Vitamin A Derivatives in Sunscreen May Actually Promote Skin Cancer
I may have reported on this before, but there is startling evidence that a common derivative of vitamin a, which is used in a lot of sunscreens currently, may actually accelerate skin cancer. It was found to be a promoting agent of skin cancer, which is the unhealthy growth and mutation of healthy skin cells into cancerous cells.
Two common derivatives of vitamin A, retinol and retinyl palmitate, are used in a TON of common sunscreens that you find in grocery and drug stores. Not only that, there are also other hormone interrupting ingredients in many of these sunscreens, as well as suspected carcinogens and toxic substances such as chemical preservatives.
Vitamin a and its derivatives are thought to make the skin more photosensitive, meaning the skin is MORE susceptible to cell damage when it comes into contact with UV rays. This is a bad thing because the skin cells can begin to mutate when they have vitamin A on them, and they also are being exposed to ultraviolet light at the same time.
Sunscreens or sunblocks like to have retinols in them because they are an antioxidant. Antioxidants, including retinols, can do wonders for your skin, but NOT when coupled with UV exposure – they can be very dangerous. So make sure you do not buy a sunscreen formula with vitamin A in it.
Also, make sure that your skin care products that you use during the day, especially in the summer, do not use retinol. This is asking for cell damage, and you can put so many other products on your face that are just as good for it which will not promote the growth of cancer.