Is Sunblock Really Bad For You?
The debate surrounding sunscreen has intensified in recent years, with many questioning its safety and efficacy. This blog will explore the various claims about sunscreen, particularly chemical sunscreens, and provide a comprehensive analysis of their impact on health and well-being. We will also discuss the importance of sun protection and the options available for consumers.
Understanding Sunscreen: Chemical vs. Mineral
Sunscreens are categorized into two main types: chemical and mineral. Each type operates differently in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat, which is then released from the skin. They typically contain active ingredients known as chemical filters, such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and avobenzone. These sunscreens are popular due to their lightweight texture and ease of application.
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, contain physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients create a barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays away from the body. Although they may leave a white residue, mineral sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive skin, young children, and pregnant women due to their safety profile.
The Claims Against Chemical Sunscreens
Recent skepticism regarding chemical sunscreens centers on the absorption of their active ingredients into the bloodstream. Critics argue that these chemicals are linked to various health problems, including cancer. This section will delve into these claims and assess their validity.
Evidence of Absorption
Studies conducted by the FDA have shown that certain chemical filters can be absorbed into the bloodstream. For instance, a study found that six chemical UV filters remained detectable in the blood for days after application. While some researchers express concern over the potential health implications of this absorption, the actual risk remains unclear.
Potential Hormonal Disruption
Some chemical filters, particularly oxybenzone, have been associated with hormonal disruption in animal studies. However, it is crucial to note that these studies often involve exposure levels much higher than what a typical sunscreen user would experience. For example, significant quantities of oxybenzone were administered to rats in food to observe adverse effects, a scenario not representative of sunscreen use.
Environmental Concerns
Another issue raised by environmental groups is the impact of certain sunscreen ingredients, like octocrylene, on marine life. Research has linked these chemicals to coral bleaching, prompting some regions, such as Hawaii, to propose bans on their use. This raises questions about the broader implications of sunscreen ingredients on both human health and the environment.
The Importance of Sun Protection
Despite the controversies surrounding certain ingredients, the necessity of sun protection cannot be overstated. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is among the most common cancers in the United States and is largely preventable with proper sun protection measures.
Understanding UV Radiation
UV radiation from the sun is classified into two types: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are associated with aging and skin damage, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Both types contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer.
Statistics on Skin Cancer
Research indicates that having five or more blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 can increase the risk of melanoma by 80%. This statistic highlights the critical need for effective sun protection strategies.
Alternative Sun Protection Methods
In addition to sunscreen, there are various ways to protect yourself from UV radiation. Here are some effective strategies:
- Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas, especially during peak sun hours.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Invest in clothing designed for sun protection, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats.
- Use UPF-Rated Fabrics: Fabrics with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can significantly reduce UV exposure.
Vitamin D and Sunscreen
There are concerns that using sunscreen may hinder the body’s ability to produce vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for overall health. However, research suggests that individuals can still obtain adequate vitamin D levels while using sunscreen.
Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be synthesized through short periods of sun exposure, typically around 15 minutes several times a week. Additionally, dietary sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods can help meet daily vitamin D requirements.
Regulatory Landscape and Future Directions
The FDA has acknowledged the need for further research on the long-term effects of chemical sunscreen ingredients. New regulations and potential changes in approval processes may pave the way for safer and more effective sunscreen formulations in the future.
Mineral Sunscreens as an Alternative
For those concerned about chemical ingredients, mineral sunscreens offer a viable alternative. With zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their main components, these sunscreens have been classified as safe by the FDA.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
While concerns about certain sunscreen ingredients persist, the benefits of sun protection far outweigh the potential risks. The consensus among health experts is that sunscreen is essential for preventing skin cancer and protecting overall skin health. It is vital to choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and to apply it regularly, even on cloudy days.
In summary, the debate over the safety of sunscreen, particularly chemical options, continues. However, there is no credible evidence linking sunscreen use to cancer or other health issues in humans. The most important takeaway is that sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and should be part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of sun protection, it is crucial to remain informed and make educated choices about the products we use. Whether opting for chemical or mineral sunscreens, the primary goal should always be to protect our skin and health from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **
UVA is bad? Isn’t that what’s used in blacklight lamps and such?
