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Sunscreens, Cancer and Benzene

July 20, 2021

It has recently been found that dangerously high levels of cancer-causing benzene are present in at least 78 sunscreen and after-sun products on store shelves. Independent lab tests have discovered benzene in popular sun-care products by Neutrogena, CVS Health, Banana Boat, and many others.

Benzene is a common industrial chemical that has long been linked to leukemia. The medical community is in agreement about benzene – no amount of exposure is safe.

These findings present concerns, especially for those caring for babies and children. Chemicals in sunscreen are known to absorb through the skin into the bloodstream – even after only one application. Since children’s skin is more permeable than adults, the threat of absorption of harmful chemicals is even greater for them.

It appears that sprays are more likely to contain benzene than lotions or creams, but even these latter can contain the chemical.

Here is a list of known dangerous and some safe sunscreens.

Here is a list of sunscreens found to contain benzene.

Here is a list of safe sunscreens.

Australian Public Health Groups and Sunscreens

in 2023, a consortium of Australian public-health groups did something surprising: It issued new advice that takes careful account, for the first time, of the sun’s positive contributions. The advice itself may not seem revolutionary—experts now say that people at the lowest risk of skin cancer should spend ample time outdoors—but the idea at its core marked a radical departure from decades of public-health messaging. “Completely avoiding sun exposure is not optimal for health,” read the groups’ position statement, which extensively cites a growing body of research. Yes, UV rays cause skin cancer, but for some, too much shade can be just as harmful as too much sun.

Download Against Sunscreen Absolutism - The Atlantic

Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre Position Statement  2023

Sun Protective Clothing (New York Times)

Sometimes, no matter how much sunscreen you slather on or how assiduously you reapply it, keeping the sun’s UV rays at bay can still be difficult. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing can help.  This is a helpful review from the NY Times, June 2024).

Download Sun Protective Clothing NYT 2024

Sunscreen Advice - New York Times. May 2024

"You probably know that you need to wear sunscreen. And you probably know the effects of not doing so: Too much exposure to UV rays can hasten signs of aging, worsen skin conditions and even lead to skin cancer — not to mention leave you with a painful burn. But when and how much sunscreen should you be applying? Does it matter what kind? And what do you do if, despite your best efforts, you do get a burn? Here, skin-care and cosmetic experts share their advice for protecting your body, from head to toe."

This is a helpful article from the NY Times. Download How to Apply Sunscreen Head to Toe Like an Expert - The New York Times

Neutrogena Sunscreen Stick

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick - SPF 70 - 1.5oz

Especially good for faces.

• 1.5oz NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick with SPF 70 for lightweight sun protection
• Sunscreen stick provides broad-spectrum protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays
• This lightweight sunscreen glides on easily with a fast-absorbing formula and non-greasy finish
• Formulated with HELIOPLEX, this sunscreen provides superior sun protection
• Use at the pool or at the beach and experience water-resistant sun protection for up to 80 minutes

Get powerful protection with NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER Face & Body Sunscreen Stick. Designed for a no mess-application, this broad spectrum SPF 70 oil-free sunscreen glides on easily and leaves a weightless feel and non-greasy finish. This sunscreen stick is formulated with HELIOPLEX and superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. Face & body sunscreen stick from the number one dermatologist-recommended suncare brand is oil-free and PABA-free.

Scent: Unscented

Sunscreen Bans

Most Sunscreens Appear to Damage Coral Reefs

NY Times, November 2, 2018

The Western Pacific nation of Palau has become the first country to ban many kinds of sunscreen, in a move to protect its coral reefs from chemicals that scientists say cause significant damage.

Under the ban, which will take effect in 2020, “reef toxic” sunscreen — defined as containing one of 10 prohibited chemicals, a list that could grow later — can be confiscated from tourists when they enter the country, and retailers who sell it can be fined up to $1,000.

Palau's ban comes after Hawaii in July banned the sale of sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate from 2021 in an attempt to protect its reefs. In Hawaii, however, tourists will still be able to bring the banned sunscreen with them into the state or buy it there if they have a doctor's prescription.

This NY Times article is a good introduction to this area, Palau Bans Many Types of Sunscreen to Protect Its Coral Reefs.

 

 

Wearable Devices to Prevent Sunburn

Image from NYT article

"Could new technology succeed where years of public health messages, doctor warnings and nagging moms have failed — to keep us safe from too much sun?"  New technology may offer a solution.

Jennifer Jolly of the New York Times describes wearable devices that can help people to avoid sunburns and choose the right SPF sunscreen.  While these may be overkill for some people, others may benefit.

See: NY Times, June 16, 2015.

Sunscreen Update: 2014

The main reason to reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours isn’t that it breaks down; most of today’s sunscreens are stable in sunlight. Rather, reapplication is crucial because most people don’t apply enough sunscreen in the first place.

This is a good update for the public.  See: NYTimes Reapply Sunscreen.

Choosing a Sunscreen

Here is a nice guide to selecting a sunscreen.  It does not give brand names, but informs you of what type of products to buy.

There are more articles on sunscreens on Dermatology Central which mention specific brands.  It's a big topic, since the sunscreens available in different countries are quite varied.

Dermnet.org's Guide is also quite informative.

Sunscreens for Babies

A frequently asked question by young mothers is whether sunscreens are safe for babies and young children, and if so, which ones should they use.  Dr. Julianne Mann, a pediatric dermatologist at Oregon Health Science University suggests the following:

"I recommend physical (non-chemical) sunscreens only for infants and babies less than two years old.  I think we  really don't have convincing safety data for long term use of chemical sunscreens in this age group, so I err on the side of safety and recommend zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sunscreens.  Parents often ask me whether micronized zinc/titanium sunscreens are safe.  I think they probably are, but again we don't have data so I suggest using non-micronized sunscreens since babies don't care if their skin looks a little white :-)

 

My favorite brand is Badger fragrance free SPF 50 zinc oxide sunscreen. Only has 5 ingredients, and doesn't have a whole lot of botanical junk thrown in the way most "natural" sunscreens do.  ThinkBaby is also good and is slightly less greasy, although it has a light fragrance.

 

For sun protection of babies' faces I love the bonnets, made by Urban Baby Bonnets, a great USA (Ohio)-based small company.  They are the only hats I've found that actually shade babies' faces and stay on.  they make girl and boy baby and toddler bonnets that are high quality and stylish.

Sun Protection Chinese Stye

Beach Essentials In China (from the NY Times)

"For legions of middle-class Chinese women — and for those who aspire to their ranks — solar protection is practically a fetish, complete with its own gear. This booming industry caters to a culture that prizes a pallid complexion as a traditional sign of feminine beauty unscathed by the indignities of manual labor. There is even an idiom, which women young and old know by heart: 'Fair skin conceals a thousand flaws.'"  This is an interesting article.