Disadvantages of Sunscreen

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Using sunscreen is a precaution to protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Besides outstanding advantages such as helping to prevent sunburn and premature aging, sunscreen also has some disadvantages such as causing stickiness, skin irritation in some skin types, and some ingredients being absorbed into the body. can,...

1. The disadvantages of sunscreen

Sunscreen is a preventative measure that protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. They help prevent sunburn and premature aging (like wrinkles, rough skin). Sunscreen also helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and sunburn-like skin reactions (sensitivity to the sun) caused by certain medications (including tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine). The active ingredients in sunscreen work by absorbing the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching deeper skin layers, or by reflecting radiation.
Besides the benefits of sunscreen, there are also certain disadvantages. Wearing sunscreen doesn't mean you can stay out in the sun longer. Sunscreens can't protect against all of the sun's radiation, and there are different types of sunscreens available in many forms (eg cream, lotion, gel, stick, spray, lip balm). In addition, there are a number of other disadvantages of sunscreen can be mentioned such as:
Applying an amount of sunscreen about 2 mg / 2cm on the skin surface will cause stickiness and discomfort for users. Oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin when applying sunscreen can cause more oil production or skin irritation. After applying sunscreen from 2-3 hours, users need to reapply sunscreen once, this will cause inconvenience to users. Sunscreen is often easily worn off partially or completely after being exposed to water or sweating a lot. Spray sunscreens can cause sunburn. Some sunscreen products that contain aminobenzoic acid or para-aminobenzoic acid can stain clothes.

Besides, chemical sunscreens often contain some ingredients that are not good for health, for example substances such as: PABA or oxybenzone. Among them, oxybenzone is the most concerned substance. “Oxybenzone has been in the spotlight as a potentially harmful substance ever since studies demonstrated its ability to be absorbed into the body through the skin,” says Nino. However, the extent of absorption and biological effects of oxybenzone on the human body have not been determined. Recently, the FDA asked to collect more information.” A 2017 study found that oxybenzone can cause allergic reactions in the skin as well as react with chlorine to create dangerous byproducts in pools and water. A new study finds that the ingredients in sunscreen are also likely to be absorbed into the body and can even build up over time.
MORE: Should I use a physical sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen?

2. Should I use sunscreen?

Sunscreen was first approved as an over-the-counter medication to prevent sunburn before modern drug evaluation methods were used. Currently, sunscreen manufacturers need to demonstrate through human studies that the benefits of sunscreen outweigh the risks and harms that sunscreen can cause when used. used as intended for a specific audience.
However, the majority of sunscreens on the market still meet safety standards. Experts say the benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh any risks that certain UV-blocking ingredients may pose. Therefore, you should still use sunscreen to prevent aging and harmful effects of UV rays. But be careful to choose sunscreen products suitable for your skin type and be careful with products containing oxybenzone. Also, if you have any allergies to sunscreen ingredients such as aminobenzoic acid or sulfa drugs, or any other allergies. Please consult a dermatologist before use to prevent unwanted effects from occurring.

In a nutshell, using sunscreen is a preventative measure to protect skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Besides outstanding advantages such as helping to prevent sunburn and premature aging, sunscreen also has some disadvantages such as causing stickiness, skin irritation in some skin types, and some ingredients being absorbed into the body. However, the majority of sunscreens on the market still meet safety standards. Experts say the benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh the harm it can cause. So, use sunscreen daily to prevent premature aging, but choose the right sunscreen for your skin to minimize unwanted effects.

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Reference sources: webmd.com, .healthline.com