Sun Block , Healthy for your Skin?

In a study conducted by the University  of California in Riverside it was found that the filters in sunscreen that protect against ultraviolet radiation can generate compounds that attack skin cells, the study was published in (Free Radical Biology and Medicine Volume 41, Issue 8). Researches believe that using products with higher SPF rating can actually lead to more cases of melanoma.
Sunscreen generate a compound called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which are harmful to the skin. Many of the filters used in these products penetrate the skin with time leaving it vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, they also contain nano particles that can facilitate the penetration of harmful ingredients into the skin.
Kerry M. Hanson, a senior research scientist in this study found that the three UV filters commonly  used in the sun screen(octymethxycinnamate,benzophenone-3 and octocrylene) naturally produced ROS, additional ROS is produced when these filters penetrate the skin, creating oxidative damage. In simple terms ROS reacts with cell wall, lipids membrane, mitochondria and DNA, leading to skin damage and  increasing the signs of aging.
The study proposed that sunscreens that combine UV filters with Antioxidants may well be an adecuate solution, as antioxidants have been shown to reduce UV induced ROS levels in the skin.
More is not better, SPF with higher SPF rating may be worse, most SPF  only measure the ability to filter UVB rays, not the more dangerous UVA rays, these may lead to encourage the user of high rating sun block to stay in sun longer with a false sense of security, increasing the penetrations of these harmful chemicals.
In conclusion, it is recommended to use low SPF rating with contains Vitamin C, E, and few of the ingredients mentioned.




Teresa Valero