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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A new survey from the Melanoma Research Alliance finds many Americans are skeptical about sunscreen safety, with more than half having seen claims that ingredients might be harmful.
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The survey found 59% of Americans are concerned about chemicals in sunscreen, 38% do not believe it is safe or effective, and only 50% regularly use sunscreen outdoors. Just 38% wear sunscreen during everyday activities.
Dermatologists in Tucson say they are seeing more patients raising concerns about sunscreen safety.
An FDA study found certain sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, but Dr. Mohammad Fazel at Banner University Medicine says that does not mean sunscreen is unsafe.
“I tell patients, even the low levels they found in the blood have not been found to be dangerous,” Fazel said. He adds there are alternatives for those still worried about the effects.
“Some people will ask me, hey, I just want the cleanest sunscreen. I don’t like that thought of something absorbing. And then there’s this zinc and titanium based, we call them physical blockers, that don’t absorb at all,” Fazel said.
Fazel says the most effective sunscreen is the one that you will actually use. Many don’t realize how easy it is to get burned, outside of outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. He said you can get burned behind the wheel of your car, ending up with more than a bad tan.
“If you have three or four bad sunburns in a decade, the risk of melanoma goes up three to four times, which is pretty significant,” Fazel said. “Whereas squamous cell skin cancer, one of the more common ones we see, that one’s more cumulative.”
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Sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle. Fazel says full sun protection means staying out of direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wearing sun protective clothing. The benefits also go beyond preventing cancer.
“Sunscreen also reduces the risk of fine lines and wrinkles over time, helps your skin age more, you know, gracefully,” Fazel said. “So I think there’s benefit to anyone.”
When shopping for sunscreen, Fazel says look for three things: an SPF of at least 30, broad spectrum protection, and water resistance if you are active.
You should also know the ABCDs of melanoma: asymmetry, border, color, and diameter. If you spot anything new that fits those signs, see a doctor.
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