Nexus
September/October 1999
HEALTH BYTES

Pros and cons of sunscreens

Several observational studies have indicated that people who use sunscreen had an increased rate of melanoma. Scientists have analyzed ingredients in sunscreens for possible carcinogens, but haven’t found any. So it now seems that the ingredients in sunscreens don’t cause cancer. But they may contribute to it indirectly by delaying burning from UVB waves of sunlight and enabling people to remain in the sun longer and absorb UVA waves. UVA exposure contributes to skin cell damage and may suppress the body’s efforts to combat it properly. Look for products that offer both UVA and UVB protection and apply sunscreen every one to two hours.

Harvard Women’s Health Watch, April, 1999

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