The Unseen Danger in Sunscreens: Oxybenzone & Zinc Oxide!!!

The Unseen Danger in Sunscreens: Oxybenzone & Zinc Oxide!!!

With the summer season approaching, “sunscreen products” are at the top of the needs list.

An ideal sunscreen should completely block the UV rays that cause sunburn and suppress the immune system, while also preventing the harmful effects of free radicals. It should also maintain its effectiveness on the skin for long hours and not produce harmful substances when exposed to UV light.

Mineral-based sunscreens, which do not break down under the sun and remain effective on the skin’s surface, provide UVA protection that is not found in many other sunscreens. For consumers who do not prefer mineral-based products, the best alternative is sunscreens containing at least 3% avobenzone for UVA protection. However, when purchasing these products, it’s important to ensure they do not contain oxybenzone, which can disrupt hormonal balance. Scientists warn consumers against using sunscreens containing oxybenzone, as it penetrates deeply into the skin, enters the bloodstream, disrupts hormonal functions, and has toxic effects.

It is known that 56% of sun products sold in the market contain Oxybenzone. This substance is a chemical that makes hormones irregular. Since oxybenzone is systemically absorbed, it is found in higher concentrations in urine samples compared to other filters. The high absorption of oxybenzone should be noted due to its estrogenic activity. Since oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin, it enters the system and is perceived by the body as similar to the hormone estrogen. This situation poses a risk for adults as well, but it is particularly dangerous for young girls because estrogen levels influence the timing of puberty. In in vivo studies, it has been observed that the photoxidation of oxybenzone reduces the effectiveness of key antioxidant systems in human epidermis. Therefore, it has been noted that this filter offers no benefit to the body and is harmful to the homeostasis of the epidermis.

In sunscreens, some institutions approve the use of “zinc oxide” as a UV protectant, while others prohibit it. Some studies have found that zinc oxide may be linked to breast cancer (3rd COSMETIC CONGRESS Ertuğrul Arpaç). Source: EWG’s Skin Deep Sunscreens 2012 Report.