Sunscreen Safety: What’s Really Absorbing into Your Skin?

by Jon Scaccia July 22, 2024

We all know that sunscreen is our best friend when it comes to protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It’s a staple in our summer routines, beach bags, and daily skincare. But have you ever wondered what happens to the ingredients in sunscreen once they’re absorbed into your skin? Recent studies have raised some concerns, leading us to take a closer look at the ingredients in these products and their potential impact on our health.

The Ingredients Under Scrutiny: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

Oxybenzone (BP-3) and octinoxate (OMC) are two common ingredients found in many sunscreens. They’ve been great at shielding our skin from UV rays, but recent evidence suggests they don’t just stay on the surface. These ingredients can be absorbed into our bloodstream, and that’s where the questions begin.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been banned in places like Key West and Hawaii due to their harmful effects on coral reefs and marine life. This has naturally led to concerns about what these chemicals might do to human health once absorbed.

The Science Behind the Concerns

A thorough review of 29 studies was conducted to understand the potential health impacts of these ingredients. Here’s what the researchers found:

1. Systemic Absorption: Both BP-3 and OMC can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. They’ve been detected in various bodily fluids, including urine, blood, and even breast milk.
2. Impact on Health: The studies explored whether these absorbed ingredients could be linked to health issues like hormone disruption, fertility problems, and developmental issues in children.

A mixed bag of information

Here’s a breakdown:

• Thyroid Hormones: The impact on thyroid hormone levels showed inconsistent results. Some studies suggested a possible link between high BP-3 levels and changes in thyroid hormones, but others found no significant association.
• Reproductive Health: The studies on both males and females mostly found no significant impact on fertility or reproductive hormones. There were some indications that BP-3 might affect testosterone levels in adolescent boys, but more research is needed to confirm this.
• Child Development: Prenatal exposure to BP-3 did not show a significant impact on the development of offspring in most studies. However, there were a few exceptions, such as one study linking BP-3 exposure to a rare birth defect, though the evidence was not strong enough to draw firm conclusions.
• Kidney Function: One study suggested a potential link between BP-3 and kidney function, but this was an isolated finding that requires further investigation.
• Obesity and Puberty: There was no significant evidence linking BP-3 or OMC to childhood obesity. The impact on puberty timing was inconclusive, with one study suggesting an earlier onset and another suggesting a delay.

Why Should We Care?

This information is practical for public health practitioners. Sunscreen is essential for preventing skin cancer and other sun-related health issues, but understanding the long-term effects of its ingredients is equally important. This research helps in making informed choices about sunscreen products and potentially guiding future regulations and recommendations.

While the current evidence doesn’t strongly support a causal relationship between BP-3 or OMC and adverse health outcomes, it does highlight the need for more comprehensive and long-term studies.

The Need for Further Research

To truly understand the implications of using sunscreens containing BP-3 and OMC, we need well-designed, long-term studies. These should track the health effects of these ingredients over many years and consider various factors, such as frequency of use and cumulative exposure from different sources.

What’s Next for Sunscreen Safety?

For now, the takeaway is to remain informed and vigilant. Using sunscreen is still vital for protecting against the sun’s harmful rays, but being aware of the ingredients and opting for products with a proven safety profile can help mitigate potential risks.

Questions for You:

1. Have you ever considered the ingredients in your sunscreen and their potential impact on your health? Share your thoughts and any changes you’ve made in your sunscreen choices.
2. How do you balance the need for sun protection with concerns about chemical absorption? Let us know your strategies and any alternative products you’ve found effective.

Let’s continue this conversation in the comments or on social media. Your experiences and insights are valuable!

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