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dan

611 Posts

Posted - 04/18/2007 :  00:37:35  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Although I think sunscreens are overrated in preventing skin cancers, getting a sunburn isn't a great idea either. The Environmental Working Group website is a useful resource for cosmetic safety. They have ranked 107 sunscreen and tanning oil products in terms of safety at http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/search.php?nperpage=10&main_cat=SKIN+CARE&category=Sunscreen/Tanning%20Oil

If you need to use sunscreen products, you may as well pick one of the safer rated brands.

rocco

77 Posts

Posted - 04/18/2007 :  10:46:13  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Dan, this is funny, I was just logging on to post a link to the same site.

My post was going to be in regards to soaps and shampoos. The EWG site has a good data base for selecting soaps and shampoos that may be less harmful to the skin of those of us that may be prone to skin cancers. It is somewhat eye-opening to see some of the big name products that are flagged as being of "higher concern" for use - like Calvin Klein, Revlon, Just For Men, Liz Claiborne, etc.

I have recently switched to Dr. Bronners pure castille soap. I don't know what difference it may or may not make, but as a part of my overall strategy to get a hold of my skin situation it seems to fit. Less harsh products used on our skin can only be better for us in the long run.

Anyhow, here is the link to the shampoo/hair care evaluator

http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/search.php?main_cat=HAIR+CARE
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anivoc

668 Posts

Posted - 08/05/2007 :  10:11:57  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks for the Post on Shampoo. Being as so far...all of my skin cancers are on my face, neck and "scalp". I have wondered if the dandruff shampoo's (mainly head and shoulders) I had used over the years had been the cause of the darn skin cancers. The fact that they have changed the formulation at least a dozen tines in the last 40 years doesn't help identify if at one point Head and Shoulder users were exposed to a chemical that causes skin cancer ( Did I hear someone think "Class action" in the back of their mind ) but it certainly is a possibility considering the apathy / lack of a public or governmental watchdog on personal care products. Who knows I think most people assume there is some entity out there that watches these manufacturers..unfortunately..not so much

After reading through your link I threw out the head and shoulders and started using Trader Joes "Refresh" Body wash as a shampoo and face wash ..3 months ..no dandruff and it smells good ( They do make a refresh shampoo but ..if it works I am not going to fix it...)
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dan

611 Posts

Posted - 08/19/2007 :  15:49:13  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The updated Environmental Working Group sunscreen database can be found at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php According to the website:

* 84% of the 828 sunscreen products assessed offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Only 16% of the products on the market are both safe and effective, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards. This assessment is based on a review of nearly 400 scientific studies, industry models of sunscreen efficacy, and toxicity and regulatory information housed in nearly 60 government, academic, and industry databases.

* Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety concerns. A review of the technical literature shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and still others may build up in the body or the environment. FDA has not established rigorous safety standards for sunscreen ingredients.

I was hoping to find Raspex SPF30 Skin Gel ( http://www.raspex.com/products.htm ) on this list. Minnie on this forum found Raspex Skin Gel useful, however, Anivoc on this forum also tried Raspex for months without result. I could not find Raspex Sin Gel in the EWG sunscreen database. The Raspex product description states "Rub this cream on pre-cancerous spots or even skin cancer. No pain. No Scarring. The Raspex Skin Cream contains ellagitannins from Raspberry Extract, is an excellent sun protection lotion having an SPF of 30 and will repair sun burns if applied within 4 hours. Shows excellent results for burns, age spots, moles, warts, rosacea, rashes etc. Boosts the skins immune system, maintains skin suppleness, reduces wrinkles, promotes healing, reduces scaring and improves fine capillary blood flow." If Raspex Skin Gel worked it would be a fantastic breakthrough in skin cancer management.
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dan

611 Posts

Posted - 08/21/2007 :  00:45:06  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Here is a list of active ingredients in sunscreens and their health hazard rating from the Environmental Working Group at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/active.php This link has a brief synopsis of each ingredient.

Active Ingredient, Health Hazard (0=Good, 10=Bad)

Avobenzone (Parsol 1789, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane), 2
Cinoxate, 2
Drometrizole Trisiloxane, 4
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid), 3
Homosalate, 4
Menthyl Anthranilate, 1
Mexoryl Sx, 2
Micronized Titanium Dioxide, 3
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate), 3
Octisalate, 3
Octocrylene, 3
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), 7
Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl Paba, Paba Ester), 6
Polysilicone-15, 2
Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4), 3
Tinosorb, 0
Titanium Dioxide, 1
Nano Titanium Dioxide, 2
Zinc Oxide, 2
Micronized Zinc Oxide, 3
Nano Zinc Oxide, 3
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, 5

