Sun Block Dangers

Sun block, or sunscreen, is considered by most people to be a safe and effective way to shield skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Sun block contains UV filters. When it is applied on the skin, these filters absorb some of the sun's UV rays, for the purpose of protecting skin from sun damage and diseases caused by sun exposure, such as melanoma.

It's very important to protect your skin from UV rays, particularly if you have pale or sensitive skin. However, there are some dangers associated with the use of sun block.

Chemical Controversy

• Some sun blocks contain chemicals that may be harmful to the body, includng octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA) , benzophenone-3 (Bp-3), homosalate (HMS), octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) and 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC).

  Dr. Loren Pickart, a biochemist and the founder of skinbiology.com, claims that these common sun block ingredients may behave like estrogen and confuse chemical messages in your body.

  Other researchers claim that some chemicals in sunscreen are actually toxic to humans. William Douglass, MD, founder of thedouglassreport.com, reports that PABA, dioxybenzone, oxybenzone and titanium dioxide--all commonly found in sunscreen and lip balms--may actually be carcinogenic.

  However, it's very important to understand that these claims have not been thoroughly tested, and many sun blocks have been proven safe and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. If you're concerned about your reaction to certain chemicals in sun block, speak to your doctor.

Vitamin D Deficiency

• Vitamin D is an important chemical compound for humans. It helps to maintain stable levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, aids in calcium absorption and protects against osteoporosis and hypertension. Some studies have shown that vitamin D can provide protection from some types of cancer and autoimmune disease.

  Vitamin D can come from certain foods and vitamin supplements, but it's most easily absorbed in humans by exposure to UV rays. Sun block, however, prevents your skin from absorbing proper levels of vitamin D.

  While it's important to understand the risks of sun exposure without protection, the importance of vitamin D shouldn't be overlooked. If you often wear sun block in the sun, talk to your doctor about getting proper levels of vitamin D through your diet.

Additives

• Some people with sensitive skin, allergies or asthma may react badly to the additives in many sun blocks.

  For some asthmatics, fragrances can be irritating. If you have asthma that's easily exacerbated, opt for a fragrance-free sun block.

  Some sun blocks contain preservatives or dyes that may irritate sensitive skin. However, there are some sun block options for those with sensitive skin: look for products that are dye-, fragrance- and preservative-free.

Reliance

• A 2003 study conducted in the UK suggested that people are becoming too reliant on sun block to protect them from UV rays. The study reported that those who wore sun block spent longer periods of time in the sun without considering other methods of sun protection, such as wearing protective clothing and spending time indoors mid-day, when the sun's rays are strongest.

  Sun block may give people a sense of protection, but sun block wearers aren't invincible, particularly if they spend long periods of time in the sun, don't wear ample SPF, or don't reapply as often as they should.

  London-based researcher Antony Young reported that several large studies have been "unable to tease out any clear relationship" between melanoma incidence and sunscreen use; presumably, groups who wore sunscreen regularly should have lower incidences of melanoma. But if those groups spent extended periods of time in the sun, the study concluded, they may still be at high risk for skin cancer. Some studies even showed that sunscreen use increased the risk of melanoma--a finding that researchers are still investigating.

Choosing a Good Product

• Despite the possible dangers of sun block, it's not recommended to spend any time in the sun without protection on all of your exposed skin.

  The US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a study of more than 1,500 sun protection products. The group reports that three out of five sun block products on the market as of 2009 aren't safe or effective, either not protecting the skin effectively, containing hazardous chemicals, or both.

  If you're concerned about the product you're using, review the list of EWG- and FDA- approved sun block products, which is updated regularly as new products are tested.