Are Sunscreens safe?

[teko]

Half of all sunscreens, (those using vit A, retinol) have been found to accelerate cancer in mice. The FDA has known this for more than a decade.

I use them sometimes but do not nor have ever trusted them. I guess because they can enter the body thru the skin. Tho I do believe too much sunshine like anything, can be harmful I am much more comfortable with Gods creation rather than mans. Maybe Im just old fashioned.

What say you?Do you use them.  Will these products come back to bite us or do you feel like they are safe?

[Barb135]

R -- for 7 hours/summer, you most likely aren't doing that much (if any) damage.  

I did try sunscreen on my face a few years ago, because the job at that time required even more time in the sun, than my current one does --- you are right, even with the sunscreen, I looked like a raccoon.  The thing with me, though, is that I can't see without my glasses, so just wearing them causes me to look have "'raccoon eyes" --- it's only when I take my glasses off, though, that you can see them.  More noticeable on me, though, is the small "v-shape" on the portion of my neck that's shaded by my chin - white as a sheet, while the rest of my neck is tanned.........go ahead, laugh -- it's not that large, but it IS noticeable...........

Okay, I'll confess here --- I'm too darn lazy and forgetful to keep putting on the sunscreen -- now, I'm kinda glad I don't........

BUT, let's be realistic here --- this might be one of those things where you have to use multiple tubes/day for umpteen yrs before it will do damage........ who knows?

I remember some years back, they came out with a Reader's Digest article that said both potatoes and tomatoes were poisonous --- turned out you would have to eat 100 lbs of potatoes daily for well over 100 yrs in order for them to harm you; was something equally ridiculous for tomatoes.  As it turns out, most things are toxic if we eat/use too much.

My advice is to watch the ingredients and steer away from those with vitamin A and other harmful ingredients....  aside from that --- moderation is the key.

[R Glass]

I’ll take my chances on the toxins. I take a road trip to Memphis every summer (about a 7 hour ride). Even with wearing it you look like a damned raccoon when you get there and take your sunglasses off. I couldn’t imagine the trip without it.

[teko]

I think they are promoting ant psychotic meds myself. Everyone knows one of the best things for depression is getting in the sun for at least 15 minutes a day. I think the sunscreen blocks the benefits and we have a huge depressed country on meds. Sharing the wealth so to speak.


I know! I got too much time on my hands! lol
Seriously!

[Barb135]

I read this the other day -- that a lot of sunscreens are toxic.  Of course, we all know that too much vitamin A is toxic, so I guess it figures that if one uses a lot of sunscreen, there could be danger.  

I don't use sunscreens, although, I've been told dozens of times that I should because I work outside most of the time.  I also happen to be deficient in vitamin D (even with spending so much time in the sun), so can't see using sunscreen to shout out the sun, when I have to supplement with vitamin D as it is!!  

I think we need to watch the labels on the products very carefully to make sure we aren't getting the ones that are proven to be hazardous - if that's even possible.  

Isn't it just lovely how they come out with things and promote it non-stop (like the sunscreen issue); only to find out that if you really use the products, you risk as much (or more) as not using anything?