Sunblock and sunscreen lotions are proven effective in protecting skin from sunburns and other skin problems. Sunscreen lotions (topical sunscreens) can be a precautionary measure to protect sensitive skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and aging.
Experts recommend using a non-toxic sunscreen lotion when at risk of sunburn. Non-toxic sunscreens are difficult to find.
Sunscreen lotions that are not stable, toxic, or effective against UVA rays are often ineffective.
You can find more information about sunscreen safety, ingredients to avoid, and other concerns regarding sunscreen lotions in the sections below. You can find information in the Recommendations section about which active ingredients to use for disadvantages of lotion.
Sunscreen lotions that are not very effective against UVA Rays
The use of sunscreen topically has its drawbacks. While most sunscreen lotions can block UVB rays or absorb them, they don't filter UVA rays effectively. UVB can cause sunburn. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and could be responsible for the premature aging of your skin. UVA rays can not only damage DNA but also cause damage to other structures of your skin, like collagen and elastin. This can lead to many harmful effects of sunlight, including aging, without the visible signs of burning. Even if you use sunscreen lotions, you're still at risk. Worse, you might be suffering from sunburns without realizing it.
SPF Doesn't Indicate UVA Protection
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measurement of UVB protection. It does not measure the sunscreen's ability against UVA rays. Manufacturers of sunscreen lotions may claim that their products protect against both UVB and UVA radiations. However, the extent of UVA coverage is still being determined since SPF does not quantify UVA protection. A sunscreen might be labeled SPF 50, but it may not offer enough protection against UVA rays. You may believe you are protecting your skin with a high level of SPF. However, this can cause you to spend more time in the sun and do more damage via UVA.
Some active ingredients in sunscreen lotions are chemically unstable.
Clinical studies have shown that sunscreen lotions most commonly used in sun protection are susceptible to skin cancer. Common sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, and octocrylene lose their effectiveness in the sun. They are also unstable, creating reactive oxygen species and free radicals. Many studies have shown these harmful effects on living tissue. These chemicals are also suspected to be photocarcinogens.
Photo-unstable in sunscreen lotions has also been demonstrated for Vitamin A (retinal) and Vitamin A derivatives, including retinol or retinyl palmitate. Research has shown that sunscreens often use Vitamin A and its derivatives. This can cause skin damage.
Sunscreen could contribute to skin damage, even though it is supposed to protect it! Warning! This applies to all cosmetics and lotions that contain Vitamin A and sunscreen.
Sunscreen Lotions Contain Toxic Ingredients
Sunscreen lotions can penetrate your skin and reach your bloodstream. Unintended side effects can include interfering with your body's natural hormonal systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor. Its detection in pregnant women correlates directly with lower birth weight. According to the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C. advocacy group, approximately 9% of the skin-applied oxybenzone gets into the bloodstream. Many sunscreens contain structurally and functionally identical chemicals to oxybenzone. These chemicals act in the same way as oxybenzone in your skin. There are many sunscreen ingredients you should avoid.
Sunscreens can contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as
Avobenzone (Parsol 1789, Eusolex 9020, Escalol 517)
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3, Eusolex 4360, Escalol 567)
Dioxybenzone (benzophenone-8)
Octocrylene
Sulisobenzone (benzophenone-4)
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (ensulizole)
Homosalate
Cinoxate
PABA (4-Aminobenzoic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid)
Padimate O (OD-PABA, octyl dimethyl PABA, Escalol 507)
Trolamine salicylate
Recent trends include "natural" sunscreen lotions that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. However, they don't absorb well into the skin, leaving behind a white film on your skin. Manufacturers have begun to use micronized zinc oxide (industrially produced to be ultra-fine) and titanium dioxide. When applied, these nanoparticles can be easily absorbed by your skin and don't look as white. They can also be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream and could pose a health risk. Researchers are increasingly pointing out that micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can negatively affect health.
Recommendations
Although it is best to avoid sun exposure, sunscreen lotion can be a good alternative to sunburn. Many experts recommend combining sunscreen lotion with zinc oxide or zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This provides full coverage (UVA, UVB) from the sun. Zinc oxide is also less likely to burn than traditional chemical sunscreens and has been shown to have greater photo-stability in the sun. As discussed in the previous sections, you should ensure that your product doesn't contain any potentially harmful compounds. You should also avoid products that contain retinol, vitamin A, retinol, or vitamin B6. Also, ensure the product doesn't contain micronized zinc oxide, micronized titanium dioxide, or other potentially toxic compounds.
Even the best sunscreen lotion has its limitations.
It doesn't block or reflect all ultraviolet radiation. Some still pass through.
It has a limited amount of UVA protection.
It could encourage more sun exposure and thus greater sun damage.
It works only in the areas where it is applied
It can be challenging to apply
It can be chaotic
It can be both visible and unattractive on your skin
It can be not easy to use
It could prevent Vitamin D production