Sunscreen is one of the most common tools doctors recommend to protect against skin cancer, but growing concerns online about some sunscreen ingredients have left people questioning whether the products themselves could pose health risks.
Dermatologists say the evidence is clear that ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause cancer, while questions about the potential effects of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients on human hormones are still being studied.
In South Florida, where avoiding the sun can be particularly difficult, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Newsha Lajevardi said people can accumulate sun damage even when they aren’t spending the day at the beach or pool.
“So a lot of times people think that if they’re not necessarily out at the pool or the beach, they’re not being damaged by the sun, but that’s not the case,” Lajevardi said.
Everyday activities such as walking the dog, driving, running errands or simply checking the mail can expose skin to the sun.
How much SPF do you need?
Sunscreen should be considered one layer of protection, Lajevardi said, along with hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and seeking shade.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of ultraviolet B, or UVB, radiation, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
But Lajevardi said choosing between those numbers isn’t necessarily the biggest issue.
What matters is “how much they’re putting it on and how frequently they’re putting it on,” she said.
During a day at the beach or pool, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and more frequently after swimming or sweating.
What about concerns over chemical sunscreens?
Some studies have raised questions about certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Research involving cells and animals has suggested those chemicals can affect estrogen and other hormone pathways. However, researchers have not established that using sunscreen causes those effects or other harm in humans.
“There’s no direct link between applying sunscreen and it causing cancer versus UV radiation from the sun is absolutely directly linked to causing cancer,” Lajevardi said.
The potential effects of some sunscreen ingredients on human hormones remain under investigation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has requested additional safety data for several chemical sunscreen ingredients, but dermatologists say a request for more research does not mean those products have been shown to be unsafe.
People who remain concerned about chemical ingredients can opt for mineral sunscreen.
“If someone’s even concerned about that, just turn to mineral sunscreens, which are perfectly safe and not known to be endocrine disruptors,” Lajevardi said.
Both chemical and mineral sunscreens can provide protection when properly used.
“The sunscreen that you actually use is going to be the best one,” she said.
Sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect yourself
Lajevardi also recommends performing monthly skin self-checks and getting a full-body skin examination from a dermatologist at least once a year.
People should pay attention to spots that change in shape, size or color or appear noticeably different from other marks on their skin.
“If there’s anything changing in shape, size or color, or looks different than everything else — so I call it the ugly duckling sign — absolutely come in to get checked,” Lajevardi said.
Skin cancer doesn’t always have an obvious appearance. Warning signs can include a pink bump, a spot that bleeds or something resembling a pimple that doesn’t go away.
Certain medications, including some antibiotics and medications used for blood pressure and heart conditions, can also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Patients who are unsure whether their medication carries that risk should check with their doctor or pharmacist.
Whether someone prefers a chemical or mineral formula, the takeaway from health experts is to protect the skin from UV exposure — and that some form of sun protection is better than none.
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