The American Academy Of Dermatology 2021 States That Skin Ca

The American Academy Of Dermatology 2021 States That Skin Cancer Is

The American Academy of Dermatology (2021) states that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Protecting our skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is imperative. However, the human body does benefit from a mild to moderate amount of UV radiation.

Initial post: What is the best way to protect your skin from sun-related damage? What are the advantages and disadvantages to sunscreens containing common active ingredients such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate? Are there benefits to using mineral sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide? How effective are natural sunscreens, such as coconut oil or shea butter? If a sunscreen product is not regulated by the FDA, how can you determine if the product’s claims are true?

Paper For Above instruction

Sun protection is an essential aspect of skincare due to the prevalence of skin cancer, which the American Academy of Dermatology (2021) reports as the most common cancer in the United States. Considering that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, it is crucial to adopt effective strategies to minimize sun damage. The best way to protect skin from sun-related damage involves a combination of behavioral habits and appropriate use of sun protection products, primarily broad-spectrum sunscreens, complemented by protective clothing, shade, and behavioral adjustments such as avoiding peak sunlight hours.

Proper sun protection begins with behavioral modifications. Seeking shade during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and UV-protective sunglasses significantly reduces UV exposure. Behavioral habits such as avoiding artificial tanning and recognizing the importance of daily sunscreen application also contribute to long-term skin health. Nevertheless, sunscreens remain a primary and practical defense, provided they are used correctly and consistently.

Sunscreens contain active ingredients designed to absorb, reflect, or scatter UV radiation, thereby preventing skin damage. Among the common chemical active ingredients are oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate. Oxybenzone is widely used but has raised concerns over potential hormonal disruption and allergic reactions (Gandhi et al., 2020). Octocrylene offers photostability and efficacy against UVB but can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis (Roitman et al., 2018). Homosalate is considered effective but poses questions about its cumulative effects and potential endocrine-disrupting properties (Schlumpf et al., 2018). Each of these chemicals offers certain benefits in terms of UV protection efficacy; however, their disadvantages include environmental concerns, potential human health risks, and skin sensitivities.

In contrast, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection by physically blocking UV radiation. These ingredients are generally regarded as safe and less likely to cause allergic reactions, making them suitable for sensitive skin types. Zinc oxide not only provides UVB and UVA protection but also offers antimicrobial benefits, which can aid in skin healing (Buller et al., 2020). Titanium dioxide similarly reflects UV rays and is less likely to penetrate the skin, thus posing fewer health concerns. The main disadvantage of mineral sunscreens is often their cosmetic appearance; they tend to leave a white cast on the skin, which some users find aesthetically unappealing. Advances in nanoparticle formulations have mitigated this issue, offering more transparent mineral sunscreens (Wang et al., 2019).

Natural sunscreens, such as coconut oil or shea butter, are often marketed for their purported sun-protective properties. However, scientific evidence indicates that these substances do not provide reliable UV protection. For instance, coconut oil has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of approximately 4-8, which is inadequate compared to commercial sunscreens (Bertholon et al., 2018). Shea butter offers similar minimal sun protection, primarily serving as a moisturizer rather than a barrier against UV rays. Relying solely on natural oils for sun protection leaves skin vulnerable to sunburn and DNA damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer over time.

The regulation of sunscreen products by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is critical in ensuring product safety and efficacy. Many sunscreens are FDA-approved, but some products marketed as "sunblock" or "broad-spectrum" may not meet regulatory standards. Consumers should scrutinize labels for claims such as "Broad Spectrum" and SPF ratings, and verify that the product has been tested and approved by the FDA. Ingredient lists can also help determine the active agents present. Additionally, consulting independent sources, such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG), can assist in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of non-FDA regulated products. The EWG provides ratings based on ingredient safety and transparency, helping consumers make informed choices (Environmental Working Group, 2023).

In conclusion, effective sun protection combines behavioral strategies with the appropriate choice of sunscreen formulations. Chemical sunscreens offer high efficacy but pose concerns regarding health and environmental safety, whereas mineral-based sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection with fewer risks. Natural oils lack sufficient efficacy and should not replace scientifically formulated sunscreens. Non-regulated sunscreens necessitate consumer vigilance through labels, independent evaluations, and scientific literature to ensure truthful claims and safety.

References

  • Buller, M., et al. (2020). Zinc oxide in sunscreens: Review of safety and efficacy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(5), 1024-1031.
  • Environmental Working Group. (2023). Sunscreen Safety & Efficacy Ratings. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/
  • Gandhi, R., et al. (2020). The safety of oxybenzone in sunscreens: A review of current evidence. Clinical Toxicology, 58(7), 617-624.
  • Roitman, A., et al. (2018). Allergic contact dermatitis caused by octocrylene in sunscreen products. Contact Dermatitis, 78(2), 132-134.
  • Schlumpf, R., et al. (2018). Endocrine-disrupting effects of UV filters in topical formulations. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 48(8), 716-735.
  • Wang, L., et al. (2019). Nanoparticle formulations of zinc oxide for improved transparency in sunscreens. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 21(11), 229.
  • Bertholon, J., et al. (2018). Efficacy of natural oils as sunscreens: Myth or reality? Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 29(3), 233-237.
  • American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Skin Cancer Facts. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-overview
  • Gandhi, R., et al. (2020). The safety of oxybenzone in sunscreens: A review of current evidence. Clinical Toxicology, 58(7), 617-624.
  • Wang, L., et al. (2019). Nanoparticle formulations of zinc oxide for improved transparency in sunscreens. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 21(11), 229.

Related Assignments