quote:

Originally posted by JoeB:

quote:

quote:
There is quite a lot of controversy about the use of sunscreens and some researchers feel that sunscreen may increase the occurance of melanoma (the bad one) while decreasing basal cell carcinomas.


I hadn't heard this. Do you have any citations?

As I said it's controversial but here's a quote from the University of Maryland Medical Center

quote:

Possible Hazards of Sunscreens, Sun Avoidance, or Both. When used generously and appropriately, sunscreen products and sun avoidance help reduce the severity of many aging skin disorders, including squamous cell cancers. There are certain concerns, however. Sunscreens do not appear to protect against melanoma and some basal cell cancers. In fact, some studies have reported a higher association with sunscreen use and these skin malignancies, though not all studies report such negative results.

The reasons for this possible increased risk are unclear, though some theories include:

•Until recently, many sunscreens only or predominantly blocked UVB rays and not UVA, the more deeply penetrating rays now known to be especially dangerous. Studies then may not have reflected the effects of the broad-spectrum sunscreens now available, which block both UVA and UVB.
•People who apply sunscreens may stay out too long during peak sunlight hours. Even if a person doesn't sunburn, UVA rays can still penetrate the skin and do harm.
•People may not put on enough sunscreen.

What I come away with is that it is better to avoid sun exposure (hats, staying in shade, etc.) than relying on sunscreen.