Is Sunscreen Bad For You?
Also Known As: sunblock, suntan lotion, sunburn cream, block out
Short answer
No, sunscreen is not bad for you. In fact, it’s critical to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Sunburns are bad for you—really bad for you. By now, we can all pretty much agree on that. There have been decades of research and numerous studies performed around the sun’s harmful effects. For example, the American Cancer Society reports that skin cancer accounts for one-third of all cancers diagnosed worldwide. And the International Agency for Research on Cancer claims that excessive sun damage accounts for 95% of malignant melanomas.
The risks are real. We understand that, and we are told that sunscreen helps prevent them. But does it really? Or could it be doing more harm than good?
First, it’s important to understand that there are two types of sunscreen. The physical kind uses zinc and titanium dioxide to block or “scatter” the sun’s harmful rays from penetrating your epidermis. The second kind allows some sunlight to pass through your skin, but relies on a chemical reaction to prevent damage from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Both kinds of sunscreen carry their own set of concerns.
Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide concerns some scientists, who believe that the mineral’s nanoparticles may be tiny enough to penetrate all the layers of your skin and be absorbed into your bloodstream. A recent study showed that the nanoparticles created inflammation in the body, which can lead to premature aging and cancer. However, it’s important to note that this study was performed on rodents; it is currently unclear whether or not the effect would be the same in humans.
With chemical sunscreen, it’s less of an ingredients issue and more about how these chemicals interact with each other. Animal studies have suggested that the way the chemicals absorb the UVA/UVB rays could cause damage to the body’s hormone system.
But with either type of sunscreen, there just isn’t enough data to definitively override the benefits of its use. And it’s pretty useful: a recent Australian study found that those who applied sunscreen daily saw 50% fewer melanomas than those who wore sunscreen sporadically or not at all.
Even though sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, it cannot be relied on entirely. The surest way to reduce your risk is to stay out of the sun, or at least limit your time in it. When you are in the sun, use sunscreen—but pick the right kind. In addition to there being two different types of sunscreen (physical and chemical), there are also different brands, forms, and levels of protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends SPF 30 or greater with broad-spectrum protection and water resistance such as the Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Sunscreen. Reapply as directed.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
- titanium dioxide/zinc oxide
Benefits
- guards against sunburn
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protects skin from premature aging
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helps reduce risk of skin cancer
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