Is it really possible that sunscreen can be bad for you?  Well,…

An article this month in JAMA caused an uproar in communities around the United States regarding the safety of sunscreen. So what are the facts:

The 24 randomized participants tried 4 types of sunscreen applying it maximally, which is every 2 hours x 4 applications.

Clinical relevance of sunscreen systemic exposure is not well understood.

Further research is needed based on the fact the 4-chemical tested with absorption greater than 0.5 ng/ml.

Sunscreen is typically not applied every 4 hours in everyday use.

Skin cancer is worse than the minimal absorption.

What can we do/tell our patients:

Use Chemical Protectors such as Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide

Use Physical Barriers- Protective Clothing, Hats

Stay in the Shade

Protect Your eyes with sunglasses

 

Reference:

Matta, M.K., Zusterzeel,R., Pilli, N.R. (2019)Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients:A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online May 06, 2019. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2733085