Beware there are dangers hiding in your sunscreen lotion

| Last updated less than one minute ago

Submit :

News Photos Just In Debate Topic Latest News Articles Local News Blog Posts Pictures Reviews Recipes

A Mukhopadhyay

25 June, 2010

Given the large number of chemicals used in making sunscreen creams and lotions, your sunscreen might not be the best item for your skin. In USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not thoroughly convinced of the role of sunscreens.

IN A society obsessed with fair complexion, sunscreen creams and lotions occupy a pivotal place in the skin care routine of beauty conscious women. However, few women are aware of the dangers associated with sunscreen use.

Nonetheless, with rising incidence of skin cancer triggered by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, inevitable fallout of ozone layer depletion, you can’t rule out the importance of sunscreen products. In brief, we are in a dilemma – whether to protect our skin from the radiations of the sun or increase the risk of health damage caused by commercial sunscreen products.

Given the large number of chemicals used in making sunscreen creams and lotions, your sunscreen might not be the best item for your skin. In USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not thoroughly convinced of the role of sunscreens in preventing skin cancers. The sunscreen regulations draft created by FDA in 2007 states that “FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen alone helps prevent skin cancer”.

Vitamin A, listed as retinyl palminate in sunscreen products, is present in over 40 percent sunscreen creams and lotions. Sunscreen ads will tell you that vitamin A is extremely good for your skin, but this is only partially true. Vitamin A is indeed good for your skin. By eating vitamin A rich vegetables and fruits, you can get the right dose of vitamin A. However, slathering your skin with vitamin A might do more harm to your skin. Studies have shown that overuse of vitamin A based skin care products triggers formation of skin lesions and tumors.

Another ingredient present in several sunscreens is oxybenzone, a type of synthetic estrogen. Oxybenzone might disrupt the hormonal balance of your body.

Nano particles present in sunscreen products could harm your body if ingested accidentally. Zinc oxide used in sun blocks might not be safe for your health. In laboratory experiments, scientists have observed that a cell dies when it comes in direct contact with solid zinc oxide. Solid zinc oxide used in sunscreens is more toxic than soluble zinc.

Overuse of sunscreen products is blamed for the rising incidence of vitamin D deficiency, especially among women. Vitamin D is naturally synthesized in the human body. However, exposure to sunlight is essential for stimulating vitamin D synthesis. Unlike other vitamins, only a handful of natural products contain this essential vitamin. Moderate amounts of vitamin D could be found in egg yolk, seafood, fish and fish liver oil. Hence, to prevent vitamin D deficiency you can’t ignore the sunlight.

Vitamin D protects your body from a large number of ailments such as osteoporosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and infections. Studies have shown that the sunshine vitamin could even reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

However, you can always find a safer sunscreen cream. Try choosing a product that is free from the harmful chemicals as mentioned above. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the scorching midday sun. Use umbrellas, hats and sunglasses to protect your skin from the direct rays of the sun. Don’t miss basking in the early morning or late afternoon sunlight, at least for 15 to 20 minutes.