Bridget Shoaf

ENG 112

Mrs. Carroll

3 November 2019

Does Sunscreen Benefits Outweigh the Risk?

Sunscreens have been known for protecting the skin from the harmful ultra violet rays of

the sun, which causes skin cancer; however, not all sunscreens work the same. In fact, some

sunscreens only prevent sunburns and does not prevent skin cancer. Such as chemical sunscreens

that have active ingredients oxybenzone that causes negative effects on the skin and cause

medical issues. Although all of the sunscreens has to be approved by the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) and determined to be safe before they are made available to the public, a

series of recent studies have raised concerns on the dangers of oxybenzone. Which makes the

consumers wonder if wearing sunscreen is beneficial.

Sunscreens are divided into two: types chemical and physical. “Chemical sunscreens are

made up of two main ingredients: Octinoxate and Oxybenzone which are absorbed through the

skin and it also absorbs UV rays rather than blocking them”(Uhland). Physical sunscreens are

made differently, which blocks the UV rays rather than absorbing them “Physical sunscreens are

made from minerals Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide” (Uhland), They also offer 20 percent

more protection from UVA rays than their chemical counterparts; however, studies show

chemical ingredients are readily absorbed into the body. According to the Environmental

Working Group, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit research organization, a report was

released last year analyzing almost 1,000 sunscreens and 400 peer-reviewed studies on sunscreen
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ingredients. The only down fall that can be found in physical sunscreens can leave a white

residue much like skin care barriers and pastes with zinc oxide, such as diaper cream but nothing

that makes this sunscreen harmful. Both chemical and physical sunscreens can be purchased as a

lotion, cream, or spray and normally have a maximal of 120 minute sun protection which means

they need to be reapplied every two hours throughout the day to give you the most protection.

Labeling is a big part of sunscreens, mostly chemical sunscreens since some don’t necessary

prevent skin cancer and tend to have a lower SPF in them. “Sunscreen products have three basic

labeling requirements. One that does not provide broad spectrum protection or are broad

spectrum with SPF less than 15 will need to carry a warning that reads skin cancer/ skin aging

alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging” (Haak).

Sunscreens with these labeling don’t actually prevent skin cancer “These products help prevent

sunburns but do not prevent skin cancer or early aging. The second label is water resistant

products that protect you while you are swimming or sweating. These will either have a 40 or 80

minute resistant time.” In addition, products will no longer be able to bear the words waterproof,

sweatproof or sunblock. Companies will also need prior approval from the FDA to state that their

products provide either immediate protection or protection for more than two hours. More

changes may be on the horizon as research is being done on whether SPFs higher than 50

provide any additional protection or if products should instead be labeled as SPF 50+” (Haak).

Even though sunscreen require these types of labeling, Physical sunscreens that have zinc oxide

are they only one that will protect from skin cancer and skin aging.

However, there are multiple benefits from wearing sunscreen every day and many

people fail to realize that early sun protection is not only cosmetically beneficial, but it also can
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prevent skin cancers which may results in surgeries to be removed and possible death if not

diagnosed in a timely manner. “Sunscreen protects us from the harmful rays of the sun. Too

much exposure to sun can lead to wrinkles, skin cancer and melanoma, a deadly form of skin

cancer” (Gardner). Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer and the amount of ultra

violet light that we get everyday increase our risk on a daily basis. Melanoma” is now the fastest

rising cancer in the world whose incidence in the U.S. over recent decades has increased

dramatically by about 130%, and whose mortality has increased by about 25%’ (Sunburn).

Dermatologists believe that even small daily exposure to the suns dangerous rays can be

damaging:

People should realize that even during every day incidental sun exposure harms the skin as

it accumulates and can result in premature aging. Wearing sun protection everyday will

prevent from premature wrinkling, discoloration (also known as “sun spots”), and skin

cancers. Although many Americans wear sunscreen, they fail to reapply it every two hours

which in turn will stop the protection from harmful sun rays.(Overexposure)

Oxybenzone is a chemical that is found in sunscreens that seeps into the bloodstream and

“have been banned in Hawaii and Key West, as well as by countries such as Palau, Bonaire, and

Aruba”(Oxybenzone). Researchers at the US Food and Drug Authority (FDA) did a clinical trial

on molecules in the sunscreen which showed that the UV blocking sunscreens do in fact seep

into the bloodstream. Chemical sunscreens also contain an “average of four times as many

hazardous ingredients known or strongly suspected to cause cancer or birth defects” (Is your

sunscreen safe). Basically, they affect hormone production, causing either too much or too little.”

