Excessive sunscreen use may lead to skin cancer

By Farheen Raza May 21st, 2012 ( 6 Comments )

Missouri, US: Sunscreen should be used lightly as it may have its side-effects one one’s skin and it may even lead to skin cancer, experts say.

According to research carried out at Missouri University of Science and Technology some compounds found in sunscreen can increase the rate of skin cancer if exposed to light.

“Sunscreen has its after-effects as the cream has harsh chemicals that can affect the body if not applied properly,” IANS quoted Bangalore-based dermatologist Parveen Khurana as saying.

“Zinc oxide, the must-have ingredient in sunscreens, can have harmful effects on the body if used frequently. Most girls today apply sunscreen every time they walk out from shade. This is a major concern,” added Khurana.

“It is true that overexposure to sunlight without sunscreen can cause sunburns, discolouration and irritation. But we should not forget the fact that body also needs vitamin D for strengthening of bones,” said skin expert Krishna Kumar.

“So apart from skin cancer, sunscreens can also reduce vitamin D production by as much as 97.5 to 99.9 percent. And interfering with your body’s production of vitamin D may have dire health consequences,” added Kumar.

Though many fear sun exposure, Kumar says it is important to spend some time in the sun without sunscreen.

“Regular sun exposure can be harmful, but one can try sporadic sun exposure as getting into direct contact of sun also decreases the risk of melanoma (a more deadly form of skin cancer). So safe sun exposure, without any litmus shield like sunscreen, can help in getting away from skin cancer as well,” he added.

So do use sunscreen but in a smart way, advise doctors.