Hi Dr Mike, can you react to karting crashes
How about octinoxate? I just bought a ton of tinted sunscreen with this in it but I’m unsure if it’s a hormone disrupter or a carcinogen
I have two ginger kids, sunscreen is a must! My husband has also had melanoma, luckily it hadn’t spread but that is enough reason for everyone in our house to use sunscreen.
My grandmother died of melanoma. She fought it for years but ultimately it spread everywhere and she passed away. It was awful.
Please use sun protection. Seek shade. Wear hats. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply it often.
Don’t fall for the junk “science”. Sunscreen filters have been used widely for decades, if they were “toxic” as some people suggest, we would not need animal studies at wild doses to show the harms, we’d see them in human populations. We don’t. “Natural” doesn’t always equal safer or better and humans have used technology to enhance and extend our lives for as long as we’ve existed.
If it’s been studied and harms in humans and in doses that are representative of doses remotely similar to those experienced during a normal sunscreen application, then I’ll be more concerned and I’ll choose sunscreens without those filters. That isn’t what’s going on. I do not eat sunscreen. I especially do not eat sunscreen as a substantial part of my diet. And I am not a rat. It’s an entirely different form and level of exposure. The dose makes the poison. Vitamin A can cause liver damage in high doses and turn people orange. I still eat carrots.
Don’t worry, natural selection will take care of the people who think sunscreen is bad.
After watching this I suggest that you watch the Style Theory episode about sunscreen that was done before MatPat left the channel. He put out a lot of really good information and I would love to hear your take on it.
I am athlete and after I run 100m or training , tournament I am getting intense Shin splints pain how can I heal it faster
what your age doctor mike i subscribe and were is your wife
Hello Mr varshavski 🤣 0:01
no beeeee woooopp ? 😭😭😭
Collab with @labbeautymuffin and @doctormike is needed ASAP! For anyone wanting to learn more about sunscreen misinformation do check out her account.
Thanks for being unbiased on this topic.
I love being tan. Vitamin D is so good for sleep and mental health. I was actually missing out on the first part of this summer. I love going to the beach, but I was afraid of the sun and never even went outside. Then I decided I can’t live like this. I love the beach and to be tan, life is to be enjoyed!
I’ve never used sunscreen, never gotten burned, but also never gotten a tan. I’m just white white. 😆 I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
you have encouraged me to stay healthy I was so unhealthy before watching you and I have a good feeling that your one of the reasons that I have taken better care of myself thank you doctor mike!
I’m originally from FL, and the number of people I personally know who don’t apply or reapply sunscreen is disturbing.
Is there any way we can voice our support for the Bill? We are so far behind in terms of sunscreen products. Korea is particularly amazing when it comes to skincare.
In Denmark many of these US chemical filters are not aloud to use. The US is clearly behind….
So this mean most of our ancestor died of skin cancer? They didn’t have access to sunscreen
Most of the children’s sunblock ive bought has a very weird texture and leaves a lot of white cast. Most of them end up yellow ish and the ingredients seperate. When this happens, my skin gets all flakey and it was completely unusable. The brand definitely matters but natural ingredient sunscreen is a nightmare for me. My sister also refuses to wear sunscreen because she thinks it wont let her tan properly.. very strange considering our relatives have a lot of skin damage. My grandmother has vitiligo and always tells me to wear protective clothes..
Doctor Mike do you still answer questions? If so, is a rectal thermometer more accurate in older children?
But ain’t it crazy how I’m watching this at ocean city 💀
Nobody like this comment please
Nobody like this comment please
I actually didn’t know that this is the difference between white and transparent sunscreen 😬
I just looked at my sunscreen and it’s transparent BUT it specifically says free of Octinoxat and Oxybenzon. I’m in Austria, Europe and this is a rather cheap sunscreen from the drugstore brand 🙈
Remember, the best sun protection is still covering up!
Mineral sunscreens make brown skin people look grey and tinted sunscreens are expensive.
