The divided opinions regarding the use of sunscreens

The fact that the sun’s rays can harm the skin and the body is not new. However, today it does not prevent many from giving up the use of sunscreens. Shira Gonen (pseudonym) from Tel Mond, tells about the choice to avoid using them even during direct exposure to the sun: “I have not used these creams for years, in my opinion they are more dangerous than the sun itself. When I go to the beach with the children, for example, I simply choose to do it During the hours when the sun is less dangerous.”Yordan, 30, from Mahud Hasharon, also talks about her choice to avoid changing the known sun protection factors: “I suffered a lot from acne and carefully checked every product I put on my face. I read on the net and realized that there are sunscreens that are much less good for the skin. Because I use sunscreen several times a day , I decided to stick to the recommendation I read online and purchased a mineral sunscreen.”

 

Ronit, 50 years old from Tel Aviv, uses sunscreen, but is exposed to the sun every day in a controlled way to get a dose of vitamin D. A few minutes in the sun this morning without sunscreen to absorb natural vitamin D, I feel, a few minutes in the sun can be good.”

 

In fact, this is one of the controversial trends, which is adopted by, among others, various celebrities and opinion leaders. The idea behind it is to reduce the time spent in the sun during the hours when the radiation is significant, and to give up the use of creams and sun protection factors or alternatively – to use only organic or natural sun protection factors.

As you can imagine, experts from conventional medicine are not enthusiastic about the idea – to say the least. They again emphasize the importance of protecting the body during direct exposure to the sun and go against this trend. On the other hand, various experts from the field of complementary medicine with whom we spoke welcome the change in trend, which in practice contributes to many giving up the application.

According to a survey carried out in the USA among over a thousand participants, 11% of the respondents said that they think that using sunscreen is more harmful than direct sun exposure. In another survey, 15% said that they think that sun exposure is the only way to get vitamin D. In an online survey of more than a thousand people, Published in May by the American Academy of Dermatology, 28 percent of 18- to 26-year-olds said they don’t think tanning causes skin cancer, and 37 percent said they only used sunscreen “when others told them to,” another recent survey by Orlando Health found Cancer Institute revealed that 14% of adults under the age of 35 believe that using sunscreen is harmful.

Before we delve into the matter, some facts about skin cancer: Data from the Cancer Society shows that skin cancer is a common disease in Israel, where the strong solar radiation is one of the main factors in the development of skin lesions. Melanoma is the most dangerous and deadly disease among the different types of skin cancer.

According to Ministry of Health data, in 2020, 1,675 new patients with malignant melanoma of the skin were diagnosed in Israel. 91.9% of patients were diagnosed with an early-stage tumor. Mortality is higher among men than women.

The association’s data also shows that overexposure to the sun during childhood and adolescence, especially exposure that is accompanied by burns and blisters, dramatically increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma of the skin later on. Also, people whose skin burns easily, often with light skin, light or reddish hair and blue eyes, are at a higher risk of getting melanoma.

 

 

 

Dr. Gil Tauber, an expert in dermatology and aesthetics at Maccabi Health Services, explains that the unequivocal recommendation of all dermatologists, in Israel and around the world, is to apply sunscreen on a regular and daily basis. “It is important to use sunscreen not only at the sea or in the pool, but also on the way from home to work or school, when you exercise and on any occasion where you are exposed to the sun. to exercise,” he clarifies. According to him, exposure to the sun may lead to a cumulative effect in the long term.

“The amount of sun they absorbed will not be able to be reversed. They won’t see the effect now, but at 40-50”

Dr. Gil Tauber

The doctor also claims that various influencers who take pictures, sometimes with their children, while not using sunscreen when they go out in the sun – cause damage. They won’t see the impact now, but at 40-50. With continued exposure like this, they may suffer from premature skin aging, and also, God forbid, get various types of skin cancer. Parents have a critical responsibility, precisely at the young ages when they are more exposed to the sun, it is important to apply sunscreen to the children regularly, especially in a sunny country like Israel. It is important to remember that damage that has already occurred cannot be repaired.”

According to him, the claims that have arisen in recent years against sunscreen are not scientifically based. “There have been endless studies on the subject, but there is not a single study that proves that sunscreen is indeed dangerous. Of course, you can try different types and look for compatibility, and if someone has an allergy to certain substances, then you should look for a different type. In any case, it is important to apply it all year round. By the way, in Israel The radiation level in winter is 80% percent of the radiation level in summer, so even in winter it is important to observe the vital habit.”

And what about claims that arise among influencers, about the need for vitamin exposure D?:

“It is important to understand that the body needs a fixed daily dose that it can synthesize from the sun, and according to the studies, exposure of 2%-5% of the body’s surface for 10 minutes is sufficient,” explains the doctor. If so, according to him, the problem for most people is precisely due to poor absorption of the vitamin. “Certainly when it comes to a hot country like Israel, we need to address the absorption problem through food supplements, and not increase direct exposure to the sun, which actually puts us at risk.”

Dr. Marina Landau, an expert in dermatology, a consultant to the Anti-Cancer Society on the topic of skin cancer, also believes that “correct use of sunscreens reduces the damage of sun exposure, and especially the dangers of developing burns, skin cancer, and premature aging of the skin.” She also clarifies Because there is no damage and there is no danger to the users when using them.

Does the type of sunscreen used really matter?

“It is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher in the recommended amount and make sure to reapply according to the instructions,” explains Dr. Landau. Regarding natural or mineral-based sunscreen, she emphasizes that “sunscreens that contain physical protective components and are approved by the ministry Health is absolutely effective in protecting against solar radiation. ‘Natural’ or ‘mineral’ – this is already sales terminology.”

