For the past few weeks, posts with the hashtag #suncreenfree have been circulating on social media. The gist of these tweets is that sunscreen is said to be carcinogenic. Many skeptics cite an article from the AD from 2012, which states that scientists claim that one of the components of sunscreen actually increases the risk of skin cancer.
Zinc Oxide
It would be zinc oxide. As soon as this substance is exposed to the sun, so-called free radicals are released. This process increases the risk of skin cancer. And: the longer zinc oxide is exposed to the sun, the more dangerous.
Skin barrier
However, several studies show that zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen are difficult to penetrate the skin. The intact skin is a good barrier, making the diffusion of nanoparticles of zinc oxide in the body negligible. Therefore, the European Commission concludes that it is safe to use zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen up to a concentration of 25 percent.
Sunscreen spray is a different story, however. Because you can inhale the nanoparticles of zinc oxide in this way, this product entails more risks, according to RIVM.
Long-term exposure
The scientists then examined the effects of prolonged exposure to zinc oxide. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that there is no reason not to use zinc oxide in sunscreen.
“Unless you regularly drink a bottle of sunscreen, there are no indications that sunscreen is carcinogenic if you simply put it on your skin,” says Marlies Wakkee, dermatologist at Erasmus MC.
skin cancer
Half of all cancer diagnoses in the Netherlands is skin cancer. Every year 70,000 Dutch people receive this diagnosis. It is therefore important to apply sunscreen when you go out into the sun and to take sufficient precautions, such as covering your head and drinking water. Unprotected exposure to the sun can also have unpleasant consequences in the short term, such as overheating and sunburn.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is therefore not carcinogenic. The amount determines whether something is a poison and that also applies to zinc oxide. In addition, the skin acts as a barrier. Even if zinc oxide were dangerous, it is still more dangerous to go out in the sun without applying sunscreen. Because then you run a much higher risk of skin cancer.
Also read: “Eating too many carrots makes you orange”.
By: National Care Guide / Æde de Jong
Sources: Algemeen Dagblad, NOS, RIVM, European Commission