IT'S SAFE TO SLIP, SLOP, SLAP

Sunscreen’s are not toxic, and nanoparticles can’t penetrate the skin, new research confirms. A new study led by the University of Queensland and University of South Australia has provided the first direct evidence that nanoparticles neither penetrate the skin nor cause cellular toxicity after repeated applications.

The research, published this week in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, refutes widespread claims among some public advocacy groups – and a growing belief among consumers – about the safety of nanoparticulate-based sunscreens. Lead investigator, Professor Michael Roberts, says the myth about sunscreen toxicity took hold after previous animal studies found much higher skin absorption of zinc-containing sunscreens than in human studies.

“There were concerns that these zinc oxide nanoparticles could be absorbed into the epidermis, with toxic consequences, including DNA damage,” Professor Roberts says.

Professor Roberts and his co-researchers in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Germany studied the safety of repeated applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles applied to five volunteers aged 20-30 years.

Volunteers applied the ZnO nanoparticles every hour for six hours on five consecutive days. “Using superior imaging methods, we established that the nanoparticles remained within the superficial layers of the skin and did not cause any cellular damage,” Professor Roberts says.

“We hope that these findings help improve consumer confidence in these products and in turn lead to better sun protection. The terrible consequences of skin cancer and skin damage caused by prolonged sun exposure are much greater than any toxicity posed by approved sunscreens.”

Read more about how sunscreens can help protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays, in the education modules listed below.

Source: ajp.com.au/news/its-safe-to-slip-slop-slap/?utm_source=AJP+Daily&utm_campaign=bf8245cfcf-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_21_06_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cce9c58212-bf8245cfcf-109985429, viewed 22 Nov 2018