Posts
Image via Wikipedia This is part one of a three part series we are doing to make people aware of some important facts concerning the use of sunscreens.
If you use sunscreen you can be assured that it will prevent you from getting sunburn. The fact is that with this said there is little else known about the safety and effectiveness of these products. This is due mainly to the fact that the FDA failed to finalize the 1978 Sunscreen Safety Standards. We are going to tell you several truths about sunscreens that may make you question whether you should be using them at all or at least as the first line of defense.
DO SUNSCREENS PREVENT SKIN CANCER?
It may surprise many to know that there is no clear consensus on this. In 2007 the FDA said in a draft on sunscreen safety regulations that “FDA is not aware of any data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone prevents skin cancer”. IRAC (The International Agency for Research on Cancer) agrees with the FDA on this point. They recommend protective clothing, shade and hats as the primary defense against skin cancer. They say that “sunscreens should not be the first choice of skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection from the sun”.
EVIDENCE THAT SUNSCREENS INCREASE THE RISK OF THE DEADLIEST FORM OF SKIN CANCER FOR SOME USERS
Recent research has shown that the risk of melanoma is increased in those who use sunscreen. While the exact cause is not known some researchers speculate that those who use sunscreen tend to stay in the sun longer thus absorbing more UV radiation or that some of the chemicals used in these products produce free radical activity when they break down. Another reason may be that the number of inferior products that have been widely used over the last 30 years may have lead to it. While many public health officials still recommend the use of sunscreen they also emphasize the need for protective clothing and moderation.
WHILE THERE ARE MORE HIGH SPF SUNSREENS AVAILABLE THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THEY OFFER MORE PROTECTION
In 2007 in the sunscreen safety regulation draft the FDA prohibited the industry from labeling their products with SPF (sunscreen protection factor) of over 50. They went on to say that these claims of higher values are “inherently misleading” in light of the fact that “there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful”. Scientist at the FDA were concerned that these higher SPF value would cause people to stay in the sun for longer periods of time by suppressing sunburn which is the body’s natural way of telling you that you are getting to much sun. This also increases the risk of other types of skin damage.
In spite of the concerns that the FDA expressed for the public heath the industry began increasing their high SPF offerings in 2011. Almost 20% of the products available today advertise SPF’s over 50. This compares to 12.5% in 2009.
We will be publishing the second and third part of this series on the next two Mondays. Learn what an industry does not want you to know and find out how to protect yourself.
Your blog looks fairly informative. I appreciated it. Much valuable material. I read with great interest.Would you please tell me how can I get your rss site?
ReplyDeleteAngstrom liquid minerals is made up of the most powerful, natural, health giving trace minerals in the world. Due to the purity and concentration of this product, it is naturally preserved and contains no bacterial growth. Most Popular Minerals
ReplyDelete