Many people may find this hard to believe but there is evidence. Do you know the ingredients in the sunscreens that are available for purchase today? I am aware and I wasn’t happy with what I discovered. We will get into that more in a little bit. But first, do you think the rise in skin cancer is actually from using sunscreen? Below you will find out why I do think there is a correlation from using sunscreen and in increase in skin cancer instead of a decrease like you would expect.
The relationship between humans and the sun has been both nurturing and precarious. The arrival of sunscreen in the 20th century marked a turning point in how we interact with the sun, promising protection against harmful UV rays and subsequently reducing the prevalence of skin cancer. Or did it? In this blog post, we will journey through time to explore the rate of skin cancer before sunscreen was invented, shed light on the benefits of sun exposure, and delve into the controversial aspects of sunscreen usage.
The Sun and Skin Cancer: A Historical Perspective
Before the invention of sunscreen, our ancestors had a different relationship with the sun. Limited exposure to clothing and minimal shelter meant that humans were more exposed to sunlight. The historical records and medical data reveal a lower incidence of skin cancer compared to modern times. References to skin cancer in ancient texts and medical records are scarce, suggesting that skin cancer was relatively rare.
This could be due to various factors, including differences in lifestyle, clothing, and sun exposure habits. Sunscreen’s introduction in the 20th century aimed to reduce the risk of skin cancer by providing protection against harmful UV rays.
Over the years, as sunscreen usage increased, so did awareness about the dangers of excessive sun exposure. However, it’s essential to note that skin cancer rates have also risen in recent decades.
Embracing the Sun: Benefits of Sun Exposure
The sun, often hailed as the source of life, has numerous health benefits. Sunlight is a vital source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune system function, and overall well-being. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate our circadian rhythms which in turn promotes a healthy sleep pattern. Additionally, sunlight triggers the release of endorphins, promoting a positive mood and mental well-being. These are all great benefits are they not? Well, when you apply sunscreen, you are not only blocking out the harmful UV rays but also the UV rays that are going to be beneficial to your health.
Sunscreen Paradox: Unveiling the Controversy
While sunscreen is promoted as a shield against skin cancer, recent research has raised concerns about its efficacy and potential harm. Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin and disrupt hormone balance among other things. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, commonly found in sunscreens, have been linked to allergic reactions and hormone-related issues. Not to mention the ingredients that are already considered carcinogenic! You can go here to read more about the toxic ingredients in sunscreens and learn which ones to avoid.
The modern sunscreen as we know it today was developed in the early to mid-20th century. One of the key milestones in the development of sunscreen was the invention of the “sun protection factor” (SPF) by chemist Franz Greiter in 1962. He introduced the concept of SPF to measure the effectiveness of sunscreens in blocking UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that the sun does not cause skin cancer. You definitely want to be mindful of how much time you spend in the sun as you do not want to burn. Burning causes skin damage and is the reason for skin cancer development. However, there are natural sunscreens that you can be using instead of toxic chemical sunscreens.
Before the formalization of sunscreen with SPF, various cultures throughout history used natural substances like plant oils and extracts to provide some level of sun protection. Ancient Egyptians, for instance, used a mixture of rice bran extract, jasmine, and lupine extracts to shield their skin from the sun. Native Americans and ancient Greeks also used substances like olive oil and zinc oxide for similar purposes. There are also essential oils you can use as well. And if you feel like it is a must to wear sunscreen then don’t apply it immediately of being in the sun so that you can absorb some of that vitamin D that we humans desperately need for our health. There are natural and safe mineral-based options as well that you can find here.
Unintended Consequences: Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
Ironically, some studies suggest that the very product intended to reduce skin cancer might be contributing to its rise. Sunscreen usage can lead to a false sense of security, encouraging people to spend more time in the sun than they otherwise would. Moreover, some sunscreens only block certain types of UV rays, allowing others to penetrate the skin, potentially increasing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. And like I stated above you are also not getting the benefits of the sun exposure either. So, this sounds like a lose-lose situation if you ask me!
If you do happen to stay in the sun for a little longer than you intended and you do burn, then try this sun soothe after-sun lotion. It will help soothe and cool the skin that was overexposed to the sun, help to relieve the sting a sunburn may cause, moisturize the skin and may help prevent peeling, and it contains skin repairing properties to help your skin heal. As if those weren’t enough reasons to want to give this product a try, I also want to mention that this is made with all natural ingredients and is safe for all ages.
It not only helps ease the pain from sun burns but it can help heal down to a cellular level.
In the initial period (1950-1954), a diagnosis of invasive melanoma was rare, with 1.9 patient cases per 100,000 for men and 2.6 patient cases per 100,000 for women. Then along came the invention of SPF in 1962. From then on until 2007, overall incidence rates rose more than 17-fold in men (1.9 to 33.5 per 100,000) and more than nine-fold in women (2.6 to 25.3 per 100,000). During these six decades, mortality rates more than tripled in men (1.6 to 4.9 per 100,000) and doubled in women (1.3 to 2.6 per 100,000).
As we reflect on the historical rate of skin cancer before sunscreen was invented, we uncover a complex relationship between sun exposure and this often-deadly disease. While the sun has its inherent benefits, the evolution of sunscreen usage has introduced a new layer of concerns. Striking a balance between responsible sun exposure and the judicious use of sunscreen remains a challenge. As science progresses, it is crucial to make informed decisions about sun protection, considering both the historical context and modern research findings. And to reiterate that if you feel as though sunscreen is necessary then opt for a natural mineral sunscreen that you can find here instead of a toxic chemical version.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you decide to click a link and make a purchase then I would earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. Also know that I will only recommend products that I believe in and would use or have used personally. For more detailed information you can see my full disclosure here.
References:
- Freedberg, I. M., & Fitzpatrick, T. B. (1978). Early Detection and Treatment of Skin Cancer: Historical Perspective. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1(3), 249-259.
- Weller, R. B., & Hunter, J. A. (2010). The sunscreen paradox: Balancing the risks and benefits of ultraviolet exposure. British Journal of Dermatology, 164(3), 505-507.
- Moan, J., & Dahlback, A. (2009). The relationship between skin cancers, solar radiation and ozone depletion. British Journal of Dermatology, 161(S3), 34-40.
- Thieden, E., Philipsen, P. A., & Wulf, H. C. (2009). Sunscreen use related to UV exposure, age, sex, and occupation based on personal dosimeter readings and sun-exposure behavior diaries. Archives of Dermatological Research, 301(7), 467-475.
- National Library of Medicine. (2013). Melanoma Epidemic: An Analysis of Six Decades of Data From the Connecticut Tumor Registry. Journal of Clinical Oncology. nih.gohttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3906570/v
