FEATURED ISSUE
Sunscreen safety
Our perception of sunscreen safety dramatically changed in early 2020 when research funded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that some sunscreen active ingredients are not only systemically absorbed by the body in substantial amounts, but they can also stay there for days. And the biological effect is unknown. The good news is that not all categories of sunscreen products include the ingredients of major concern. The bad news is that these ingredients are in the majority of products. Those in the popular category of “chemical” sunscreen products do include the chemical ultraviolet (UV) filter ingredients avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, ecamsule, homosalate, octisalate, and/or octinoxate. While the FDA asked sunscreen manufacturers to conduct additional testing of their chemical ingredients to see which can be designated GRASE (Generally Regarded As Safe and Effective), it appears that this testing has not yet taken place.

Here are your three primary choices:

• Chemical sunscreen products absorb into the skin and then absorb UV rays, convert the sun’s rays into heat, and finally release them from the body. Chemical sunscreen ingredients commonly used in the U.S. are ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and avobenzone. These get mixed reviews, with most not considered GRASE.
• Mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen products sit on the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. Older versions tend to coat the skin in a visible layer of white residue. Mineral sunscreen ingredients commonly used are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are designated GRASE.
• Natural products using plant-derived oils and extracts are less common and are generally viewed as less effective because they don’t include chemical or mineral ingredients. It is important to consider that environmental and physical factors affect the ability of the plant material to attenuate UV light.

Whichever sunscreen you decide to use, keep in mind that you shouldn’t rely only on sunscreen to prevent overexposure. It’s also important (1) to wear sunglasses, hats, and T-shirts, (2) to stay in the shade, and (3) to avoid the midday sun.

Issue: How safe is the sunscreen you are using?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues and views knowledge as power. For those interested in this month’s issue, the articles below were selected to support your research into the safety considerations of the various sunscreen products. As always, discuss any healthcare decisions with your physician.

About studies funded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial (1/21/20)
by Murali K. Matta, PhD; et al
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

FDA Sunscreen Report Raises Concern Over Chemicals (1/21/20)
by Brenda Goodman, MA
WebMD

Supportive of Chemical Ingredient Safety:
Is Sunscreen Safe?  (2019)
American Academy of Dermatology Association

Safety Considerations of Sunscreens (5/13/21)
by Devin Regan
SkinCancer.net

Supportive of Mineral Ingredient Safety:
The Truth About Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens (4/6/21)
by Markham Heid
Elemental

Sunscreen Safety: SPF, UVA, UVB, Oxybenzone & Vitamin D (updated 5/22/20)
Wellness Mama 

Supportive of Plants for Sunscreening:
The Sunscreening Properties of Plants
Wholesome Living 

Is It Possible to Make a Safe and Effective Sunscreen from Scratch?  (7/10/19)
by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Healthline

You are encouraged to go to our blog at ahha.org/blog and post your comments.

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