Question
How big a part do cosmetics play in the fight against cancer. Isn’t sunscreen as bad for you as getting too much sun. Is there a natural sunscreen?
Answer
Sunscreens play a significant role in reducing various skin cancers.  Yet, in recent years, the safety of chemicals used in sun block protections has been questioned. For example, in March of 2008, the Centers for Disease Control in the United States released a report that suggested that oxybenzone, one of the primary sun block ingredients, may be linked to allergies, hormonal disruptions and other health challenges.
A non-profit consumer advocate group, Environmental Working Group, recently conducted reviews of common sunscreen products for safety and effectiveness. A copy of their reviews can be found here:
However, a study was also released in 2008 that looked at the way human skin absorbs insoluble nanoparticles, the microscopic particles that are found in certain sunscreen chemicals. That study showed that there is little absorption via the skin of these particles, so while certain chemicals may be toxic–if the formulations are created to produce nanoparticle sized molecules, they may not be as toxic as the CDC report suggests.
For more information on the research about sunscreens see these links:
- Cosmetics Database – contains information about which cosmetics are safe to use and which are possibly (and definitely) not
- L’Oréal research paper on the safety sunscreens
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.
Contact
Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.
