Can the use of sunscreen cause cancer?

Sunscreen is one of the most commonly used items used on the skin. It is a cream or lotion applied on the areas of the body exposed to the sunlight to avoid the damaging effects of the rays. Its role as a protective barrier against the suns harmful radiation is established and proven. However, there are certain instances when the use of sunscreen can itself be the reason for cancer.

What is the role of sunscreen in preventing cancer?

The role of sunscreen in preventing skin cancers, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, is proven through research. The sunscreen blocks the suns harmful ultraviolet radiations from reaching the deeper layer of the skin. Ultraviolet radiation can induce changes in the skin, such as the abnormal and uncontrolled division of the skin cells, which leads to cancer. All these effects of ultraviolet radiation are easily prevented by using an FDA-approved sunscreen.

What is the role of sunscreen in causing cancer?

No doubt, the use of sunscreen reduces the chance of skin cancer. However, some studies have indicated that the use of sunscreen itself is responsible for cancer in some cases. This led to the formulation of several causes that can cause cancer by the use of sunscreen - some of the reasons by which sunscreen can cause cancer are mentioned below.

Carcinogenic substances:

Several studies have indicated that the sunscreen itself contains some harmful products that are capable of causing cancer and are called carcinogens. A substance called oxybenzone is potentially toxic to human beings. It is a component of most sunscreens and acts as a filter for ultraviolet radiation. Although complete evidence regarding its role as a carcinogen is not established, several studies have indicated its role in causing cancer.

Hormonal disruption:

As mentioned above, some of the ingredients in sunscreen can induce changes in the human body. The products of sunscreen also affect the endocrine system of the body. In this regard, the main culprit is oxybenzone, which is capable of disrupting the hormones of the body. As it is known that hormones regulate the complete body processes, the disruption of hormones results in the abnormal functioning of the body. These abnormal functions may result in abnormal cell divisions, leading to mutations and cancer.

Skin integrity:

As sunscreen can elicit allergic reactions and several other abnormal processes in the human body, the integrity of the skin is highly compromised. As a result, the barrier and protective function of the skin is compromised, and the normal processes in the deeper layers of the skin are disturbed. The skin is the first barrier against infections, and its loss of integrity can cause irregular cell divisions, leading to cancer. Thus, in this manner, sunscreen can make a person prone to mutations and malignancies.

Free radical generation:

As the sunscreen comes in contact with the sunlight, mainly ultraviolet radiation, the ingredients present in the sunscreen may chemically react and even degenerate, forming free radicals. Free radicals are potent carcinogens involved in multiple malignancies of the human body. As the degeneration and chemical reactions of sunscreen can produce free radicals, they pose a serious threat to human health. Free radicals can cause melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and several other malignancies, which can be life-threatening.

Effect on the immune system:

Using sunscreen has been shown to affect the immune system of the body. Generally, the use of sunscreen protects the skin against cancer. However, sometimes, the ingredients present in the sunscreen can react with the skin, leading to the initiation of the inflammatory cascade and the immune systems response. As a result, the ability of the immune system to fight infections and carcinogens is limited, which can lead to the development of cancer and malignancies in the human body.

These effects are not typically caused by sunscreen use, but in the case of substandard products, factors related to the person using the sunscreen or the excessive use of the sunscreen can elicit these responses and result in cancer.

How do you avail the benefits of sunscreen and avoid its disadvantages simultaneously?

There are several recommendations regarding using sunscreen to avail its benefits and avoid its risks. It has been shown that using sunscreen poses a risk of malignancy and hormonal disorders. Still, the likelihood of malignancies caused by ultraviolet radiation by not using sunscreen is higher. Therefore, some guidelines are given to avoid the disadvantages of sunscreen. Some of these are mentioned below.

Use an FDA-approved sunscreen:

The FDA must approve all drugs and cosmetics to declare them safe for public use. It is vital to use sunscreen, which the FDA approves. By carefully choosing a sunscreen, the harmful aspects of the sunscreen can be avoided, and its benefits can be availed to the fullest. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to always use sunscreen that is FDA-approved and clinically tested.

Consult a dermatologist:

As each person has a different skin type, a single product cant suit all skin types. Thus, it is vital to use a sunscreen appropriate for your skin type. In this regard, a dermatologists opinion can also be considered to avoid any side effects of the sunscreen. If not suitable for your skin type, sunscreen can cause allergic reactions and acne. As a result, to prevent any damaging effects, a dermatologists opinion should be taken to use an FDA-approved sunscreen.

Adjust the frequency of sunscreen use:

As it is said, excess of everything is bad; the same rule is applied to the use of sunscreen. If the frequency of the sunscreen's use is not managed, it can lead to harmful effects that are evident on the skin. Frequent use of sunscreen can result in the clogging of the pores. It can lead to infections as the chances of bacterial growth are increased in the clogged pores. The skin may become more prone to acne and associated pigmentation. Thus, it is vital to use sunscreen according to the given recommendations.

Final note:

Although sunscreen has many advantages, its unmonitored and haphazard use may lead to potent side effects, including cancer and hormonal changes. Therefore, sunscreen must be carefully used, and if possible, a dermatologist should be consulted before starting any skin product like sunscreen.