A list of active ingredients that are absorbed into your bloodstream is being studied for safety. Because no one knows what they do.
The cold weather may be ruling outside your window but make no mistake, summer is just around the corner. And with it comes the need to wear sunscreen, at least for most people. (Unless you’re one of those who wears the stuff all year round, and if so, extra points to you for being conscientious).
But a question remains: it may be good for your epidermis, but is sunscreen really safe to wear?
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been studying sunscreens for a while. Here’s what was found.
The common active ingredients found in commercially available sunscreens such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate area all absorbed into your bloodstream, even after one application.
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These active ingredients can remain in your system for a lengthy period of time. What isn’t known is what this means for your body.
The FDA says it does know that two active ingredients found in some sunscreens- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide- are already recognized as safe for you to use. But the rest are up for grabs.
So, should you stop using sunscreen because it might be unsafe? The FDA says, no. Covering up with sun-proof and sun-protective clothing, staying indoors during peak sun hours and applying sunscreen are all recommended actions to stay safe when spending time outdoors.
At the moment, the FDA says more data is needed for conclusive results, and so, we all have to grin and bear it, and hope for the best (my words).
Looking for sun-protective clothing? Check out these tips.