This also goes on by saying this research could impact the over the counter sunscreen line by
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changing the options, if they find evidence that would make certain contents in sunscreen that

could potentially be dangerous.. The Center for Disease Control’s national report on human

exposure to environmental chemicals demonstrated that approximately ninety seven percent of

the people tested have oxybenzone present in their urine. Independent scientists have reported

various concentrations in waterways and fish worldwide. This creates a real problem on marine

life and the safety of the waterways.

Oxybenzone has been known to react with chlorine, causing hazardous by-products in

swimming pools and wastewater treatment plants. This can be washed off, but:

Washing the ingredient off our bodies and having it return in drinking water as treatment

plants do not effectively remove the chemical as part of their processing protocols. In

humans, oxybenzone has been reported to produce contact and photocontact allergy

reactions, implemented as a possible endocrine disruptor and has been linked to

Hirschsprung's disease. (Dinardo)

As well as other birth defects. Toxicological data generated by the U.S. Health & Human

Services' National Toxicology Program, show that Oxybenzone can cause endocrine disruption

to an animal's reproductive physiology such as: reduced sperm density and reduced prostate size

in young males. Oxybenzone exposure has been linked to increases in endometriosis, alterations

of lactation expression, as well as some birth abnormalities. Due to this study, it is

recommended that pregnant women do not use products containing this ingredient during their

first trimester. Many have question why if there are so many risk factors that is revolved around

the ingredient oxybenzone then why hasn’t there been more studies so that this can be banded.

Not just for the places that have already done so but for all countries and states that are still

allowing the use of chemical sunscreen that obtain this ingredient.

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In conclusion, there are many sunscreens on the market today. When choosing a sunscreen

for everyday use or vacations make sure to pick a sunscreen that not only protects from skin

cancer but prevents sunburns, unlike chemical sunscreens that only prevents sunburns and raises

health and affect aquatic life. Then it is recommend that if “someone is worried about the risk

with chemical sunscreens then one thing they suggest is to opt to use a physical sunscreen which

zinc oxide and titanium dioxide” (Asma). Physical sunscreens relay on blocking the sun from the

skin without entering the bloodstream and have multiple cosmetic benefits that prevent

premature aging and wrinkling. Therefore these are the most beneficial to the skin and safest.
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Works Cited

Asma, Ali Z. "Sunscreen Chemicals Seep into Bloodstream, but Impact Unclear." TCA

Regional News, May 12, 2019. ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/2223120222?accountid=10163.

DiNardo, Joseph C., and Craig A. Downs. "Dermatological and Environmental Toxicological

Impact of the Sunscreen Ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone-3." Journal of

Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 17, no. 1, 2018, pp. 15-19. ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/1958535685?accountid=10163, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12449.

Gardner, Karen. "Is Sunscreen Safe?: Exposure to Sun Vs. Other Health, Environmental

Concerns." McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Jul 28, 2009. ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/464671924?accountid=10163.

Haak, Alyssa. "Sunscreens: No Sweat Over New FDA Rules." Supermarket News, 2012.

ProQuest,
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https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/1022970243?accountid=10163.

"Is Your Sunscreen Safe?" Harvard Health Publications.Harvard Women's Health Watch, 07,

2019. ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/2303787701?accountid=10163.

"Oxybenzone from Sunscreens Threatens Birth Defect." M2 Presswire, Mar 29, 2019.

ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/2199252638?accountid=10163.

"Overexposure to the Sun can Happen Indoors and Outdoors; Journal of the American

Academy of Dermatology Article Offers Information about the Recent Development

in Sun Protection Provided by Window and Automobile Glass, and Sunglasses." PR

Newswire, May 01, 2006. ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/448318289?accountid=10163.

"Is Your Sunscreen Safe?" Harvard Health Publications.Harvard Women's Health Watch, 07,

2019. ProQuest,
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https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/2303787701?accountid=10163.

Uhland, Vicky. "Sunscreen Concerns Heating Up." Natural Foods Merchandiser, vol. 29,

no. 7, 07, 2008, pp. 30-30,32. ProQuest,

https://login.proxy039.nclive.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview

/219598347?accountid=10163.