28 May Your Chemical Sunscreen

Hello sun lovers, Is that time of year again that the suns out! So,get your buns out!!! We all anxiously await summer to get some much-anticipated Vitamin D from the sun! One of the most important things we ensure we have during these warm months is our sunscreen of course. Whether were on the beach, an amusement park or simply out and about. Having sunscreen is of the highest of importance for outdoors activities. The purpose of slathering this white creamy lotion on our bodies is to prevent sunburns and skin cancer. But, can the ingredients used to make up this sunscreen cause the very things that its protecting us from? 

The ingredients that make up sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin from the sun. This barrier is either made up of minerals or chemicals.

The FDA proposed a new regulation just this year in February of 2019. This proposed ruling will update regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products sold in the U.S. According to the FDA the proposal addresses sunscreen active ingredient safety, dosage forms, and sun protection factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum requirements. 

Now more than ever sunscreen consumers are becoming aware that most sunscreens carry chemicals that can be harmful to us by penetrating the skin and getting into our bodies. With a rise in Cancer it is only logical that we question the ingredients in everything. More than 3 Million Americans develop skin cancer each year!!! That’s just skin cancer!!

According to the National Cancer Institute the rate of new melanoma rates amongst adults has tripled since the 1970’s from 7.9 per 100,000 in 1975, to 23 per 100,000 in 2016.  ALARMING HUH!! 

The FDA allows companies to advertise “broad spectrum” skin protection. To claim that, with proper use, their products can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, the FDA released its final draft In early 2019. Acoording to EWG.org the“sunscreens monograph” states that since 2011, the evidence linking UVA exposure to skin cancers has increased. Every major public health authority – the FDA, the National Cancer Institute and the International Agency for Research on Cancer – has concluded that the available data DO NOT support the assertion that sunscreens alone reduce the rate of skin cancer.

Did you know that Sunscreens are considered an over the counter drug which means you can purchase without a prescription?! What’s in these bottles and convenient spray cans that make them a drug? Let’s take a look…

According to the FDA two ingredients are “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE). These ingredients are:

The FDA proposes that two other ingredients are NOT GRASE (Generally recognized as safe and effective):

These are considered a human toxicant and far outweigh their benefits and are considered unsafe.

(These are currently illegal in the U.S, so you shouldn’t have to worry about these)

Currently the FDA has insufficient data to make a positive GRASE (“generally recognized as safe and effective”) for 12 other ingredients at this present time. The FDA is requesting additional data from the industry. 

Four of the 12 ingredients that are currently being evaluated are…

Studies found that all four ingredients are absorbed into the blood at levels that the agency says is worth testing for possible cancer risks. Unfortunately, it can take months or even years before the FDA determines if the 12 ingredients are classified as GRASE (“generally recognized as safe and effective”).

Of the 1,400+ sunscreens tested by the EWG, only 5% met their safety standards and over 40% were listed as potentially contributing to skin cancer.

75% of the population is Vitamin D deficient and guess what? Sun block doesn’t allow you to absorb the goodness from the sun.

You are probably thinking, well what should I use for protection once I get the goodness from the sun and want to avoid the harmful rays?

According to Madesafe.org here is a list of recommended sunscreen products that are more natural in ingredients…

A few tips for FUN in THE SUN!!

It is so important to protect yourself from sun exposure and apparently the best way to do it is by covering up. We should always be asking questions especially if we are directly applying sunscreen on our self and our children! 

Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the summer ahead.

With Love,

Miss Rehab Ramdass

Yesenia Ramdass

Disclaimer: Miss Rehab Ramdass website, blog, social media and videos should not be construed as medical advice. Content from this site and blog are not intended to be used as a medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.