
Preventative Tips, Sun Safety, Wellbeing, Melanoma Awareness
Above: is your sunscreen safe?
Recently, the FDA dropped a bit of a bombshell after testing revealed that six of the most common UV filters in chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the body in substantial amounts, and can stay there for days, a fact that wasn't well-known before.
The testing showed that these six common active ingredients are absorbed into the body and may linger for days or even weeks, in some cases1. They also found that just a single application of chemical sunscreen ― whether as a lotion or a spray ― increases the blood levels of these active ingredients beyond the FDA's threshold for determining if they need more study to be considered safe for use.
Previous research has shown that some of the ingredients in the FDA study can disrupt hormones and may lead to fertility problems, poor birth outcomes for babies, and perhaps cancer.
However, the study has been controversial to date, as sunscreen manufacturers are claiming that the concentrations used in the initial study were far higher than in typical sunscreen use. What’s more, sunscreen manufacturers are as yet to undertake further studies which may or may not refute the research.
How chemical sunscreen escaped testing until now
The FDA has allowed sunscreen makers to sell their products under an assumption that the active ingredients they use are GRASE’, or generally recognized as safe and effective.
However, several decades ago, the FDA began requiring manufacturers to do more safety testing of their products if they could be absorbed into the body at levels above 0.5 nanograms per millilitre. Below that level, there's thought to be minimal risk that an ingredient or drug could cause harm. However, for various reasons, sunscreens essentially slipped into the FDA's surveillance system without any real safety testing. Which is why, recently, the FDA’s research division decided to take on the question of body absorption of sunscreen ingredients.
Above: Use mineral sunscreens
What do the results mean for you?
The FDA says that while the UV filters in chemical sunscreens can't be considered safe, that doesn't mean they're unsafe at the concentration absorbed through sunscreen use - scientists simply don't know until further studies are completed. Fortunately, there are two main types of sunscreen:
1. Mineral sunscreens (blockers) – these contain minerals such as zinc, which physically block UV rays. There is no evidence of any health concerns with mineral sunscreens.
2. Chemical sunscreens – these work by absorbing UV rays. It is the chemical absorbers which are controversial and the subject of the FDA research.
Above: Limit your sun exposure and always use sunscreen
Our recommendations: a cautionary approach
On the bright side, sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. In light of the current evidence published by FDA researchers - and the lack of research evidence from the sunscreen manufacturers to refute the potential dangers of chemical absorbers - we recommend taking a cautionary approach, including:
Want to know more? Check out the full article here. And if you’re concerned about chemical sunscreens or your sun exposure, talk to our friendly team on 1800 665 362 or book an annual skin check-up with MoleMap.
Source: 1. Medscape.com: FDA Sunscreen Report Raises Concern Over Chemicals, Jan 2020
Note: This quick questionnaire is designed to give you an idea of your personal skin cancer risk factors.
It isn’t intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis – please contact us if you have any questions about your skin cancer risk.
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