2006-09-19 06:17:21 · 7 answers · asked by melon_rose 2 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body
I understand that the acronym "SPF" stands for "sun protection factor." What I'm saying is that I've heard the chemicals used can lead to skin cancer, and I believe there may be some truth to it. Does anyone know, or has anyone read anything about the research?
2006-09-19 06:27:15 · update #1
People have been saying eroneously that sunscreen can lead to cancer.
Sunscreen doesn't have any cancer causing properties. But it is a person's failing to apply enough sunscreen, or reapply it as necessary, that can cause a cancer risk. As the sunscreen absorbs into the skin, or is washed off it needs to be reapplied, and people operate under the misconception that waterproof sunscreen means all day protection. There are also people who choose an SPF that is too low to protect them in strong sun.
So the problem with sunscreen is it is not used properly. But the media, who loves to sound alarmist about things had great big headlines about suncreen causing cancer. But only if one read the articles did the truth come out, that the cancer is caused by improper use, or non use of the product, not by use of the product.
2006-09-19 06:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most of the answers u have already received think that it is a false alarm and I AGREE with them. It is not the ingredients that are harmfull but faulty usage. The sunscreen should be applied such that it covers most of the face and it should be a thick, even layer. Also it should be applied after every 1 and a 1/2hr. One new scientific research, that is creating so much furore is, sunscreen should not be absorbed in the skin. If it does get absorbed then it causes free radicals to be formed on the skin which is harmful. So dont rub it too much on the skin and keep re-applying.
2006-09-19 07:07:27 · answer #2 · answered by macy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had worked for a pharmaceutical company a number of years ago and can say with some knowledge that the testing and research required for any skin care product is so intense that it would doubtful that there would be any harmful effects. In addition, these types of products have been on the market long enough that if there was any problem it would have been major news long before now. Sometimes persons over-react to things that are totally harmless. FYI, did you know that in the mid 1800s tomatoes were thought to be poisonous. A New Jersey farmer proved they were safe to eat by eating one in front of a crowd of anxious onlookers. Needless to say he didn't drop dead. Just goes to show ya.
2006-09-19 06:42:54 · answer #3 · answered by radar 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
SPF .. mean Sun Protection Factor.. it is a measurement... so not it cannot cause cancer..
2006-09-19 06:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by limgrn_maria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no studies that prove this one way or the other. The best way you can avoid any risk is to use physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dixoide. HTH : )
2006-09-19 06:31:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
spf is just a measurement of the effectiveness of sunscreen, it is not an ingredient.
2006-09-19 06:25:22 · answer #6 · answered by slippie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. because i worked at the body shop for my work experience. i heard that rumour and i asked my manger. she said that is isn't true, they wouldn't put it in their products if it did.
2006-09-19 06:26:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