Recent research has shed light on the importance of sunscreen not just in preventing skin cancer, but overall skin health as well. In Australia, regular use of sunscreen during childhood can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 40% in individuals aged 18 to 40. This notable finding underscores the crucial role that sunscreen plays in safeguarding against dangerous UV rays.
Professor Rachel Neale, one of the world’s top dermatology researchers, has helped build the case for sunscreen’s surprising efficacy. She found no evidence that sun exposure is more effective than supplementation for maintaining vitamin D levels. This new info debunks the popular myth that the best source of vitamin D is natural sunlight. It raises awareness of the need for proper sunscreen application.
Formulation of sunscreens is an extremely important part of their efficacy. As it stands, most sunscreens are a mix of active sun-protecting chemicals that, when combined, ensure proper protection and safe use when exposed to UV rays. We highly commend the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for their strong recommendation. They’re specifically looking to limit the maximum concentrations of certain chemicals, such as oxybenzone and homosalate, to protect consumers’ safety.
Frederic Leusch, a toxicologist and study co-author on the original experimental sunscreen, criticized the methodology used in sunscreen human studies. In particular, he called out that most tests are done at extremely high doses of these chemicals.
“In toxicology, we say the dose makes the poison, right? And it basically means that every chemical can be toxic if you take enough of it,” – Frederic Leusch.
He even made this point clearer with an analogy about consuming salt.
“Take salt. A little bit of salt sprinkled on your fries — yum yum — but if you empty the whole salt shaker on your fries, you’re going for a trip to the emergency department. Same chemical, different dose,” – Frederic Leusch.
Despite concerns raised about certain ingredients in sunscreen, experts assert that sunscreen remains one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer and maintaining skin appearance over time. Michelle Wong, a nationally-renowned expert in dermatological health, emphasized a key point. She said that there is no actual evidence in the real world that links sunscreen and skin cancer.
“There is no reason to panic about the chemical 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) in sunscreen,” – Michelle Wong.
After a review by the E.U. in 2022, the block banned 4-MBC. Wong wanted to calm consumers’ fears, saying the levels detected in sunscreens are very minor and not dangerous.
“What we’re getting in our bodies is going to be a very small, unconcerning dose that would not even get anywhere near having a small effect,” – Michelle Wong.
The highest concentration of 4-MBC approved by the TGA in Australian products is 4%. Last time we checked, it’s a consensus among medical professionals that only enormous amounts would be required to note any detrimental impacts.
“A very, very rough back-of-the-envelope calculation … we would basically need half-a-litre of sunscreen a day to come anywhere near those effects that we see in animals. So, we’re talking really high doses,” – source not specified.
In Australia, where sunscreen use is high, the rate of skin cancers has plateaued in recent years. Professor Jane Hanrahan has spent almost twenty years teaching university students about sunscreen. She pointed to one bright spot in skin cancer statistics that’s a testament to her work.
“Sunscreen use in Australia is really good, and we have seen the number of skin cancers plateau — we still haven’t started to reduce them, but they’ve certainly plateaued over the last five or so years,” – Professor Jane Hanrahan.
She briefly tackled some new myths brewing around sunscreen and harmful chemicals in sunscreen.
“Claims that sunscreen contains ‘endocrine-disrupting chemicals’ are a recent and growing myth,” – Professor Jane Hanrahan.
In light of these results, Professor Neale advises people who wear sunscreen daily to consider taking vitamin D supplements. This allows them to get enough vitamin D while still protecting their skin.
The consensus among health professionals is clear: sunscreen usage is paramount for skin health. Wong reiterated its benefits beyond cancer prevention.
“The cost-benefit analysis is pretty clear. We do have real-world evidence that sunscreen prevents skin cancers and it makes your skin look better,” – Michelle Wong.
She drove home the point that regular sunscreen use combats premature aging. In addition to evening skin tone, it helps reduce the appearance of acne and dark spots.
“It reduces premature ageing, it can help with acne, it can help with dark spots, it really is the most important thing to make your skin look nicer, as well as protecting your skin’s health,” – Michelle Wong.
