Most sunscreens on shelves today can be less damaging than beneficial. Sunscreens help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and let you take pleasure in the sun without worrying. Sunscreens are a common element of our everyday life. There are numerous benefits to wearing sunscreen. However, many remain unsure about whether sunscreen causes cancer?
Besides, if you notice side effects from sunscreen, you can consult a dermatologist at Cytecare Hospital.
So, in this article, we will look at the facts and myths. We will also look at the possible treatment options for the same.
Understanding sunscreen
Sunscreen is composed of zinc oxide. It acts as an environment that is free of external particles. The active component is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is an actual barrier to your skin. It provides the same protection that you get from wearing an oversized shirt.
Zinc oxide has a lot of benefits to the skin. Because it doesn’t absorb the skin, it’s not irritating and is non-allergenic. It’s also non-comedogenic (does make acne not occur).
The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, absorbs UV-B rays and can increase the chance of developing cancer by directly damaging your photochemical DNA, leading to changes in your genes. These mutations cause aging and wrinkles of the skin due to the degrading of collagen and elastin. Sunscreen causes cancer on sensitive skin and may affect it directly.
UV-A rays penetrate further in the dermis (the second layer of skin) and cause the growth of cancer by causing an increase in reactive oxygen species that can, in turn, cause DNA damage. So, when selecting a sunscreen, go for one which blocks both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
How does sunscreen cause cancer?
The UV radiation of UV-A and UV-B rays of exposure to sunlight is the leading reason for skin cancer. In addition, the use of cigarettes, HPV (the virus that causes warts that are genital), and artificial radiation from tanning beds with the risk of developing skin cancer.
Yes, sunscreen causes cancer, but it’s not often. The chemical Benzene is present in the environment. It is used to create synthetic fibers, plastics, detergents, and dyes and is present in the exhausts of motor vehicles and gasoline in tobacco smoke and petrol. It is also present in houses and various kinds of wood, furniture, and air fresheners for indoor use.
Benzene is known to cause health-related consequences in humans and is a well-known human carcinogen. The event of brief exposure to high levels of benzene could cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and headaches, and chronic exposures to benzene can lead to blood disorders, including specific types of leukemias.
The current knowledge about the health risks of benzene is mainly from studies on humans exposed to high levels of workplace exposure over a long period.
Risk factors in sunscreen
Whatever some of the risks mentioned above, limiting radiation exposure (UV) radiations can maintain the health of your skin and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer shortly.
Most people receive some exposure to the sun every time they go out. Incorporating sun protection into your daily practice will allow you to enjoy your outdoor activities safely, avoid getting sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
The majority of cases of skin cancer occur due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV). UV rays emanate from tanning beds, the sun, or sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. As time passes, UV damage adds up and causes skin texture changes, premature skin aging, and even skin cancer. In addition, UV rays directly connect with eye problems like cataracts.
How to choose the right sunscreen?
- SPF: The complete form of SPF is known as the Sun Protection Factor, and it determines how much solar energy is needed for a sunburn to occur while wearing sunscreen compared to skin that is not protected.
- Formula: Physical sunscreen consists of inorganic substances containing only two ingredients. The two ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Physical sunscreens are made of inorganic substances and contain only two approved ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They function by creating an outer layer of protection on the skin’s surface that uses reflection to disperse the UV radiation away from the body.
- Texture: They’re less likely to block your pores, trigger breakouts, or cause irritation to the skin. However, Body sunscreens are easily applied since they come as a spray or lotion that has a thick, protective skin barrier that doesn’t matter in other parts that are part of your skin.
- Select a sunscreen that has “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens labeled with this feature helps against both UVA and UVB radiations. All sunscreens protect against UVB radiations which are the primary reason for sunburn and skin cancers. However, UVA radiation can also cause premature aging and skin cancer.
Conclusion
Suppose you’re worried about the potential health consequences of chemicals absorbed into the body. In that case, you may feel more secure with physical (mineral) sunscreen that contains components like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
A factor to consider when you decide to use mineral sunscreens is nanoparticles. Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc were heavy and sticky in the past. The latest formulations contain nanoparticles, which means they have a more pleasant feel on your skin. Sunscreen may cause skin irritation and cancer. However, the chances are meager.
