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Is sunscreen bad for you?
Sunscreen safety has been in the news lately, particularly as it
relates to absorption of some of the active ingredients. For example,
researchers have demonstrated estrogenic effects of oxybenzone
at high dosages in rat models. Oxybenzone is a common active
ingredient in sunscreens, as well as many other personal care
products, and has been used widely for more than 40 years. Recent
efforts to quantify systemic absorption of this and other sunscreen
active ingredients has demonstrated measurable blood levels of
several of these. Thus far, we do not have any data to suggest there are
adverse effects in humans.3 However, if you want to err on the safe
side, you can choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
as the active ingredient. These have been classified by the FDA as
“generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE).
I thought the sun was a good source of vitamin D?
We know exposure of the skin to UV light is one of the best sources
of vitamin D. However, the American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD) does not recommend getting vitamin D from the sun or
tanning beds due to the known carcinogenic effects of UV radiation.
The AAD recommends we obtain vitamin D in our diets by taking
supplements or consuming fortified beverages (cow’s milk, soy milk,
almond milk, OJ), fortified cereal and oatmeal, cheese, egg yolks,
certain types of fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, cod liver oil) and
mushrooms.
Does sunscreen harm the environment?
Regarding environmental harm, there is conflicting data. Concern
exists that certain ingredients in sunscreen may be the cause of coral
bleaching, and we are starting to see bans on certain sunscreen
chemicals like oxybenzone in Hawaii and areas of Florida, such as Key
West. While in vitro studies have demonstrated a detrimental effect on
coral, environmental studies appear to point toward ocean warming as
the main culprit in coral bleaching. Stay tuned for more information on
this subject, but if you are so inclined, there are many sunscreen brands
you can choose without oxybenzone.
Bottom Line: 30-Second Read
Seek shade and avoid midday hours of sun exposure when
possible. Wear a hat, sun protective clothing and sunglasses to
protect as much of your skin as possible. For those areas still
uncovered, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you
are concerned about environmental and/or health effects of
sunscreen, use those that have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as
active ingredients. Consider vitamin B3 supplementation to reduce
incidence of keratinocyte carcinomas in high risk patients. As a
native Floridian, former lifeguard and current dermatologist, I
understand both the temptation and the perils of the sun. Like all
good things in life, enjoy it responsibly!
References
1 Snaidr VA, Damian DL, Halliday GM. Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin
cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety. Exp Dermatol. 2019;28:15-22 all your hard work in service to the most vulnerable in our community.
2 Chen AC et al. N Engl J Med 2015;373:1618-26
3 Wang SQ, Burnett MR, Lim HW. Safety of oxybenzone: Putting numbers into
perspective. Arch Dermatol. 2011;147(7):865-866
NATIONAL HEALTH &
WELLNESS OBSERVANCES
MAY
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month n Better Sleep Month
Building Safety Month n Correct Posture Month n Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month n Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month n National Arthritis Month
National Bike Month n National High Blood Pressure Education Month
National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month
National Mental Health Month n National Osteoporosis Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month n National Stroke Awareness Month
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month n Older Americans Month
May 1-7: National Physical Education and Sports Week
May 3-9: Be Kind to Animals Week
May 3-9: North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH)
May 6: Project Aces Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously)
May 6: School Nurse Day
May 6-12: National Nurses Week
May 8: World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day
May 10-16: National Hospital and Healthcare Week
May 10-16: National Nursing Home Week
May 10-16: Women’s Health Week
May 11-17: Bike to Work Week
May 20: World Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Arthritis Day
(World AiArthritis Day)
May 27: National Senior Health & Fitness Day
May 31: World No Tobacco Day
Member
MAUREEN L. BEURSKENS, MD
In 2010, when the Women Physicians Section (WPS) of the
Mecklenburg County Medical Society and the Women Lawyers
of Charlotte met for the first time to discuss
collaborating on a fundraiser for Safe Alliance (then
United Services), Maureen Beurskens, MD, was on
the WPS steering committee. For the past 10 years,
she has had a leadership role on the Fighting for
Women With Fashion planning committee.
Fighting for Women With Fashion has raised more
than $465,000 to advance Safe Alliance’s mission
to provide hope and healing to people impacted by
domestic violence and sexual assault. This year, October 6 will mark
the event’s 10th anniversary.
Thank you, Dr. Beurskens, for your dedication and leadership and for
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