The advice is hard to miss. We see and hear it everywhere, from television talk shows to magazines, from doctors’ offices to skin cancer survivors: wear sunscreen. The intention is good, and the advice even makes sense. After all, the sun is a prominent source of radiation, and radiation causes skin cancer, right? It makes sense that we should all wear sunscreen to block the sun’s harmful rays . . . or should we?

Sunscreen undeniably protects the skin from sunburn. This painful condition makes it difficult to perform daily tasks because any contact to the affected area is quite painful. Those who suffer severe sunburns may even experience other symptoms, such as nausea.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit corporation and public health advocacy group, there is a relation between sunscreen use and the incidence of skin cancer. While sunscreen use has increased, so has skin cancer. This suggests that sunscreen may not protect against skin cancer, but may actually increase one’s risk for developing it.


Sun Exposure to Sunscreen Ingredients Creates Cancer-Causing Free Radicals

Ironically, sunscreen is safe as long as it is not exposed to the sun. As with many other chemicals, the ingredients in sunscreen react to light. When these chemicals are exposed to sunlight, they release free radicals. This increases the concentration of free radicals on the skin.

Free radicals are closely linked to the development of cancer. These unstable ions attack other molecules, stealing an electron and rendering the latter molecule unstable. This sets off a chain reaction where stable molecules are attacked, becoming unstable.

Retinyl Palmitate becomes Cancer-Causing when Exposed to Sunlight

Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that is found in 41% of sunscreens. It is an antioxidant, meaning that it neutralizes free radicals; however, it is also a photocarcinogen – it becomes a cancer-causing agent when exposed to sunlight. In a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) study, researchers applied creams containing retinyl palmitate to animals’ skin, and then exposed them to sunlight. The study showed that there was an increased incidence of skin cancer in these animals.

According to their article, “New FDA Data: Sunscreen Additive May Speed Skin Damage,” the EWG “cautions consumers to select sun products free of [retinyl palmitate] until more conclusive information is available. This caution extends to other forms of vitamin A as well – retinol, retinyl acetate, and other retinyls – which are expected to display common toxic properties and to pose similar safety concerns.”

Look at the ingredients of any personal care items, including makeup, that have sun block. As little as .1% retinyl palmitate can increase your risk for skin cancer.

Natural Sunscreen

The following sunscreens are good choices available in the United States:

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