Sunscreens and hormone health: What you should know before you apply

India Today

2 days ago

As the summer continues to blaze and skin protection becomes a daily essential, growing questions around sunscreen ingredients and their potential long-term health impacts are starting to surface.Recent studies and international safety reviews have highlighted concerns about certain chemical ingredients commonly used in sunscreens, particularly their ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream and act as hormone disruptors.A hormone disruptor is a chemical that has the ability to cross cell membranes and interfere with the body's natural hormone production.advertisement
But dermatologists stress that this does not mean sunscreens are unsafe or should be avoided altogether.Rather, it's a reminder to be more informed about what we apply on our skin every day."The concern for safety and effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients has been heightened after recent evidence of their measurable systemic absorption following topical application," Dr. Sarita Sanke, dermatologist at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi, told IndiaToday.in.Among the ingredients drawing attention are oxybenzone and octinoxate, two UV filters widely used for their ability to absorb harmful UVB and UVA rays of the sun.However, both have also been found in blood, urine, breast milk, and even amniotic fluid, raising questions about their possible impact on hormonal balance and foetal development.While these ingredients are not banned and continue to be approved for use in many countries, including India, doctors say more research is needed.advertisementThe US FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) has highlighted the importance of further evaluating all sunscreen ingredients with systemic absorption levels over 0.5 ng/mL, Dr. Sanke informed.DOES SUNSCREEN DISRUPT HOMONES?Some studies have pointed to possible associations with thyroid changes, pubertal development, kidney function, and immune health, though these findings remain inconclusive.Other ingredients under scrutiny include homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, all commonly found in many commercial sunscreen formulations and approved by the US FDA.However, the research is far from definitive.'Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also present in plastic packaging, water, air, and cosmetics. While detected in body fluids, their systemic exposure hasn't been proven harmful in humans,' said Bengaluru-based dermatologist Dr. Divya Sharma.She added that sunscreen safety is still under active investigation globally, but no regulatory agency has so far called for discontinuing their use.WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS DO?Both Dr. Sanke and Dr. Sharma suggest that mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, could be a safer alternative for those concerned.These ingredients physically block UV rays rather than absorbing them, and while they too can penetrate the skin in small amounts, the current data do not indicate toxicity.In fact, many sunscreen formulations available in India have already phased out older ingredients like PABA and triethanolamine, which were previously linked to safety concerns.advertisementWhile some studies have raised concerns about sunscreen chemicals affecting fish microbiota and aquatic systems, no evidence yet links these effects to human health.Dermatologists advise that sunscreens are a critical defence against skin cancer and premature ageing, especially in a country like India where UV indices frequently soar.Avoiding sunscreen entirely out of fear would be misguided, doctors warn.Instead, the advice is to choose wisely, look at ingredient labels, and opt for mineral-based products where possible, particularly for children, pregnant women, or those with sensitive skin.