Why mineral brands can be better

An FDA study found that chemicals found in many common sunscreens can be absorbed into your blood, but experts say you should not stop using sunscreen completely.

The study, released Monday, found that four common active ingredients in sunscreens – avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene and ecamsule – are entering the bloodstream at levels far exceeding the threshold recommended by the FDA without safety inspection by the government.

Sunscreens containing these ingredients, especially oxybenzone, should be avoided, says Nneka Leiba, director of healthy life sciences at the non-profit advocacy group, the environmental working group, but alternatives exist.

"Do not run away from sunscreens in general," said Leiba, "but encourage yourself to use the available mineral products."

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Is my sunscreen dangerous?

Not necessarily.

Although the FDA has found that the active ingredients of sunscreens get into people's blood, further research is needed to understand their effects on human health, according to the study's authors and experts.

Oxybenzone is a potential endocrine disruptor, which means that it can affect growth, development and reproduction, said Leiba. According to his group, studies have shown that it is a weak estrogen that can reduce testosterone in teenage boys. As a result, Leiba said that sunscreens containing oxybenzone should be avoided.

Oxybenzone could also be partly responsible for damage to coral reefs, according to scientists. Hawaii has become the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and other states have also considered similar bans.

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With respect to the other three chemicals in the FDA study, additional research is needed to understand their impact on humans, said Leiba.

"What we do know is that all of these (sunscreens) have been used for decades in the United States," said Dr. Henry W. Lim, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology . "And up to now, no use of systemic and internal side effects resulting from the use of sunscreen has been reported."

In a statement in response to this study, the American Academy of Dermatology encouraged people to continue using sunscreen with an SPF equal to or greater than 30, along with other protective measures.

Mr. Lim also stated that, although the pilot study was scientifically designed, the amount and frequency of sunscreen applied were much higher than those that an average person would use.

But if the study does not prove whether sunscreens are safe or not, it highlights regulatory problems, Leiba said.

"We are very exposed, but these chemicals have not been adequately tested, which shows the backwardness of product regulation in the United States," she said.

How common are these ingredients?

The four ingredients tested by the FDA are among the most common active ingredients in sunscreens, said Leiba.

Last year, oxybenzone was one-third of non-mineral sun creams, she added.

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Are sunscreens without these ingredients available?

Yes. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients are equally effective, according to Lim and Leiba.

Every year, the environmental working group publishes a list of sunscreens deemed safe for people and the environment. And fortunately, these products are becoming more available and affordable, said Leiba.

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Last year, the group listed more than 240 sunscreens. Many major brands also offer options for minerals, said Leiba.

Look at the labels on the back of the products to find the active ingredients, and be aware that the front of the labels can be misleading as to the "safety" of a sunscreen, said Leiba.

However, these alternatives have disadvantages. According to Mr. Lim, these sunscreens do not have high SPFs (although doctors do not recommend the use of too high SPF) and can create a white discoloration for users with the darker skin.

If not, how can I protect myself and my children?

The use of sunscreen is only one part of the largest set of sunscreen products, said Mr Lim.

Stay in the shade, cover up your long sleeves and wear sunglasses to better protect yourself from sun damage, Lim said. "Sunscreen is a component, but not the only one."

Follow Ryan Miller, USA TODAY, on Twitter @RyanW_Miller

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