Sunscreen Controversy

[SoonerTexan]

I've read similar stuff before, so I actually think this is old news, but thought it was interesting nonetheless:

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/24/st...rating-cancer/

Curious--any input from the derm wives?

I've been buying the organic stuff for a few years now, but after looking at their database, looks like even all of those products aren't so hot.

[corn poffi]

Here's my sunscreen question...what's worse, getting cancer from sunscreen or from sun exposure?

I don't know the answer, but I'd rather not be burnt.

Obviously, my logic is pretty sophomoric, so I'd also be interested in what others have to say.

[oceanchild]

Here's my sunscreen question...what's worse, getting cancer from sunscreen or from sun exposure?

After a while it starts to feel like everything is going to result in cancer, doesn't it? (I hate that the EWG list doesn't like sprays. Because I love sprays.)

DH, for what it's worth, remains pro-sunscreen.

[Thirteen]

We are pro-sunscreen here. But it's more than that - I have big floppy sunhats, and I now wear long sleeves if I'm outside during hot parts of the day/high UV time.
I used to try and tan in high school/college (outside, not beds) but I'm pretty fair skinned and I burn easily. Plus, skin cancer runs on my mom's side of the family.
While DH looks freaking SAMOAN when he tans (not far!) he also is a big sunscreen advocate/hat wearer.
If sunscreen is getting controversial, perhaps the answer is to limit exposure and then when exposed, cover up (?)
0.02 cents.

[SoonerTexan]

Well, I don't think the question was pro or no sunscreen, just what type.

This pretty much sums up the article:

The white goop, creams and ointments might prevent sunburn. But don't count on them to keep the ultraviolet light from destroying your skin cells and causing tumors and lesions, according to researchers at Environmental Working Group.

In their annual report to consumers on sunscreen, they say that only 39 of the 500 products they examined were considered safe and effective to use.

The report cites these problems with bogus sun protection factor (SPF) numbers:

• The use of the hormone-disrupting chemical oxybenzone, which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.
• Overstated claims about performance.
• The lack of needed regulations and oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.

But the most alarming disclosure in this year's report is the finding that vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate, may speed up the cancer that sunscreen is used to prevent.

[corn poffi]

I'll still use Banana Boat or whatever. In five years, they'll probably have some studies come out that say that those 39 aren't safe either.

[GrayMatterWife]

I'm a ridiculously fair-skinned redhair of Anglo-Irish heritage who lives and dies by 70+ SPF (or higher, whatever is the STRONGEST I can buy).

I'd rather die of cancer that suffer every single time I go outside.

[DCJenn]

I'm w/ GMW. Freckled redhead. When you spend your entire life covered head to toe in zinc oxide, SPF 70 is great! I wear hats and sleeves whenever practical but I live in South Texas- it's hot and linen and cotton are the only practical fabrics when you're outside. I've had enough blistering sunburns in my life already. Sunburn doesn't even hurt anymore. I MAY feel a little flushed. That's not a good sign!

I cover the dude, too and make him wear rashguard shirts whenever he's in the pool. I do remember how sunburn feels- no fun as a kid.

Jenn

[SuzySunshine]

We use the Vanicream though I had also heard good things about the California baby so I thought about trying that too. I am bummed about the sprays, I like that they are so easy.

[Vanquisher]

Whatever. I choose to ignore this. I like the sprays.


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[Deebs]

We use Vanicream at the beginning of the day. If we are out all day in the sun, I reapply with spray. If I didn't, the kids would only ever get one "dose" of sunscreen, regardless of time spent outside.

[ladymoreta]

I also just go for the highest SPF I can find, regardless of ingredients. I use daily moisturizer with sunscreen, too, so I guess I'm really in trouble...

On the topic of "everything causes cancer"... We saw a news story the other day about the foam material in carseats may be linked to cancer. Really?... Honestly, I don't care. I'd rather deal with cancer than not have my son survive a crash. Silly people.

[Pollyanna]

We live in AZ so sunscreen is an important part of life. With that said though, I am not a freak about it. I don't lather my kids up before they go to school or send them with hats to wear at recess. When we swim we try to swim at times when sunscreen is not necessary (before 10am or after 4pm). If we are planning to be out during the crazy hot parts of the day then we usually use an Aveeno or Neutrogena product. I have always used a sunscreen as part of my face mosturizing step in the morning. So we really don't end up using that much sunscreen. Like everything, people seem to be a bit out of control with sunscreen and in a panic whenever their child goes outside. Creating fear of the sun is a bad plan IMHO and we see a lot of that around here due to well meaning "sun protection education".

[scrub-jay]

I also just go for the highest SPF I can find, regardless of ingredients. I use daily moisturizer with sunscreen, too, so I guess I'm really in trouble...

On the topic of "everything causes cancer"... We saw a news story the other day about the foam material in carseats may be linked to cancer. Really?... Honestly, I don't care. I'd rather deal with cancer than not have my son survive a crash. Silly people.

So true!

[v-girl]

My fav sunscreen is Avon sunscreen with bug guard. Summer = Mosquitos around here.