In general, Dr. Medwedeff recommends the use of sunscreen to block harmful rays that result in increased risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin aging. However, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA 6/4/19) presents concerns with 12 active ingredients often used in over-the-counter sunscreen.
The 12 ingredients to avoid:
cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, oxybenzone, and avobenzone.
Why to avoid these ingredients?
These active ingredients, when applied every 2 hours (maximal use conditions on sunscreen labeling), were detected in human breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine, and blood. While more studies need to be done, there is concern that exposure may impact the endocrine system.
The 2 ingredients to look for:
Sunscreens containing active ingredients of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide have been deemed safe for maximal use.
Unsure what to buy?
Village Internal Medicine Group, in partnership with Village Aesthetics, offers a sunscreen produced by Elta MD. UV Pure is the ideal daily sunscreen for children and adults. UV Pure is formulated with 10.0% transparent zinc oxide, 5.5% titanium dioxide.