You might have already heard the news. Valisure Labs announced it discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene (a known carcinogen) in several popular sun care products. No amount of benzene is safe, but Valisure noted that it is especially harmful in large amounts. Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth were among the brands with the highest levels of the carcinogen, per the lab’s results.
Now what?
Adrienne and Stephanie did an “urgent” podcast episode about this topic. Redheads are applying sunscreen to prevent cancer, so the thought of sunscreen causing cancer is frightening. Podcast guest, Dr. Erum Ilyas, talks about the study, what sunscreen products to look for and preaches about the importance of always wearing the right sunscreen.
Dr. Illyas focuses on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Ilyas has served with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons as a State Advocacy Leader. She’s also the founder of AmberNoon, a contemporary clothing line that protects skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW, CLICK HERE FOR ITUNES OR SEARCH FOR “HOW TO BE A REDHEAD” WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS
Here are some of the questions asked and some of her recommendations:
1. Valisure, a lab and online pharmacy that regularly tests consumer products, explains it analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm). What does the report mean exactly? Should we be worried?
2. As a skincare professional yourself who has really dedicated her life to sun protection, did this news surprise you?
3. What are your top 1 or 2 recommended sunscreens?
Always search for sunscreens with zinc as the top and main ingredient when reading the back of the sunscreen bottle.
If the sunscreen says “baby” on it, chances are it is good for you.
Top sunscreens to shop:
4. So many people do not want to talk about skin cancer. But, it’s real and it’s serious. Redheads are said to have melanoma more than any hair color because of the MC1R gene — even without exposure to the sun. What do you know about these facts?
5. So many of us are now worried about sunscreen being harmful too. But, wearing sunscreen is always essential. What tips do you have for redheads who are now scared to wear sunscreen?
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW, CLICK HERE FOR ITUNES OR SEARCH FOR “HOW TO BE A REDHEAD” WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS
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