Chemicals in sunscreen are not carcinogenic, but what do they do?

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On social media, false claims about sunscreen are increasingly common. For example, there are influencers who call on their followers not to use sunscreen, because it contains chemicals that are carcinogenic. A claim that is absolutely not true, but what about those chemicals? And how do you protect yourself safely from the sun?

The claim that you can get cancer from the chemicals in sunscreen is not true. In fact, according to toxicologist Hester Hendriks, it is precisely those chemicals that ensure that the product works well. "To prevent skin cancer , people must apply sunscreen regularly and sufficiently for good protection against radiation and the sun. The chemicals in sunscreen products, so-called UV filters, provide this protection," she tells ANP .

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In addition to protecting against sunburn, the UV filters in sunscreen reduce the risk of skin cancer and rapid aging of your skin. There are two types of UV filters: mineral-based UV filters and chemical UV filters. Chemical-based UV filters penetrate your skin and absorb harmful UV radiation. Mineral-based UV filters form a thin layer over your skin and also absorb harmful UV radiation.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are examples of mineral UV filters. These substances also ensure that your skin turns a little white when you apply them. By the way, you don't have to worry that your sunscreen is not working properly if it does not turn white on your skin. It is possible to make the particles that make up titanium dioxide and zinc oxide so small that they no longer have a white color.

Do you prefer a sunscreen that does not leave a white residue? Then you should go for a sunscreen that has 'nano' in the ingredients, so titanium dioxide [nano] or zinc oxide [nano]. Examples of chemical filters are homosalate and octocrylene.

In addition to UV filters, sunscreen contains other chemicals: fragrances, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, pigments and moisturizers. It is good for consumers to have more information about some of the chemicals in sunscreens, so that they can make a good choice about which products they use.

According to waarzitwatin , a website of VeiligheidNL and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), you don't have to be afraid of getting sick from sunscreen products. Everything that is in the store is simply safe to use.

It is possible that you can have an allergic reaction to sunscreen products, for example if you are allergic to perfume, one of the chemicals in sunscreen or octocrylene. "In this case, it is better to choose sunscreen products with other UV filters and without perfume. By first trying out a sunscreen product on the inside of your wrist, you can easily test whether a reaction occurs," says Hendriks.

According to Hendriks, it is always wise to be careful when using sunscreen sprays. "With sprays, you have to be careful not to inhale the substance. Sprays produce very small droplets that can end up in your lungs. Therefore, never spray towards your face, but first on your hands and then use your hands to apply to your neck and face."

There is still discussion among scientists about how risky inhaling titanium dioxide [nano] is. That is why titanium dioxide [nano] may not be in sprays. However, there is no risk in applying titanium dioxide [nano] to the skin, because titanium dioxide [nano] cannot enter the body through the skin.

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In addition, you can take some additional measures besides sunscreen to protect yourself well from the sun. Consider the following tips:

Wear UV protective clothing: UV filters such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are added here. This is especially useful for babies and children.
Try to cover your skin as much as possible between 12:00 and 15:00 and seek shade as much as possible.
Wear a cap, hat or sunglasses when sitting in the sun.