Choose sunscreen carefully: 75% do not go through the master

May 5, 2022 ―――― A new report on sunscreen is coming out just in time for the anniversary outing.

The news is not all sunny. According to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research and advocacy organization that just published 16, about 75% of over 1,850 sunscreen products rated include inadequate or anxious ingredients. is.^th Year-round Sunscreen guide.

In contrast, dermatologists, including the president of the American Academy of Dermatology, continue to be an important tool in the fight against skin cancer, despite growing concerns about the safety of sunscreen ingredients. It states that it is.by Skin Cancer Foundation, One in five Americans will have skin cancer by the age of 70. The most deadly melanoma, if detected early, has a 99% 5-year survival rate.

2022 report

Overall, the Environmental Working Group has found that about a quarter of sunscreens, or about 500 products, meet the criteria for providing the right sunscreen and avoiding known health hazard-related ingredients. I found that. Products for infants were a little better, with one-third meeting the criteria. This group evaluated mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, and non-mineral sunscreens, also known as chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and sit on the skin to divert the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens containing ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone are partially absorbed by the skin.

Among the concerns of the group:

• Use of oxybenzone in non-mineral sunscreens. About 30% of non-mineral sunscreens have it, says Carla Burns, senior director of cosmetic science in the Environmental Working Group. Oxybenzone is a potential hormone-destroying agent, she says, a skin sensitizer that can be harmful to children and adults. Some progress has been made as the group found oxybenzone in 66% of the non-mineral sunscreens reviewed in 2019 (the FDA is seeking more information on oxybenzone and many other sunscreen ingredients).
• Sunscreen benzene contamination. leukemia Other blood disorders, according to the National Cancer Center. However, industry experts say that the chemicals are found in trace amounts in personal care products. Safety concerns. “Benzene is an environmentally ubiquitous chemical, not an intentionally added ingredient in personal care products. People around the world come from indoor and outdoor sources such as air, drinking water, food and beverages. Is exposed to benzene daily, “said the industry group’s Personal Care Products Council in a statement.
• According to a study published last year by the Environmental Working Group, protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays is often inadequate.

Products on the “best” list

The Environmental Working Group has found that 282 recreational sunscreens meet that standard. among them:

• Coral Safe Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Mad Hippie Facial Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+

The group chose 86 non-mineral sunscreens as a better option, including:

• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Lotion, Aloe Vera, SPF 30
• Banana Boat Sports Ultra Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+
• Black Girl Sunscreen Melanin Boosting Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

And 70 sunscreens made the best list of kids including:

• True Baby Everyday Play Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
• SanBio Logic Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
• Kiss My Face Organic Kids Defense Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

Industry response, FDA action

In a statement, Alexandra Koutz, Chief Scientist of the Personal Care Products Council, said, “As part of a safe daily sunscreen therapy, sunscreen products help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. It’s a shame that Americans spend more time outdoors, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) 2022 Guide to Sunscreens is misleading information that can prevent consumers from using sunscreen altogether. Fearing and relying on agitating fear. “

She says the FDA is working with the FDA to get more information about specific ingredients to further evaluate the product. The FDA states that it seeks to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of commercial sunscreen products. In September 2021, the FDA issued a proposal to regulate OTC sunscreen products under the CARES (Coronavirus Assistance, Relief and Financial Security) Act. According to the CARES Act, the effective date of a final order cannot be before September 2022.

Dermatologist weighs

“Every time something like this is announced, my patient becomes hysterical,” says Michele Green, MD, a New York City dermatologist who reviewed the WebMD report. She acknowledges that further research is needed on some sunscreen ingredients. “We really don’t know the long-term effects of oxybenzone,” she says.

Her advice: If her patient has chloasma (a condition of the skin with brown spots on the face), she advises them to use both chemical and mineral sunscreens. “I generally don’t tell my patients not to use chemicals [sunscreens].. “

She says children may prefer mineral sunscreens. Her teenager is using mineral sunscreen because of the potential for hormonal disturbances.

“Sunscreen is an important part of a comprehensive sunscreen strategy,” said Mark D. Kaufmann, President of the American Academy of Dermatology, in a statement.

In addition to a wide spectrum water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more for exposed skin, the Academy recommends looking for shade and wearing sunscreen clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer. ..