Hey there! Did you know that one in five Americans will get skin cancer by the age of 70? It’s a scary fact, but there’s good news: the right sunscreen can help protect you. I know hearing about safety concerns can be confusing, especially with something as important as sunscreen. But don’t worry—I’m here to explain it all and help you feel better about your choices.

Quick takes

• People are not dying from sunscreen chemicals. They are dying from skin cancer that can be prevented with sunscreen.
• More promising chemicals have been used in sunscreen in Asia and Europe for more than 20 years, but fear and outdated laws deny folks in the US access. These newer chemicals are better because they offer stronger and longer-lasting protection against the sun’s harmful rays. They are also less likely to cause skin irritation and are more comfortable to wear because they feel lighter and less greasy on the skin. If these chemicals were allowed in the US, we could have more effective and pleasant sunscreens to choose from.
• For those still concerned about certain sunscreen chemicals, there are alternative sunscreens and other ways to protect yourself from the sun.

Why sunscreen is still your friend

First, let’s remember why we use sunscreen in the first place. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America? By the time they reach 70, about 1 in 5 people (20%) will have it. Even though treatments work really well, skin cancer still causes at least two deaths in America every hour, friends.

How sunscreen works

Sunscreen works by protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays can cause premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays can cause sunburn. Both types can lead to skin cancer.

Sunscreen chemicals and minerals

Sunscreen contains special ingredients that either block or absorb these UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and turn them into heat, which is then released from your skin. Mineral sunscreens, like those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of your skin and physically block the UV rays from reaching it. By using sunscreen, you create a protective barrier that helps keep your skin safe from damage.

The importance of wearing sunscreen: Girl Friday’s personal story

Let me tell you about my father. Born in 1946, he recently had a chunk of his ear removed due to skin cancer. While waiting during his outpatient surgery, I noticed the entire dermatology waiting room was filled with people waiting for similar procedures. This wasn’t his first encounter with skin cancer either. Over the past few years, he’s had cancers removed from his back and arm.

My father spent a lot of time working outdoors on the railroad in his younger years, where sunscreen was rarely used unless it was a hot summer day at the beach. By adopting a new attitude toward wearing sunscreen whenever we’re in the sun, I hope you and I can avoid skin cancer altogether and keep our skin looking young far into our senior years. Protect your skin; it’s never too early or too late to start.

“People aren’t dying from using sunscreen. They’re dying from melanoma.” (skin cancer)

— Cherie Duvall-Jones, FDA spokesperson

Addressing your concerns

You might have heard about some ingredients in sunscreen that can be harmful to our health and the environment. I did some research, and it sounds to me like a few cautionary statements made by the FDA in 2019 and followup FDA statements in 2021 have been blown out of proportion. I feel safe with the currently-approved FDA sunscreens. In fact, I’m pushing for the FDA to approve the use of additional sunscreen chemicals, used in Asia and Europe for over 20 years, which provide even better protection from the sun’s UV radiation.

Human health concerns:

• Low risk in normal use: Most sunscreen ingredients are safe for everyday use. The concerns about chemicals like oxybenzone are mainly about long-term or high exposure.
• Safe alternatives: Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great options, should you be concerned about chemical sunscreens. They stay on the skin’s surface and aren’t absorbed, reducing any potential risk.

Environmental impact concerns:

• Smart choices near water: If you’re worried about harming marine life, simply choose reef-safe sunscreens when you’re at the beach or swimming in natural water bodies.
• Balance is key: You can use your regular sunscreen when you’re not near water. This way, you protect your skin without stressing about the environment every day. Bonus: non reef-safe sunscreens usually cost about one third less.

“Some sunscreen ingredients have been used for 30 years without any population-level evidence that they have harmed anyone.”

— Adewole “Ade” Adamson, Licensed dermatologist

Practical and easy steps to address your concerns

1. Read labels: If you’re concerned, look for sunscreens labeled “reef-safe” or “mineral-based.” These are usually free from the chemicals of concern.
2. Affordable options: Brands like Alba Botanica, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc, and Banana Boat Simply Protect offer good chemical-free protection without a high price tag.
3. Other sun protection methods:
   • Clothing: Wear hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure.
   • Shade: Stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Feeling confident and safe

Trust the experts:

• Regulatory approval: Sunscreens are reviewed by health authorities like the FDA to ensure they are safe for use. In my opinion, the FDA is actually overly strict on currently allowed sunscreen chemicals.
• Dermatologists’ advice: Experts recommend using sunscreen as part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. The entire career of a dermatologist is devoted to protecting and perfecting our skin.

Small changes make a big difference:

• Gradual switch: If concerned, you can start by adding a reef-safe sunscreen to your routine when at the beach. You don’t have to change everything at once.
• Focus on the benefits: Remember the main goal is to protect your skin. Any step towards safer choices is a positive move.

More stuff from other places

• FDA.gov: Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
• US EPA: Sun Health Effects
• USA Today: Why the U.S. is behind on sunscreen
• Does Europe have better sunscreens?

Let’s wrap it up…

Understanding sunscreen safety doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the benefits, making informed choices, and taking simple, practical steps, you can protect your skin and the environment without added stress. Remember, your health and well-being are the most important, and using sunscreen is a key part of staying safe and healthy in the sun.