Do some sunscreens actually accelerate cancer? Make sure yours is safe!

Shannon Hoehnen

Last year I wrote about my distaste for tanning. Of course, Shannon, of course. You are ghastly pale, of course you are going to advocate that being pale rocks.

This may be true, my friends, but I'm also kind of scared of…oh, I dunno…CANCER. Sure, being tan makes us feel sexy, but some unsightly melanoma would quickly change that. Anyway, I digress. We all know cancer sucks. We all know sun causes damage to our skin . So we do the right thing and lather up with sunblock, right?

WRONG.

The Mister recently sent me an article announcing a new study that claiming that Many Sunscreens May Be Accelerating Cancer

Um, what?

You mean that white stuff I've been slathering on my body to protect myself is actually harming me? You've got to be kidding me.

According to the article, almost half of the 500 most popular sunscreen products may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer. This is because they contain vitamin A or its derivatives.

The story behind Vitamin A in sunscreen:

According to the article, "The industry includes vitamin A in its sunscreen formulations because it is an anti-oxidant that slows skin aging."

But the Environmental Working Group (EWG) researchers found the initial findings of an FDA study of vitamin A's photocarcinogenic properties, meaning the possibility that it results in cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight.

"In that yearlong study, tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in a vitamin A-laced cream than animals treated with a vitamin-free cream," the report said.

Based on the strength of the findings by FDA's own scientists, many in the public health community say they can't believe nor understand why the agency hasn't already notified the public of the possible danger.

So what does this mean? What should we do? Are we all screwed? Are we all getting cancer? Are we all going to die? STOP THE INSANITY!

Good, we're done freaking out. Now we can talk about what this means and what we should do.

The article explains that "the ideal sunscreen would completely block the UV rays that cause sunburn, immune suppression and damaging free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours and not form harmful ingredients when degraded by UV light, the report said."

Unfortunately there aren't any products in the U.S. that meet ALL of the criteria.

Fortunately, EWG has put a list together of the best sunscreens out there ( and the worst !) to make sure we're buying products that will protect us.

EWG does warn consumers not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection available, they say.

Want to see if your sunscreen made EWG's best-of list? I personally bought a few of their recommendations for the Mister and I yesterday.

PLEASE make sure the products you're using are safe and STAY out of the sun! That tan may look sexy now, but cancer doesn't look good on anyone. Plus, I hear Edward Cullen goes for the pale girls!

Shannon is a first-time mom and the founder and creator of The Daily Balance , a Web site updated daily with advice, tips and personal stories to help others find balance in their lives. From food to fashion, motherhood, fitness, inspiration and recipes, The Daily Balance is the perfect tool for those who "want it all."