6 Ways your sunscreen is actually harming your skin

In Hot Water: 6 Ways your sunscreen is actually harming your skin

huibing

12 Jul 2017

1/6
Gives false sense of security
So you’ve applied the recommended amount of sunscreen and are about to head valiantly off into the sun. But, how many of you actually take the time to apply and reapply it? By the first hour, we would have lost 90% of the sunscreen, which renders it essentially ineffective. This gives you a false sense of security, where you could actually be exposing yourself to even more harm from the sun. And, also, give your sunscreen a good amount of time before diving into a pool!
2/6
Lack of Vitamin D
Sunscreen sounds good, doesn’t it? But, at the same time, they also cause you to lose out on the all-important vitamin from the sun, Vitamin D. This vitamin is gained when our body reacts with the sunlight which means that restricted exposure would lead to lowered vitamin D. Vitamin D is useful to ensure bone growth and to help bolster your immune system, so missing out on this incredibly important vitamin could be detrimental in the long run.
3/6
Exposure to harmful chemicals
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreen which reacts with the UVA and UVB rays, as well as physical blockers which reflects the rays before they can get into your skin. While they have only conducted studies on animals, the result shows that it can negatively affect their hormonal (endocrine) system. True, no studies have been conducted on humans, but this still makes wearing of these chemical sunscreens a bit iffy.
4/6
And some physical blockers aren’t good either
And people who use physical blockers might want to reconsider too. These sunscreens usually contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are fine as is. The problem comes when they are in nanoparticles, which can get absorbed into your skin because of its size. Like the previous reason, studies have only been conducted on animals but the rodents injected with the nanoparticles have shown signs of inflammation which isn’t good either.
5/6
Particles may be inhaled
Spray-on sunscreens sound easier to apply because you can apply it without getting product all over your hands. However, the particles inside these sunscreens can also be easily inhaled, causing a plethora of chemicals to enter your body and into your lungs. Plus, you never really know how much you’re applying and whether you’re applying enough, so you might just walk around with inadequate sun protection.
6/6
And may actually cause more free radicals to form
Everyone avoids the term like the plague, and for good reason. High concentrations of free radicals aren't good for your body due to its unstable nature. Sunscreen that breaks down is absorbed into the skin, and it reacts with the UV rays to produce these free radicals. Take note to avoid products with both octinoxate and avobenzone as, due to their structural formations, they can lead to chemical breakdown which, in turn, leads to free radical damage.

Could sunscreen actually cause harm to our bodies?

To prepare for a long day out in the sun, it is only natural to grab your sun-hat, a pair of shades, and lather yourself with sunscreen. After all, side effects of sun exposure has been talked about too much — from premature skin aging to increased chances of skin cancer. And, of course, no one likes to walk away after a relaxing rest, with peeling skin that hurts too much. Plus, a sunburn might even cause some to feel nauseous and sick.

But, at the same time, do you know that one of the aforementioned things could actually be harming you instead? No, your straw hat isn’t causing any detriment to your health, and it certainly isn’t your beloved pair of shades. Instead, your sunblock might actually be causing some damage to your skin and your health. This certainly begets the question — oh, what can we do to prevent sunburns and sun damage?

While covering yourself up is great to ensure that your skin isn’t exposed for a prolonged period of time, here are other options. Making or picking up a natural sunscreen would be a great option, but shying away from the sun’s peak period (10am to 4pm) would work too. Other than that, you might also consider taking refuge in the shade occasionally.

Lee Hui Bing

Photos: Getty Images

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