Here are some details about sunscreen creams, including their positive and negative aspects, as well as information about their ingredients and materials:
- Sunscreen creams, also known as sunblock or sun cream, are photoprotective topical products designed to protect the skin from sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation.
- There are two main types of sunscreen creams: inorganic (mineral or physical) and organic (chemical or petrochemical).
- Inorganic sunscreens use active ingredients that are minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by absorbing and scattering UV rays.
- Organic sunscreens use organic molecules as active ingredients and work mainly by absorbing UV rays.
- The FDA has proposed that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, can be classified as safe and effective, based on the currently available information.
- Some experts have raised concerns about the potential health effects of chemical ingredients found in most sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, which may be absorbed into the body and lead to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, fertility problems, and even skin cancer.
- In contrast, there is evidence to suggest that few, if any, zinc or titanium particles penetrate the skin to reach living tissues, making inorganic sunscreens a potentially safer option.
- Mineral sunscreens have been found to underperform in some testing, not always meeting the claimed SPF label on the package and failing to provide adequate protection.
- The FDA is currently investigating 12 sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, and others, to determine their safety and efficacy.
- If you are concerned about certain sunscreen ingredients, look for a sunscreen that contains only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.
