There is a lot of debate recently about skin cancer and sunscreen.
Sunscreen has been widely used for years, it is endorsed by dermatologists and doctors to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful rays, so what are the concerns? Here are three questions to ask about the advice we've been given about skin cancer and sunscreen.
Are Chemical Sunscreens Accelerating Cancer? If you are using a chemical sunscreen, then you are at risk for skin cancer.
Numerous studies show that the ingredients in sunscreens can break down into free radicals, which can contribute to malignant melanoma and premature aging.
These sunscreens do not sufficiently keep the ultraviolet light from destroying skin cells, which can cause lesions and tumors.
The ingredients may also speed up a malignant cell's growth and actually help spread skin cancer.
What about Vitamin A in Sunscreen? Of key concern is the inclusion of Vitamin A in sunscreen.
In 2000, the FDA studied Vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant, and it is included in sunscreens because it helps slow skin aging.
However, the FDA conducted studies that showed Vitamin A has phototoxicity elements.
This means that the use of Vitamin A on skin exposed to sunlight can result in cancerous tumors by increasing a malignant cell's development.
Is The FDA Telling the Truth? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes out with a list each year of sunscreen reviews, and most of the sunscreens do not meet the criteria of being safe and effective.
Of late, the EWG has been under attack by dermatologists because they believe the EWG's standards for testing are not sufficient.
But research shows that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has known of the potential dangers in chemical sunscreens, but has not chosen to release this information to the public.
Further, the EWG analyzed findings initially conducted by FDA scientists and the National Toxicology Program.
Jane Houlihan, EWG's senior vice president for research says that there was enough evidence ten years ago for FDA to caution consumers against the use of vitamin A in sunscreens.
"The FDA launched this one-year study, completed their research and now 10 years later, they say nothing about it, just silence," she says.
Research shows the FDA denied that they did studies, but documents from their own agency show that they in fact did this research.
More doctors (Dr.
Mercola) and other researchers are questioning the effectiveness and safety of chemical sunscreens.
If you still want to be protected, but in a safe and healthy way, consider an organic sunscreen.
You owe it to yourself to protect you and your family.