The “burning” question regarding the ingredients: Mineral Based Sunscreens (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide)
With the lack of scientific evidence regarding the safety of the long-term use of chemical (non-mineral) based sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, mineral based sunscreens provide a great alternative.
Unlike chemical based sunscreens that absorb the harmful radiation from the sun, mineral based sunscreens contain active ingredients that block both UVA and UVB radiation. These ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Sunscreens that contain these ingredients are seen to be much more efficient as their chemical counterparts. Sunscreens that use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide begin blocking the harmful UV radiation (UVA and UVB) the moment it is applied to the skin. They last longer than your conventional chemical based sunscreen and they are known to be less of a skin irritant especially to those who have sensitive skin, such as myself.
So are mineral based sunscreens better and safer than chemical based sunscreens?
Well, traditionally, mineral based sunscreens leave a lot to be desired in terms of their aesthetic qualities as compared to chemical based sunscreens. They tend to be greasier, whiter (opaque) in colour and do not blend into the skin leaving a white creamy residue.
It has been found that sunscreen aesthetics have a significant impact of whether they are used and applied properly. If the sunscreen is too greasy, too thick and does not blend into the skin, it is normally not used properly no matter how effective the ingredients of the sunscreen may be.
So, yes, mineral based sunscreens may be better and “safer” than chemical based sunscreens but they tend not to be used “properly” which poses a significant issue regarding sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
However, new formulations of mineral based sunscreens have been developed which provide more aesthetically pleasing characteristics. Technology has now allowed sunscreen makers to shrink the size of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles to the point where they have become virtually translucent. These “nanoparticles” have allowed mineral based sunscreens to become thinner, less greasy and have given them the ability to blend into the skin more much more effectively.
But, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and a report released last year from Friends of the Earth, an international grassroots environmental network, the size of these particles may be a cause for concern.
It is believed that the smaller the particle, the more easily zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be absorbed in the body and into the blood steam. It has been shown that when these chemicals are absorbed into the blood stream, they can pose significant harm.
Although this may be a cause for concern, according to EWG analysis, this has yet to be proven whether these nanoparticles are actually absorbed into our skin though sunscreen use.
So which type of sunscreen, those containing oxybenzone or those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are truly safer?
EWG states:
Although we expected to reach a different conclusion at the outset of our sunscreen investigation, when we balanced all factors important in sunscreen safety, our analysis shows that many zinc and titanium-based sunscreens are among the safest and most effective sunscreens on the market.
Simply, there seems to be more breadth in the research that suggests oxybenzone “may” be more harmful than zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanopartciles. In time research may, or may not, suggest otherwise, but for now it seems mineral based sunscreens are more recommended.
However, we have to remember that sunscreen is a secondary measure of sun protection. We all know that the primary way to stay safe from the harmful effects of the sun is by staying in the shade, avoiding the sun during peak hours or remaining covered while outdoors.
Next up on Be “Sun” Savvy
• Issues regarding retinyl palmitate (vitamin a) in sunscreen, vitamin D defficieny and issues regarding sunscreen sprays
• Proper sunscreen etiquette and conclusions
Sources of Information
Canadian Cancer Society. (March, 2010). Sunscreen and cancer. Accessed on June 18th,
2010 at http://bit.ly/dqgNog
Environmental Working Group. (2010). EWG’s 2010 sunscreen guide. Accessed on June
15th, 2010 at http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/
Friends of the Earth. (2009). Manufactured nanomaterials and sunscreens:
Top reasons for precaution. Accessed on May19th, 2010 at http://bit.ly/bWcUfK
Gavura, Scott. (June, 2010). The great sunscreen cover up. Science-Based Medicine.
Accessed on June 18th, 2010 at http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=5541
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
The “burning” question regarding the ingredients: Oxybenzone
The “burning” question regarding the ingredients: Oxybenzone
Based on their ingredients, there are two different types of sunscreens available in Canada: mineral and non-mineral sunscreens.
Although not normally labeled as such, it is very easy to tell the differences between mineral and non-mineral sunscreens by simply by looking at the ingredients listed on sunscreen products.
Sunscreens that use a varying combination of chemicals to ‘absorb’ the UV radiation, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone are non-mineral sunscreens while sunscreen that contain minerals, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, to “block” UV radiation are, you guessed it, mineral based sunscreens.
As you can see, these two types of ingredients provide UV protection in two different ways – one by absorption (chemical) and one by reflection (mineral).
