Q. Breast cancer runs in my family. My mother had it first and I was diagnosed six years ago. Mine was estrogen receptor positive so I avoid sources of estrogen.
Last year I read that some sunscreens have estrogenic activity. Is this true? I would like to know for my own safety and for my daughters and granddaughters. They will be slathering on sunscreen all summer long. I’d like to know which ingredients could be a problem and which are safe.
A. It comes as a shock to many people that some chemicals in sunscreens can be absorbed into the body (Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Apr, 2008). Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is also known as oxybenzone. This common sunscreen ingredient has estrogenic activity, though the risk remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it might be prudent to look for other options.
Physical blockers like zinc and titanium seem safe and are recommended by dermatologists. We are sending you our Guide to Skin Care with more details on sunscreens and a list of our favorites.
