lead to premature aging, sunspots, wrinkles, and an elevated risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen plays a vital role in safeguarding against these detrimental effects. When spending time outdoors, it’s essential to practice sun-safe behaviors.”
Melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, claims over 8,000 lives annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the most effective prevention methods recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology is the regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
So, why has sunscreen, a skincare essential, become a subject of concern?
The initial misconception revolves around the term “chemical” sunscreens. While previous reports highlighting the potential risks of chemicals like PFAS may have primed people to associate the word “chemicals” with harm, Dr. Jaber clarifies that it simply distinguishes one of two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral, categorized based on their active ingredients.
“Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients comprising chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters, which consist of organic or carbon-containing compounds, whereas mineral sunscreens contain physical UV filters,” Dr. Jaber explains.
Chemical sunscreens operate by absorbing radiation from UV rays, acting like a sponge. In contrast, mineral sunscreens act as a shield, deflecting rays by remaining on the skin’s surface.
The primary ingredients in mineral sunscreens, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, have received the classification of “safe and effective” from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The situation becomes more intricate when examining specific ingredients in chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, which studies have shown can be detected in the body weeks after application.
However, as previously reported, some medical professionals argue that this does not necessarily indicate danger. Nevertheless, the FDA has stated that there is insufficient data to determine if 12 of the most common chemical sunscreens can be designated as “generally regarded as safe and effective” (GRASE).
The FDA’s stance in 2021 maintained that “additional data is needed to establish the GRASE status of these sunscreens.”
The FDA’s relatively unchanged stance has prompted some Americans to explore sunscreen products from countries in Europe or Asia, where regulatory approaches differ, offering a wider array of ingredient and filter options.
While chemical sunscreens are deemed more effective for water-related activities or situations involving sweating, opting for mineral sunscreen is always a viable alternative.
Dr. Jaber advises, “For patients concerned about potential chemical sunscreen absorption, I consistently recommend mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as these have been classified as ‘GRASE’ by the FDA. These physical mineral sunscreens have not demonstrated absorption into the bloodstream at concentrations high enough to impact the body.”
Furthermore, mineral sunscreens tend to be gentler on sensitive skin, making them a preferable choice for individuals with conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema, Dr. Jaber adds.