Most of the criticisms regarding sunscreen composition are directed towards its chemical ingredients; the most problematic being Oxybenzone.
Properly known as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone or benzophenone-3, oxybenzone is one of the main ingredients in non-mineral sunscreens as it is relied upon to provide UVB protection, by absorbing UVB radiation, and UVA protection by acting as a chemical stabilizer for avobenzone, an effective but less chemically stable UVA agent.
Not only has oxybenzone been shown to be easily absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream from sunscreen application, it is also a known hormonal disruptor – a classification of chemicals that can mimic or disrupt the bodies natural production of hormones which may lead to several health consequences including some cancers (e.g. bisphenol-A and breast cancer). However, long-term low environmental exposure to oxybenzone has yet to be conclusively linked to any negative health effects.
We simply do not know if there are any long term health effects from exposure to oxybenzone from sunscreens especially in specific segments of the population including children and pregnant women who may be more vulnerable to hormonal disrupting chemicals.
Should we be concerned?
According to the precautionary principle, it may be prudent to avoid oxybenzone based on the lack of scientific evidence that it poses any long-term harm especially to those who may be more vulnerable to hormonal disrupting agents.
With that being said, we should not be paranoid either. Lack of evidence does not necessarily mean that oxybenzone poses any significant harm. For that reason, the Canadian Cancer Society states:
Like other Canadian and international organizations that make sure laws are enforced to protect health and the environment (regulatory agencies), the Society is not concerned at this time about oxybenzone in sunscreen. The research on oxybenzone is limited, and so far no animal or human studies suggest this chemical might cause cancer
(http://bit.ly/dqgNog)
Based on this information, it is up to you whether you want to use sunscreen that contains oxybenzone. There are alternatives available including mineral based sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) that you may want to use instead but, as we will see in the next blog entry, these types of sunscreens have their own issues.
We all know that the primary way to stay safe from the harmful effects of the sun is by staying in the shade, avoiding the sun during peak hours or remaining covered while outdoors.
Even though the long term of being exposed to the ingredients in sunscreen is still not known, it remains a great secondary measure of sun protection. If we are ever in a situation where the only available protection is from a chemical based sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, rationale says “use it”.
The science is clear what happens when you are exposed to the sun without protection.
Next up on Be “Sun” Savvy
• Issues regarding mineral based sunscreen
• Issues regarding retinyl palmitate (vitamin a) in sunscreen and issues regarding sunscreen sprays
• Proper sunscreen etiquette
• Conclusion
Sources of Information
Canadian Cancer Society. (March, 2010). Sunscreen and cancer. Accessed on June 18th,
2010 at http://bit.ly/dqgNog
Environmental Working Group. (2010). EWG’s 2010 sunscreen guide. Accessed on June
15th, 2010 at http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/
Gavura, Scott. (June, 2010). The great sunscreen cover up. Science-Based Medicine.
Accessed on June 18th, 2010 at http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=5541
Based on their ingredients, there are two different types of sunscreens available in Canada: mineral and non-mineral sunscreens.
Although not normally labeled as such, it is very easy to tell the differences between mineral and non-mineral sunscreens by simply by looking at the ingredients listed on sunscreen products.
Sunscreens that use a varying combination of chemicals to ‘absorb’ the UV radiation, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone are non-mineral sunscreens while sunscreen that contain minerals, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, to “block” UV radiation are, you guessed it, mineral based sunscreens.
As you can see, these two types of ingredients provide UV protection in two different ways – one by absorption (chemical) and one by reflection (mineral).
Most of the criticisms regarding sunscreen composition are directed towards its chemical ingredients; the most problematic being Oxybenzone.
Properly known as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone or benzophenone-3, oxybenzone is one of the main ingredients in non-mineral sunscreens as it is relied upon to provide UVB protection, by absorbing UVB radiation, and UVA protection by acting as a chemical stabilizer for avobenzone, an effective but less chemically stable UVA agent.
Not only has oxybenzone been shown to be easily absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream from sunscreen application, it is also a known hormonal disruptor – a classification of chemicals that can mimic or disrupt the bodies natural production of hormones which may lead to several health consequences including some cancers (e.g. bisphenol-A and breast cancer). However, long-term low environmental exposure to oxybenzone has yet to be conclusively linked to any negative health effects.
We simply do not know if there are any long term health effects from exposure to oxybenzone from sunscreens especially in specific segments of the population including children and pregnant women who may be more vulnerable to hormonal disrupting chemicals.
Should we be concerned?
