Dr. Mercola June 06 2001 1,439 views
Some sunscreens are not stable when irradiated with simulated sunlight. The photostability differs is very different for different products. Two chemical sun filters have been tested for their dark toxicity and possible toxicity to mouse cells in a cell culture after UV-irradiation of the filters.
Increased toxicity as result of breakdown of a UVB-filter, octyl methoxycinnemate, was observed. UV radiation absorbed in the filter will lead to the formation of breakdown products that are different from the original filter molecules and may have different toxicity and other chemical properties.
The UVA filter included in the tests, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, was also toxic in the dark. However, it was more chemically stable to UV-irradiation, and was not broken down efficiently by simulated sunlight.
Its toxicity did not change significantly after irradiation.
It can be concluded that the two sun filters in concentrations of 5 -- - 10 parts per million are toxic in the dark to mouse cells under our particular laboratory conditions, and that the toxicity may increase after UV-irradiation of the most unstable filter.
The biological role or medical effect of these observations are not known and extrapolation from the laboratory experiments to the use of sunscreens in humans must be done with caution.
Radiat Prot Dosimetry vol 91, p 83, 2000
Well summer is fast upon us and many of us are getting much more sun exposure; We ALL need sunshine to stay healthy. It is one of the essential ingredients for staying healthy. It is not the perniciously evil item that traditional medicine suggests that it is.
That does NOT mean that we should all go out and get sunburned. That should be definitely avoided as it is likely to lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. However, prudent exposure to the sun, integrating the "listening to your body" concept, will not.
Adding sun screens is NOT the best way to limit your sun exposure. It is wise to limit your exposure early in the season until your system adjusts by increasing melanin pigmentation in your skin.
The sun is most potent from 11 AM to 1 PM. During the beginning of the season you will want to limit your exposure during these times and stay inside, in the shade or wear protective clothing.
Additionally, consuming many whole vegetables will increase antioxidant levels in the body which will also provide protection against any sun induced radiation damage.
So the bottom line is to avoid the sun screens. They are not necessary and may actually increase your risk of disease.
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Sun-Care Chemical Proves Toxic in Lab Tests