Wouldn’t most clothing block all sun light?
SIR the thumb nail 😳
Have you ever played two point hospital, youl love it!
QA medical questions and possible a video suggestion : Why is it you guys ( doctors in general ) , always charge strictly to 200 ? and what is an Epi ? In an episode of Chicago Med , they had to charge only to 70 but in general it is always to 200 . Why ?
Sunblock can be very, very bad. Especially if you eat too much of it.
OK, the diagram clarified it. Any chemical with a molecular structure that looks like a pair of testicles is carcinogenic!
This is so helpful thank you so much Dr Mike ❤😊❤
I always wear sunscreen I don’t use chemical sunscreen ❤😊❤
Love ur information so much ❤😊❤❤
You should react to Houston Jones, he does some crazy stuff. Love the content:)
As an Aussie I want to remind everyone of the importance of hats and sunglasses as well as sunscreen! I just ran into an old friend today who had the top of her head bandaged. Skin cancer.
andrew huberman sucks
Are you ok
Yeah I’m good thanks. You?
@@DanielLee1 fine
With the mineral sunscreen having titanium dioxide in it isn’t that not necessarily good. I thought titanium dioxide was a cancer causing mineral.
There are two main risks related to Titanium Dioxide: inhalation and absorption into the skin
*Inhalation Risks:* The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified titanium dioxide as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on studies showing increased lung tumors in rats exposed to inhaled titanium dioxide particles. This classification primarily concerns inhalation exposure, which is more relevant to powdered or spray formulations rather than creams or lotions.
*Dermal Exposure:* When applied to the skin, as in sunscreens, titanium dioxide nanoparticles do not penetrate the skin deeply enough to reach living tissues. This suggests that the risk of cancer from dermal application is negligible. The FDA and other regulatory bodies have classified titanium dioxide as “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) for use in sunscreens.
@@DanielLee1 perfect thanks for clearing things up!
You are the reason I get up every day to go to school so I can graduate and become a doctor
Dr. Mike, can you do Mission impossible movies?
Can you react to doctor asmr
Ok but can you explained to me why I’m allergic to almost every sunscreen out there expect coppertone 😂like is it just super sensitive skin interacting with chemicals or is it something else. For context I get a rash over areas of my body if I use a different sunscreen.
Many sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, benzophenones, cinnamates, and dibenzoylmethanes, which are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Fragrances and preservatives added to sunscreens can also be allergens. Check what’s in the sunscreens that haven’t worked for you against the sunscreens that have.
Some people can also have allergic reactions to ingredients ONLY when exposed to sunlight, called *Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis.*
is there any way you could do a video on Travis Pastrana’s full body xray/past injuries?
This is making me feel really great about buying UV blocking arm sleeves, a gaiter mask, and a pair of driving gloves. I’m just commenting to boost the video which is 💯
You should react to the “ unfortunately I was not picked for the 2024 Olympics” trend
Pls react to ‘When Fake Muscles Go Wrong’ by be amazed in a future video don’t ignore this comment pls
Sooooo. Correct me if I’m wrong. So sunscreen is a “drug” and has to be tested, but supplements etc, are not, and don’t have to be tested at all….? That seems a bit backwards…
A product is classified as a drug if it is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. This includes products that are intended to affect the structure or function of the body in a way that is not primarily nutritional. Supplement manufacturers make all sorts of claims AS IF they’re drugs, but then get around it by adding “These claims have not been evaluated by the FDA”.
It’s shitty, but it is what it is.
Doctor Mike sitting here growing in his Wolverine beard!
And then you have the goddamn Italians and their rarely burned skin, lmao.
I am of Italian descent, and my dad and I rarely burn despite working outside a lot, that’s why I said what I said.
Can you make a video on starvation? What happens to the body and dangers?
SOMEONE TELL DR.MIKE TO REACT TO HOUSTON JONES!!!