According to the precautionary principle, it may be prudent to avoid oxybenzone based on the lack of scientific evidence that it poses any long-term harm especially to those who may be more vulnerable to hormonal disrupting agents.
With that being said, we should not be paranoid either. Lack of evidence does not necessarily mean that oxybenzone poses any significant harm. For that reason, the Canadian Cancer Society states:
Like other Canadian and international organizations that make sure laws are enforced to protect health and the environment (regulatory agencies), the Society is not concerned at this time about oxybenzone in sunscreen. The research on oxybenzone is limited, and so far no animal or human studies suggest this chemical might cause cancer
(http://bit.ly/dqgNog)
Based on this information, it is up to you whether you want to use sunscreen that contains oxybenzone. There are alternatives available including mineral based sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) that you may want to use instead but, as we will see in the next blog entry, these types of sunscreens have their own issues.
We all know that the primary way to stay safe from the harmful effects of the sun is by staying in the shade, avoiding the sun during peak hours or remaining covered while outdoors.
Even though the long term of being exposed to the ingredients in sunscreen is still not known, it remains a great secondary measure of sun protection. If we are ever in a situation where the only available protection is from a chemical based sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, rationale says “use it”.
The science is clear what happens when you are exposed to the sun without protection.
Next up on Be “Sun” Savvy
• Issues regarding mineral based sunscreen
• Issues regarding retinyl palmitate (vitamin a) in sunscreen and issues regarding sunscreen sprays
• Proper sunscreen etiquette
• Conclusion
Sources of Information
Canadian Cancer Society. (March, 2010). Sunscreen and cancer. Accessed on June 18th,
2010 at http://bit.ly/dqgNog
Environmental Working Group. (2010). EWG’s 2010 sunscreen guide. Accessed on June
15th, 2010 at http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/
Gavura, Scott. (June, 2010). The great sunscreen cover up. Science-Based Medicine.
Accessed on June 18th, 2010 at http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=5541
Sun Screen, Cancer and You: Buyer be Ware
Sun Screen, Cancer and You: Buyer be Ware
Should sunscreen be used for primary protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays? Seems like a simple question doesn’t it?
Not necessarily.
Recently, The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), a non-profit organization with the mission of using the power of public information to protect public health and the environment, came out with a very detailed report concerning sunscreen safety.
According to the report, many of the ingredients in sunscreen may be potentially hazardous as well as carcinogenic especially to those who do not apply sunscreen properly or are part of vulnerable segments of the population including children and pregnant women.
Now, before we become paranoid over the types of sunscreen we use, I would like to stress that research concerning sunscreen is far from conclusive. In fact, it is similar to the debate concerning cell phones and cancer. We simply don’t know the impact of many of the common ingredients in sunscreens.
But that does not mean we should not be precautionary and be aware of what these ingredients are and how they may be harmful. With that in mind, I have been asked to, next week (mid-week), provide you with a series of blog entries concerning sun screen safety so that you can become “sunscreen” smart and protect yourself and your family from not only skin cancer but from the other potential health risks associated with sunscreen.
So, before you go and throw out all the sunscreens you have that may, for instance, contain oxybenzone (one of the most common ingredients in sunscreen that may be harmful), or may be higher than SPF 50 (research suggests that SPF50+ may pose more harm than good)
Should sunscreen be used for primary protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays? Seems like a simple question doesn’t it?
Not necessarily.
Recently, The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), a non-profit organization with the mission of using the power of public information to protect public health and the environment, came out with a very detailed report concerning sunscreen safety.
According to the report, many of the ingredients in sunscreen may be potentially hazardous as well as carcinogenic especially to those who do not apply sunscreen properly or are part of vulnerable segments of the population including children and pregnant women.
Now, before we become paranoid over the types of sunscreen we use, I would like to stress that research concerning sunscreen is far from conclusive. In fact, it is similar to the debate concerning cell phones and cancer. We simply don’t know the impact of many of the common ingredients in sunscreens.
But that does not mean we should not be precautionary and be aware of what these ingredients are and how they may be harmful. With that in mind, I have been asked to, next week (mid-week), provide you with a series of blog entries concerning sun screen safety so that you can become “sunscreen” smart and protect yourself and your family from not only skin cancer but from the other potential health risks associated with sunscreen.
So, before you go and throw out all the sunscreens you have that may, for instance, contain oxybenzone (one of the most common ingredients in sunscreen that may be harmful), or may be higher than SPF 50 (research suggests that SPF50+ may pose more harm than good)
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