Sun Safety, Sunscreen Safety?

It’s a sensitive topic, I know. We are told that we absolutely must use a sunscreen every day, even when it’s not sunny. Yet a recent scientific study suggests that zinc oxide, one of the most common ingredients in sunscreens may actually increase the risk of skin cancer.

Cell toxicity studies by Dr. Yinfa Ma, Curators’ Teaching Professor of chemistry at Missouri S&T, and his graduate student Qingbo Yang, suggest that when exposed to sunlight, zinc oxide, a common ingredient in sunscreens, undergoes a chemical reaction that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals seek to bond with other molecules, but in the process, they can damage cells or the DNA contained within those cells. This in turn could increase the risk of skin cancer. Science Daily

However, even with this new scientific finding about zinc oxide, the researchers still believe that it is better to use a sunscreen than to go unprotected. You can read more  about sunscreen safety and decide what is the best approach for you. One way or another, we need to protect our skin from sun damage, that’s for sure!

Comments are closed for this post!