People who enjoy outdoor activities are passionate about sun safety and they’re on a mission to protect their family against the sun’s rays. Another way they help in this regard is by creating blogs like this one to provide you with information so that you can make decisions about sun safety that are best for you and your family.
In this article, we look at sunscreens that contain vitamin A and the potential harm some studies say this usually beneficial ingredient can cause when applied topically. While vitamin A has lots of positive uses, by reading on, you’ll understand why you may want to hit the pause button if you see this ingredient when shopping for any sunscreen for kids, sensitive skin sunscreen or sunscreen for face.
Retinol in Cosmetics
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is widely used in the cosmetics industry and has made its way into some sunscreens. Many of these products claim to slow signs of skin aging, condition the skin and help prevent acne breakouts. Vitamin A does this by helping to push out old, dead skin cells and supporting the skin to make new ones.
Vitamin is an essential nutrient that our bodies do not make. Instead, we get a lot of it from eating leafy greens, carrots and eggs. However, some scientists believe they’ve found that the vitamin can pose some risks when applied to the skin.
What Studies Say about Vitamin A
As early as 2000, the Food and Drug Administration has kept a close eye on the use of vitamin A in cosmetics and sunscreens. In 2012 the FDA conducted a study to confirm the results of a 2009 National Toxicology Program study.
The FDA study raised the possibility that Vitamin A may speed the growth of cancerous tumors when used topically in direct sunlight. Scientists have found that when a specific form of Vitamin A called retinyl palmitate is exposed to sunlight, it can form free radicals that cause damage to DNA.
After the study was completed, the FDA took no further action except to call for further studies. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety also reviewed the findings and determined the NTP study may indicate the ingredients could speed the growth of cancerous cells, but they said it was difficult to apply the results to humans as mice were used for the study.
Most sunscreen for kids or baby sunscreens do not contain retinyl palmitate since this ingredient is mostly linked to anti-aging benefits. However, if you’re concerned about the use of vitamin A in your daily sunscreen, ask your dermatologist about the benefits and risks of using retinyl palmitate.
What to Look For in a Good Mineral-based Sunscreen
One thing all dermatologists tend to agree on is how important it is to use sunscreen every day. Mineral-based sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that’s trusted by dermatologists and pediatricians. Mineral-based sunscreens are even a good choice for those with sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Mineral sunscreen uses the active ingredients Zinc Oxide and Titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on top of the skin to reflect UV rays away from the body. This is very different from most chemical sunscreens which absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat.
Read some of our other blogs to learn more about why mineral-based sunscreens are superior to the chemical varieties available.
Effective Skin-friendly & Reef-friendly Mineral-based Sunscreen
Many brands have created a range of mineral-based sunscreens that protect your skin from UV damage, whatever it is you’re doing outside. With sensitive skin sunscreen, baby sunscreen, sunscreen for kids and sunscreen for face available, they have something for every purpose and skin type.
Choosing the right sunscreen is important to ensure you and your family can enjoy and be protected from the sun when biking, surfing, nature-walking, and so much more.
Thanks for reading. We hope that our blog helps you enjoy the sunshine without any of the associated UV damage. Until next time, stay safe and stay UV protected.