Sunscreen and Skin Cancer

Sunscreen and Skin Cancer: From GovGab:

"Last week I wrote a post about beach vacation season, and in the post I mentioned the importance of using sunscreen to protect against skin cancer. A reader mentioned that sunscreens are now being linked to causing skin cancer.
Since this was news to me, I did some checking up on it. These days you can’t open your eyes without reading that something or other causes cancer – sometimes these things are true and sometimes they’re not.

I wasn’t able to find a lot of solid evidence one way or the other on the matter, but the controversy seems to be based on a couple of factors: some people suspect certain sunscreen ingredients (such as such as oxybenzone, benzophenone, octocrylene, or octyl methoxycinnamate) are carcinogenic. Another theory is that some sunscreens provide incomplete protection against the full ultraviolet spectrum.

I’m not a doctor, or even a chemistry major, and I wasn’t able to find evidence about the chemicals one way or the other.

There is, however, a lot of information about the dangers of UVA and UVB rays. Sometimes reading the labels and comparing sunscreen products can be confusing, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency that regulates sunscreen labeling, is proposing some changes to make it easier for us to understand. But even more effective than the best sunscreen is to be aware of the UV Index in your area and avoid the sun during peak hours (between 10am and 4pm). Stay in the shade, and wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection. So far I have read no reports about hats and sunglasses causing cancer. Whew!

If you have concerns about using sunscreen, I think it would be best to bring this up with your doctor who can help you weigh your risks and make an informed decision."