Sunscreens are supposed to help reduce the risk of skin cancer, not cause it. Right? Well, there's new data indicating that this may not be the case, that retinyl palmitate - a form of vitamin A commonly used in sunscreens - might actually cause cancer.
A Times article reports that recent studies have found a possible correlation between retinyl palmitate and the development of tumors in rats exposed to the chemical.
As alarming as this may seem, remember that these are early studies – done on rats. Much more research needs to be done – and on human skin – before any real conclusions can be made.
Nevertheless, if you’d like to avoid sunscreens using retinyl palmitate, check out the Environment Working Group’s sunscreen guide for a list of alternatives.
Do not toss your sunscreen. Aside from wearing a hat, a long sleeve shirt and pants, sunscreens are the best known tool to help reduce skin cancer risk.
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