I’m allergic to sunscreen
I’m allergic to sunscreen 😢. It makes me break out in hives
Doctor mike what does this mean? 卍
It’s a symbol of auspiciousness and well-being in several Asian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It has been used for thousands of years across various cultures worldwide, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and the movement of the sun through the sky 👍
@@DanielLee1 dang it
Mike you definitely need to react to band of brothers injuries
Im very pale. If I didn’t wear sunscreen I’d have skin cancer at 21. However, limiting sun exposure is the best thing to do, but if you can’t then sunscreen and a hat is the way to to
Excessive exposure to intense sun is bad. 15-20 minutes “unprotected” is almost certainly fine and beneficial for multiple reasons. Use clothing (hats and sun shirts) as sun protection as much as possible. Limit exposure to all these modern chemicals as much as possible, in every way you can. And lastly, when necessary use the best sun screen you can get. Dr. Mike strawman’d this argument more than I would have liked but it is what it is. Anecdotally my 74 year old father has never worn sun screen a day in his life, spends a lot of time in the sun, and has no skin issues at all. He is part Native American though.
Super informative. 🙏 Thank you
please note that many mineral sunscreens – such as cera ve hydrating mineral sunscreen – are actually lying and are chemical sunscreen in disguise, by using chemical sunscreen ingredients in the “non-active” ingredients section
Sunscreen isn’t bad, the chemicals in many of the most popular brands however are terrible. They can have catastrophic effects to not only you but also to marine plant and animal life. Chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene are banned in Florida and Hawaii for these reasons. Mineral based sunscreen however (what sunscreen should be) are great sun protection
“In an anti-intellectual society, people who know nothing about a complex subject are emboldened to ridicule experts who have spent a lifetime studying it”
George Kiser
Dr Mike if you make a video about skincare routines i will go out and use your video to get myself an entire skincare routine
Those poor animals:(
Me, a stage IV Melanoma patient when you said others stated: “Excess sun exposure isn’t harmful.” Okay people, tell that to my mole that morphed into stage III and then progressed…
The fact that people even make these claims is mind blowing.
lol all the Australians in the comments screaming about how evil the sun is while claiming the wear sunscreen all the time and are dropping like flies to melanoma 😅
Open Your Eyes
I want to use sunblock but i have sensitive skin. Anyone has any suggestions? Sunblock i have used before makes my skin itchy and red.☹️
To help the naysayers, your skin is the number one defense against organisms invading your body. You can not live without it. Melanomas are caused by sun damaging UV rays, which have no health benefit to humans. People with fair skin are more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage, but anyone can get sun damage. People on immunosuppresants are categorically higher risk of skin cancer and thus must use sun block of Spf 50 or higher. I had to order spf100. Clothing is not sun block. You can get sun burned through a t-shirt. I also bought a Boonie hat to block sun off of my head AND wore sun block on my face, because sun light reflects off of water, cars, windows, and other objects. You have the right to do whatever you want or think it’s best for yourself. As far as telling everyone your uneducated “information” about sun and sunscreen, you can keep that to yourself.
I thought that there was a recent discovery that physical sunscreens don’t reflect UV like we originally thought, but actually absorb UV just like chemical sunscreens? Might be wrong but I heard that on a derm channel sometime recently
I personally use Banana Boat Mineral Enriched Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin, Broad Spectrum Spray, SPF 50 or any other mineral sunscreen such as because I have a sunscreen allergy. If I come in contact with a chemical sunscreen such as Copperstone, I will get hives all over my arms. Any fellow sunscreen allergy sufferers out there?
-.- Living in high altitude and in a desert makes me think twice….
Dr Mike you should react to Young Sheldon s1 ep6
I still find it so funny that a doctor has a gaming chair and not an office chair that costs more than a leg shattered into a million peices in medical bills or at least a standard office chair
I live in Florida, the UV index gets intense here. As someone that has experienced a terrible sunburn this is troubling.
