Are Sunscreens Bad for You? The Truth About Sunscreens and Your Skin

By: Afton Cobb, MD, FAAD

As a dermatologist, one of the most common questions I encounter is whether sunscreens are bad for you. Sun protection with clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shade-seeking is very important for preventing skin cancer and aging caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, in recent years, there has been a growing debate surrounding the safety of these essential skincare products. In this article, I aim to debunk the myths and provide the facts about sunscreens and their impact on your skin.

Question #1: Do Sunscreens Cause Cancer?

Sunscreens prevent cancer. There is no scientific evidence that sunscreens cause cancer. 

Sunscreens work by blocking or absorbing UV radiation, which helps prevent the cellular and DNA damage that cause skin cancer. Sunscreens have demonstrated a clear benefit in reducing the risk of skin cancers.

One reason why this rumor got started was due to benzene contamination that was found in a number of personal care products, including sunscreens (particularly spray sunscreens). Benzene is a human carcinogen that can cause leukemia and other blood disorders. About 90% of benzene exposure is due to cigarette smoking, but it can also be related to glues, adhesives, cleaning products, paint, gasoline fumes, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions. Benzene is not an ingredient in any sunscreen. 

You can learn more about benzene contamination in cosmetic products by visiting the FDA website, which also contains a list of the contaminated products that were recalled. 

Question #2: Will sunscreen affect my Vitamin D levels?:

One common reason why people say they don’t want to use sunscreen is due to concerns with their vitamin D levels.

People who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are people with darker skin types, malabsorption issues, or those living far from the equator. People with lighter skin types absorb vitamin D very rapidly, usually in a matter of minutes. Studies have not shown that regular sunscreen use decreases vitamin D levels.  There is somewhat of a controversy on what the “normal” sufficient levels of vitamin D are for each individual. If you’re concerned about vitamin D deficiency, first you should get your levels checked to see if you actually are vitamin D deficient. If you are, there are safer ways to boost vitamin D levels in the body than sun exposure, such as eating foods rich in vitamin D (fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products), and taking oral vitamin D supplements. 

Question #3: Why is sunscreen banned in some places?

Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing the ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate on January 1, 2021. There are also other places that ban one or both of these ingredients, such as: Aruba, US Virgin Islands, and Key West Florida. The reason why these ingredients are banned is due to concerns about coral reef bleaching. Coral reef bleaching is well known to occur as a result of rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, as well as overfishing and pollution.  The studies that demonstrated coral reef bleaching due to chemical sunscreens were done in vitro (in a lab), at concentrations much higher than what is found in the environment, therefore it is unclear to what extent this occurs in the ocean. If you have concerns about sunscreens and coral reef bleaching, the best choice for sunscreen is a mineral (physical blocking) sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  

Question  #4: Why do some sunscreens irritate my skin?

Irritation from sunscreens can occur due to a variety of reasons, just like any cosmetic care product. Skin irritation may manifest as redness, burning, tingling, or itching. Some sunscreens contain preservatives or fragrances that may cause allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. In other cases, people can develop allergies to the actual chemical sunscreen ingredients themselves, such as oxybenzone. In these situations, “photoallergy” occurs, which is an allergic eruption that occurs after applying the sunscreen and being exposed to light. Mineral sunscreens, such as those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, generally cause less skin irritation and allergies. If you are having issues with sunscreens or other personal care products, consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists can recommend alternative ingredients and products, or perform patch testing to assess for contact allergies.

Summary

In conclusion, sunscreens are safe when used appropriately. They are essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and preventing premature aging. If you still have concerns about sunscreen, opt for sun-protective clothing and mineral sunscreens such as those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type, apply it generously, re-apply every 1-2 hours, and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine. Your skin will thank you for the care and protection in the long run.