Impact of mineral and non-mineral based sunscreen on reducing skin cancer risk

With an increasing number of individuals diagnosed with melanoma globally, the topic of reducing the risk of skin cancer has been on the rise for decades. In order to address this issue, it is vital to understand three main causes that have been found: individuals with excessive exposure to the sun, harmful chemicals used in sunscreen, and hereditary impact on their likelihood of getting skin cancer.   

The first cause of skin cancer is overexposure to sun rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays. When a large amount of ultraviolet light penetrates into the body, skin cells and their DNA become damaged (Watson et al, 2016). This results in a significant increase of cancerous cells that spread throughout the layers of skin, resulting in cancer. A common assumption is that most people believe that the rays of the sun can only cause major damage during summer or when the sun rays are strong; however, this assumption is false. No matter how intense the sunlight is, the impact of its rays are still dangerous, proving the importance of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. That being said, research suggests the use of protective clothing as a main way to reduce the risk of contracting melanoma. Meg Watson works for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that wearing layers of protection, such as long sleeve shirts and pants protect from harsh sun rays and can reduce a person’s risk for sunburn and skin cancer. While deaths caused by exposure to UVA and UVB are low, it has been reported by the ASCO that around ten percent of all skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma (Nijsten et al, 2016).

The second cause of a rise in skin cancer is the use of dangerous chemicals, such as oxybenzone. According to Joseph DiNardo, scientific researcher, and Craig A. Downs, executive director at Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, they concluded that oxybenzone was present in sunscreens, and have contributed to significant environmental damage. When using products with oxybenzone, the chemical remains present in our bodies in high concentrations. Research suggests that oxybenzone is found in 97% of all urine samples from healthy individuals. (DiNardo and Downs et al, 2018). Additionally, oxybenzone is capable of damaging coral reef DNA to increase its vulnerability to climate change, urging states like Florida to ban sunscreens containing this chemical (Suh et al, 2020) (Downs et al, 2015). 

The final cause that leads to an increased risk of skin cancer is genetics and skin color. Sometimes, skin cancer is not caused by exposure to the rays from the sun, it could be caused by genetics. For instance, most light skinned individuals are more likely to develop skin cancer as their skin cells contain less melanin  compared to a person with darker skin tone. (Davis et al, 2019). As such, when using the same amount of sunscreen, those with lighter skin have a greater tendency to get sunburned, While people with darker skin tones can still get skin cancer, they have a lower likelihood due to higher melanin in their bodies. According to research from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), around two-thirds of the American population don’t use any protection for their skin.  (Nijsten et al, 2016). Skin cancer is not hereditary as people cannot contract it from birth; however, the genes can be contracted which can increase one’s risk. The genetics and skin color of a person can result in having a higher or lower risk of skin cancer. (Zambrano-Román et al, 2022). In recent years, the increased research on skin cancer risk within individuals with various skin colors has encouraged more protection against the sun. 

Inorganic sunscreens are known to absorb the ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). They contain minerals such as titanium and zinc oxide that prevents sunscreen from penetrating into the body, protecting one’s interior organs and bloodstream. (Serpone, 2007). While these positive benefits are helpful and attractive to many customers, the only downside of this sunscreen is that they leave a strong white cast. 

The other type of sunscreen available is organic sunscreen which utilizes lightweight, thinner material to protect one’s skin. It has an easy-to-use formula that blends easily on the skin making this a quick and easy choice for many consumers, while reducing exposure to the sun rays for a limited amount of time. While this may seem like a better option, it’s not as effective as an organic sunscreen The lightweight formula melts faster than an organic sunscreen making it an ineffectual choice to use when outside for a long period of time, enabling the chemical to penetrate into a person’s body, contaminating the bloodstream and internal organs.

It is clear to understand that sunscreen has countless benefits in reducing skin cancer risks. However, it is important to reemphasize that if people do not wear sunscreen on a daily basis during both summer and winter, the risk of gaining skin cancer is much higher. Furthermore, in today’s society there are so many sunscreens that display various kinds of sun protection factors (SPF) values that the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends people use sunscreen containing at least a value of 30 on the SPF chart. (Sander et al, 2020). Through the research and journal articles written by professionals in the field of scientific research, there is a recurring theme that society needs to use effective sunscreens in order to protect themselves from all the harmful lasting effects that the ultraviolet aging (UVA) and ultraviolet burning (UVB) rays can cause.