“It is always better to choose recognized and international brands. You have to make sure it’s a product that covers both the UVA and UVB wavelengths,” adds Dr. Tauber.

The opponents: “Most protective preparations can cause damage“

But, as mentioned, some argue that using sunscreen is harmful and unnecessary. Dr. Gil Yosef Shahar (MD), an expert in nutritional medicine and head of the Rambam Center for Medicine, even claims that too much exposure to the sun can cause damage to the skin, and most sunscreens can also cause damage. According to him, one of the common ingredients in sunscreens is called oxybenzone. “Many studies have shown that this synthetic molecule is absorbed through our skin and passes into the bloodstream. A study on animals found that oxybenzone and its breakdown products accumulate in many organs of the body, including: liver, spleen, kidneys, testicles and adrenal gland. The studies also found that oxybenzone also acts as a hormonal disruptor, Because it binds to the receptors of our sex hormones.”

The conclusion, in his opinion, is that one must be exposed to the sun for a short time to gain the many benefits of direct exposure. “Of course, if we don’t use a sunscreen, it will put us at risk of getting burned. On the other hand, using a sunscreen will expose us to a chemical that may harm our health. Therefore, it’s important to be exposed for a limited time, and then – to cover up. That’s how we enjoy all the worlds – the benefits of exposure to the sun without the risk of burning or damage another for the skin”. He also notes that the time of direct exposure varies from person to person depending on the color of their skin and depending on the time of day they are exposed to the sun.

 

 

 

“If it is not possible to cover certain areas of the body, I recommend using a sunscreen with an organic label,” says Shahar. “These mostly contain different minerals that reflect the sun’s radiation, and not chemical substances that break down and are absorbed into our bloodstream. It is likely that a physical sunscreen (based on minerals) is less harmful than a sunscreen based mostly on synthetic chemical substances.”

“The trick is to choose effective natural creams that do not contain harmful chemicals”

Einav Burstein

Einav Burstein, a consultant and instructor for natural nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, also chooses not to use the known protection factors. Not during the summer vacation. So for me there is no choice but to use creams that protect the skin, but the trick is to choose effective natural creams that do not contain harmful chemicals,” she says.

 

 

 

To support her claims, Burstein provides research evidence: “The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an American research organization that focuses on exposure to chemical substances and their effects on public health and the environment. According to a review published in 2021 by the organization, oxybenzone is a common component in sunscreens that is used as a radiation filter on by absorbing radiation and part of the UVB radiation. The component is known for its high penetration through the skin and the potential to cause hormonal disorders and allergic reactions in the skin. In addition, it was found that oxybenzone can affect the hormone system and reduce testosterone levels, as was discovered in a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA. B. These findings are based on data from a study published in the journal of the National Toxicology Program, which discovered indirect evidence of carcinogenicity in rats, after thyroid tumors and uterine enlargement were observed among females with high exposure to oxybenzone.”

“No matter what they say, there is no research that shows that sunscreens are harmful or dangerous”

Dr. Gil Tauber

Octinoxate, another common ingredient in sunscreens, is known for its deep penetration through the skin and its hormonal effects. Studies have reported that Octinoxet affects the hormonal system, including an effect on thyroid function and the secretion of other hormones. However, the Cancer Society emphasizes that there is no actual scientific evidence that sunscreen can cause cancer – on the contrary: “For many years now, in the Society, we have been following the scientific studies from around the world on the use of sunscreens. The latest scientific knowledge indicates that the correct use of sunscreens reduces the damages of sun exposure. There is no actual scientific evidence that sunscreen causes cancer, but on the contrary – that the use of sunscreens reduces the chance of getting skin cancer. The Cancer Society, like health authorities around the world, recommends the use of sunscreens to prevent sunburns and The risk of skin cancer. In order to achieve the required protection, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreens with 30 SPF and above, use the recommended amount and make sure to renew the application. This is in addition to the additional protective measures of Chacham B’Shemesh of the Cancer Society: staying in the shade, wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses, wearing appropriate clothing, observing safe hours and drinking plenty of water.”

 

 

Dr. Tauber is also quick to reassure and claims: “No matter what they say, there is no research that shows that sunscreens are harmful or dangerous, certainly not in the context of filters from recognized companies that undergo tests and operate in accordance with standards.”

In response to the study presented by Dr. Shahar, the Cancer Society says that “a one-off study has no clinical significance. For many years, the Cancer Society has been following the scientific studies from around the world on the use of sunscreens. As mentioned, there is no scientific evidence that sunscreen causes cancer, but that using sunscreens reduces the risk of getting skin cancer.”

Dr. Meir Cohen, chairman of the Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in Israel, is also firm in his opinion on the matter: “Every few years I come across claims from supporters of not using sunscreens or a rumor that the chemicals in the cream may cause cancer. In practice, the active ingredients in sunscreens sold in Israel Supervised by the Ministry of Health and the FDA, which has determined that they are safe and effective. In all my years as a doctor, I have never encountered a person with skin cancer as a result of sunscreen, however, I have met thousands of patients with melanoma, cancer, spots and wrinkles caused by careless exposure to the sun. As a former volunteer at the Cancer Society and as a plastic surgeon, I can say with responsibility – sunscreen is not associated with higher rates of all types of cancer and there is no reason to avoid sunscreens, in addition to the use of other sun protection measures, in order to reduce the risk of one of the most dangerous types of cancer. “.

The Association for the War of Cancer reiterates that various studies conducted in the field have proven that the routine use of sunscreen reduces the incidence rate of melanoma skin cancer. At the same time as using the promoters, Dr. Landau says that “even when using the protective product, exposure to the sun should be avoided as much as possible.”