Summer is in full force for many of us and you are probably stocking up on the sunscreen. But do you always know what you are getting when you make that purchase? The use of sunscreen has been a prominent feature of news reports recently due to the newly proposed FDA regulations on sunscreen products. In addition, some organizations such as The Environmental Working Group have posted warnings about potential safety concerns over some common ingredients found in sunscreens. It can be confusing for consumers to make sense of what appears to be conflicting information about sunscreen products. To help us sort through the recent media reports and latest changes in sunscreen labeling we have asked for the expert guidance of Dr. Lawrence Green, a practicing dermatologist, and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine.
You may find out more about Dr. Green by visiting his website: Aesthetics, Skin Care, and Dermasurgery.
What should we look for in choosing a sunscreen?
Dr. Green: Until next year, when the new sunscreen labels take effect, I suggest looking at SPF level (make sure it is 30 or higher) and the active ingredients in a sunscreen prior to purchasing it. It does involve some extra work, but that is the only way you can be assured you are using the "broad spectrum protection" the FDA is referring to when the new labeling begins next year. I recommend looking for one or more of the active ingredients zinc oxide, Helioplex (a Neutrogena trademark), or mexoryl in any sunscreen you purchase. Sunscreens with any one of these three active ingredients usually offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. My personal favorite is zinc oxide, an inorganic sunscreen that is gentle on the skin (and is now micronized so it is also rubs in easily and is invisible).
Are there any harmful ingredients in some sunscreens?
Dr. Green: Sunscreens are meant to give you some added protection from the sun in places where clothing cannot protect you. Clothing, umbrellas, and shade are always the preferred way of protecting yourself from the sun. The majority of the people who use sunscreens never have any harmful reactions to them. Just as with any lotion you put on your skin, there is always a small chance you could have an allergic reaction to a sunscreen lotion, spray, or gel you use. With today's sunscreens most allergic reaction occur from the inactive ingredients (as opposed to the active ingredients) from the lotion part or vehicle of the sunscreen. But as far as sunscreen active ingredients go, the active ingredient zinc oxide is the least likely to cause any irritation or allergic reactions.
There are two unproven theories that I have heard about sunscreens potentially causing harm. The first is from the use of organic, also called chemical suscreens-those with any active ingredient other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. When a chemical sunscreen is rubbed into your skin, it is activated by the sun to protect you. A chemical reaction occurs with heat and free radicals generated on your skin as a byproduct from the chemical sunscreen's prevention of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from damaging your skin's DNA. Some people believe these free radicals generated from the chemical reaction can be absorbed into the skin and also create DNA damage. Again, this has not been proven.