I wear sunscreen and also bring long sleeve sun shirts ( SPF 50+) along with hats. Plus I don’t want to look like leather in my older years 😂
Sunscreen is harmful, for sure. The sun is harmful, too. Both are best avoided or used in moderation. Smearing all kinds of toxins on your largest organ isn’t going to be great for you. It might take a few decades to figure out “woopsie, sunscreens cause Super Cancer”, and it’s silly to assume it’s not harmful.
huh, never thought about it. I rather go with sunscreen than look like a raisin at 30
Do you have colifower ear from boxing
Give me the most toxic sunscreen I don’t wanna be here long anyway I wanna go home
This is the third time u have changed the cover of the video… why
Well probably to be more intriguing
React to let me explain studio
Very misleading how you mentioned that mineral sunscreens deflect Uv rays. In someway that is true to an extent that mineral sunscreens deflect Uv rays but they mainly absorb Uv rays just like chemical sunscreens. Very common mistake made that chemical sunscreens absorb and mineral sunscreens deflect.
i learnt cpr when I was younger than 12 it’s truly a life skill that everyone should learn
Every time I have seen mineral sunscreens tested they are almost completely ineffective at preventing sunburn, thus pointless even if it’s safer if your goal is to stop UV damage. Even Dr Mike has said it himself, if a medicine has no side effects it probably doesn’t work
Zackdfilms Zackdfilms Zackdfilms
Eating any food cause damage to your colon, exposure to sun causes damage to skin. Just because something is known to cause damage to part of our body doesn’t mean it isn’t still necessary to keep us alive
I don’t care what anyone says I can’t wear chemical sunscreen I break out every time even some of the mineral ones I do, I have to be very careful. I hate wearing it because I look like a ghost if I did🤦🏽♀️🙄
QAnon Rodgers
You can’t compare SPF numbers from different manufacturers – they all have different definitions of what their SPF means. Some have a highest rating (total blockout) of 24, others go up to 50 or some other number so who knows when you pick up a random bottle off a supermarket shelf how good it is🤷🏻♂
I’ve never understood about wearing sunscreen every day. When you wear it at the beach or pool, you have “keep applying” – even if you don’t swim – because it, I dunno, breaks down or comes off with your sweat or whatever. So if you are putting it on for a day at the office, ar you supposed to keep going to the bathroom to freshen it up? 🥴
Makes your skin feel oily and in need of a wash, too. Eurgh.
I have had good experiences with mineral sunscreen. My white ass went to Hawaii in June where the sun got up to nearly direct 90 degree angle. I used mineral sunscreen due to the law in Hawaii and I found it very effective. I was out in the sun with no shirt every day and got maybe one minor sunburn. To be fair I was very careful about reapplying sunscreen but I feel like I could go longer without reapplying.
Could you do a video on the y-strap / ring dinger trend. I’ve been seeing a lot of videos coming from numerous chiropractors performing this manipulation. Why is this becoming a trend and why are people feeling like their life has changed?
VS = “Versus”, not “Verse”
“Sunblock bad!”–brought to you by the people that believe in “Anti-Waxing” ( yes…Waxing…Google Anti-waxing comics…it’s hilarious) I live on the Gulf Coast in Florida, you should see the lobster tourists and the leather skinned fishermen and then tell me sunblock is bad. Most of the lifetime fishermen I know have had to have melanoma removed from multiple spots. Tell me how sunblock is bad…go ahead, I’ll wait. Thanks Dr. Mike for your research-backed videos. Speaking of skin…did you always have those freckles?
I am so extremely happy I was not born in the US. “Sunscreen is bad for you”… The more you know..
I was applying sunscreen (Laroche-Posay fps 50+) on my niece who is red hairhead with pale skin. She was playing with a neighbourg’s daugher. I ask if she need sunscreen by politess. I was horified to heard they don’t use sunscreen but coconut oil because it was traditional use in their community. I send the girl to the parents to put it on. They don’t even put it that day. It was a hight UV day.
You get enough vitamin D with 15 minutes or sun per week? Not everyone lives where you live.
My grandmother works on a vegetable garden with my grandfather and she doesn’t use sunscreen or really cover up her body, so she has her neck and chest all red from sunburn, while my grandfather has his arms and head red and burned.
As a tattoo artist i am constantly reinforcing skin care and sun protection. The sun destroys color in tattoos and makes black look faded.