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DEET ate my backpack 4-Jan-2011 At 4:37:05 PM Duncan

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A recent paper in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics addresses "the good, the bad and the ugly" of sunscreen. You may need a subscription, but you can find it here:

http://www.nature.com/clpt/journal/v89/n1/full/clpt2010227a.html

Regarding the "sunscreen gives you cancer!" debate, the authors say:

"...there are major concerns about the safety of the major chemicals used, even avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX),7 which are considered safe by the Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org). There is also public anxiety about the potential toxicity of the micronized physical sunblocks titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, due to concerns about nanosizing, a process that increases production efficiency and results in a product that is more cosmetically appealing. Nanoparticles are single particles with a diameter of 1–100 nm. Some worry that these will be absorbed into the dermis, where numerous reactions, such as generation of reactive oxygen species, might take place. Thus far, evidence regarding the safety of physical sunblocks is sparse. However, several (although not all) studies in humans have shown that the stratum corneum is an effective barrier to absorption of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide into the dermis."

In other words, there is no evidence that it will cause cancer. I was interested to read that sunscreen does not necessarily reduce the incidence of melanoma or basal cell carcinoma - the two major types of skin cancer. The best way to reduce the incidence of these cancers is to find shade and wear clothing.

SCIENCE.