Answer to this Question
Answer provided 6/4/2005 11:53:49 AM
Q.
Is it true there is more harm in using sunscreen then not because of some chemicals in many of them that may cause cancer?
A.
Hello,
Thank you for visiting our LifeTips.com Beach Site. This would be a question for your Dermatologist. Since all skin types are different ... some with more sensitive skin may have allergies or reactions to some chemicals used in sunscreens. Parsol 1789 [aka Avobenzone] is the most popular sunscreen chemical today. Extensive research has been done before allowing this to be used by the general public. If you remember several years ago PABA was found to cause reactions to a large population ... since then PABA has not been used in sunscreens.
Seems these days everything can cause cancer or some other disease. If you are concerned, ask your dermatologist for their honest opinion & what they recommend for your particular skin type. Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide are minerals, not chemicals, & are highly desirable for many who wish to avoid chemcials ... the trade off is usually a white sheen left on your skin. Many of the "microfine" zinc products also contain chemicals needed to process zinc in this way.
Often times, a sunburn you got when you were young will be the culprit of skin problems later on in life ... so teaching children to be "sun safe" early in life will be the best way to avoid problems later on. Here are some rules to follow:
1) Try to avoid direct sun exposure during the mid day sun when UV Radiation is at its peak. (Between 11 am - 1 pm) If you cannot get out of the sun, at least cover up or seek shade.
2) Use the "shadow rule" ... when your shadow is shorter than you are or non existent is when UV Radiation is High. When it is longer than you are, it is safer to be in the sun.
3) Pay particular attention to your face & hands as they are almost always exposed. Wear a broad brimmed hat whenever you are outdoors for an extended period of time.
4) Get to know your skin ... everyone's skin is different & reacts differently to sun exposure. Knowing your limits will help you protect your skin.
5) Sun exposure is an everyday thing ... don't assume that you are safe in the winter, in high altitudes, or in the shade. Sun rays can reflect off of pavement or sidewalks, snow, water, etc.
Hope this has been helpful.
Visit us at Barnacle Kove for chemical free Mexitan suncare products, SunSignals UV Sensors, & more.
See Ya Later, Alligator!
at Barnacle Kove
www.barnaclekove.com
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