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RidgebackDogs

103 Posts

Posted - 08/11/2008 :  22:27:34  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
did not find raspex either on EWG skin deep website - however if you use the search function if the product you're looking for doesn't show up you can enter an ingredient list and get a report on the ingredients for Raspex.
Many of these sunscreen agents such as Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate), 3, on the list above can cause photoallergic reactions i.e. can cause allergic reactions on exposure to sun or light - interesting???!!!!
see link to EWG on this sunscreen below:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=704203
and this is one least likely to do so - i have used a lot of sunscreens in the past 15 years many with this ingredient. I have gotten burned with sunscreens on and a hat!!! go figure! is it that the sunscreen I was using was a photosensitizer? Again i have learned that some antibiotics are sun-sensitizers also such as sulfas, tmp, orafloxacins (Cipro) and i have taken my share of these. On UV what about UV from fluorescent light fixtures in the home? They are close in to the UVA blue range which is damaging but not pigment provoking. Another interesting tid-bit is that UVA rays come right through glass windows in your home and car and damage your skin! I had always been taught i was safe behind glass - not so - you won't burn or tan but you will be damaged by the UVA - no more sitting in sunny windows for me. This is hard in the car and i have spent alot of time in the car with the sun on me. I bought some baby pull-down shades that are supposed to partially block UV that i stick to the window so I hope this will help. What to do? I have not used sunscreens since the 2nd bout of bcc nor make-up nor moisturizers using petrochemicals (except for vaseline after the surgeries) - but on the other hand some of the "natural" moisturizers i have tried smelled rancid even through the "perfumes" put in them and rancid oil is not good for the skin either!
What kind of moisturizers and sunscreens do you use and recommend? It looks like from what i have read that the best protection from UV is the natural pigment in the skin itself - melanin. But then they tell you not to try and get a tan! Hasn't the incidence of skin cancer skyrocketed even though people are using more sunscreens? i wonder what was the incidence of skin cancers from 1900 to 1960?
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Waterguy

1 Posts

Posted - 12/25/2008 :  13:34:57  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Sometimes actives, such as Raspex, are just brand names for a common sunscreen mixed with a stabilizer. Some of the organic sunscreens, such as Avobenzone are not effective unless they are stabilized, otherwise they will break down when exposed to UV radiation. One thing to look into... the EWG has been strongly criticized and discredited as of late for the general lack of good science behind their claims. Better to look at the CDC, and Skin Cancer Foundation websites to find what to look for in an effective sunscreen. Pick the right one and the benefits will far out weigh the risks. Regardless of the ingredients, UV damage is the real evil hear. Just ask anyone who has gotten skincancer as of late.

www.skincancerf.org (fyi, their "seal of approval" comes at a cost. The useful information regards the importance of picking a sunscreen with the proper ingredients.)
www.cdc.gov
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Amr

1 Posts

Posted - 07/19/2009 :  13:22:26  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi there,
I have a blog about medical advice concerning all diseases, but I'm still beginning it.
I've written a new post about sunscreens that you all will love to put on according to your specific needs and concerns about the sunscreen.
If you're interested, go to: www.searchplato.com
Hope to read your feed back soon
Bye
Amr Ebied
E-mail: amebied@gmail.com
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canis

4 Posts

Posted - 03/16/2010 :  16:08:41  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by dan

Although I think sunscreens are overrated in preventing skin cancers, getting a sunburn isn't a great idea either. The Environmental Working Group website is a useful resource for cosmetic safety. They have ranked 107 sunscreen and tanning oil products in terms of safety at http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/search.php?nperpage=10&main_cat=SKIN+CARE&category=Sunscreen/Tanning%20Oil

If you need to use sunscreen products, you may as well pick one of the safer rated brands.

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canis

4 Posts

Posted - 03/16/2010 :  16:17:28  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Dan, I agree that sunscreen products are overrated in their ability to protect you, to the point where we know that chemical sunscreens slowly poison the body -- so I wouldn't even pick a safer rated brand. I've been using Fallene's CoTZ range of sunblock, which I highly recommend (interestingly, they're listed on the EWG's Skin Deep cosmetics database with a low-hazard rating).

I tell everyone that will listen to move from sunscreen to sunblock because sunblock isn't absorbed through the skin. Better yet, use Sunsoul UPF50+ UV protection clothing that can also heal skin disorders.

I'm giving away a limited number of free UV protection shirts and hats in return for skin issue stories. Visit http://www.sunscreenwear.com for details.
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sunadvocate1

2 Posts

Posted - 07/27/2010 :  01:41:10  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I would think the main idea is for everyone to be educated about the real dangers of UV rays while they are spending time outside.

A sunburn here, a sunburn there will really add up and have bad consequences sooner or later.

I stick with the sunblock, in order to minimize any chemicals penetrating my skin.


Edited by - anivoc on 07/31/2010 04:47:15
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annieh

41 Posts

Posted - 12/09/2010 :  07:11:07  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
December 2010: Australian scientists prove sunscreen prevents melanoma: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2010/s3086496.htm?site=sunshine

Researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) have shown that daily sunscreen use can prevent melanoma in adults. Their study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on 8 December 2010 : Full story: http://www.qimr.edu.au/page/News__Events/Media_Centre/Media_Releases/Sunscreen_can_prevent_melanoma/
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Disclaimer: The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While melanoma is the most dangerous type, keep in mind that any cancer and potentially some cancer treatments can cause injury or death. The various views expressed in these public forums should not be considered as medical advice. See your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatments.