Should I Use Sunscreen?

Is sunscreen safe?

Reader Contribution by Ellen Sandbeck
Updated on May 23, 2022
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by Pixabay/chezbeate

Is sunscreen safe? Learn some tips about best practices for sun protection and ways to choose healthier sunscreen products.

Choosing the right sunscreen can be a complicated issue, so before we dive into recommendations, here are a few facts to keep in mind:

You Do Need Some Sun Exposure to Get Enough Vitamin D. Your body produces this essential vitamin whenever your bare skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Unfortunately, as many as 32 percent of Americans have inadequate levels of vitamin D, which increases the risk of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Some researchers suggest that 5 to 30 minutes of direct sunlight at midday, twice a week, will give you enough vitamin D. However, many factors, including age, skin tone and latitude affect vitamin D production.

Sunscreen Alone Won’t Prevent Cancer. Sunscreen protects your skin to some extent; however, the pain and blistering of sunburn serves as a warning that you are getting too much solar radiation. Thus, sunscreen may lull some people into complacency and overexposure to the sun. It is best practice to be mindful of sun exposure regardless of sunscreen use.

You Can’t Rely on the SPF Number. Sunscreen only performs as advertised because when you follow application recommendations. Many of us don’t slather on enough sunscreen or reapply it often enough to reach advertised protection levels.

Some Sunscreen Ingredients May Be Harmful. Several common chemical UV-filters in sunscreens are hormone disrupters.

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