Are Your Sunscreen Ingredients Safe?

FDA on Sunscreen Ingredients

In February 2019, the FDA announced a new proposal on sunscreen safety that could overhaul the entire industry. They have focused on examining the 16 different active ingredients found in sunscreens available in the marketplace today. They have announced that only 2 ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are deemed safe to use. The FDA is now questioning other 14 ingredients.

The FDA is now issuing proposed guidelines and regulatory regulations to better reflect what we know about sunscreen ingredients, how they work, and how they affect our health.

Do You Know What’s in Sunscreen?

Sunscreen ingredients are typically divided into two major categories: physical and chemical. Zinc Oxide and titanium dioxide are physically recognizable because of their white appearance on the skin. They remain on the outside of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. The other 12 ingredients in question, are of a chemical nature and are absorbed into the skin. They then absorb the UV rays which keeps you from having sunburn or sun damage.

The Main Concern About Sunscreen Ingredients

Studies have found that after some of the ingredients enter the bloodstream, could they be harmful to your health. However, whether or not that is harmful to human health is still uncertain. The FDA has forced regulators to pause and take note. For now, they have determined that these ingredients need more long-term studies.

Don’t Throw Out that Sunscreen Yet!

Nothing is official yet so DO NOT quit using your sunscreen! It could take months, or years before any official recommendations

Dr. Josuha Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, states “We need more data to understand this issue fully. Based on what we know today, the benefit of wearing sunscreen in protecting the skin against skin cancer and premature aging outweighs the potential risks,” he added. “If anyone is concerned with the use of chemical blocker sunscreens, mineral options that contain zinc oxide alone or in combination with titanium dioxide are a great option.”

Dr. Alexander Gross, board certified dermatologist at Georgia Dermatology Center is in agreement and promotes sunscreen safety at his practice. “Skin cancer is the leading cause of death in America. Either stay out of the sun or slather on the sunscreen.”

Georgia Dermatology Center is located in Cumming Georgia. They treat patients from all over GA including Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Canton, Suwanee and Roswell.