What is Benzene and why you need to avoid it

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a highly flammable, colorless liquid that evaporates very quickly into the air. This chemical is harmful to the eyes, skin, airway, nervous system, and lungs. Benzene can also cause cancers like Leukemia and Lymphoma. It can be found in coal, petroleum, lubricants, sunscreens, plastics, rubbers, and dyes.

Why is this important for your skin? 

Recent studies have shown that Benzene is now being discovered in the most common sunscreen brands on the market. This carcinogen is known to cause cancer therefore it is important to know what you are applying on your skin.  Below are a few of the sunscreens that you need to avoid, and some that do not contain Benzene, making them SAFE to use!

Bad Sunscreen Lotions/Gels:

SunBum Cool Down Gel, CVS Health After-sun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel, Goodsense Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen Sunscreen SPF 50, Equate Kids Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion, SunBum Oxy Free Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50, Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensistive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50

Bad Sunscreen Sprays:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray SPF 100 and SPF 70, Banana Boat Kids Max Protect and Play Sunscreen C- SPF 100 , EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum Full-Body Sunscreen SPF 45, Babyganics Kid's Sunscreen Continuous SPF 50 Spray, La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 60 Spray , SunBum After Sun Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray  

Full List of Sunscreens to Avoid

https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Valisure-Citizen-Petition-on-Benzene-in-Sunscreen-and-After-sun-Care-Products-v9.7.pdf

Good Sunscreen Lotions:

Coppertone Kids Tear Free Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50,Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Lotion SPF 50, Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen SPF 50, EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47, Derma E All Sport Performance Sunscreen, SunBum Original Sunscreen SPF 70, La Roche Posay Anthelios Light Fluid SPF 60

Good Sunscreen Sprays:

CVS Healh Aftersun Aloe Vera Soothing Spray, Solimo Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Mist SPF 50, Coppertone Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50, Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, Equate Sport Broad Spectum SPF 70.

Full List of Sunscreens with NO Benzene

https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Attachment-A-Table-5-of-Valisure-FDA-Citizen-Petition-on-Sunscreen-v2.pdf

If you want more information on healthy, safe sunscreens from Board-Certified Expert Dr. Mayha Patel, please call us at:

(805) 491-5992

Or email us at:

skincare@cocodermatology.com

Author

Dr. Mayha Patel Dr. Patel diagnoses conditions affecting the hair, skin, and nails, which often have a large impact on your self-image and confidence. Using exams, blood tests, biopsies, and other approaches, Dr. Patel frequently diagnoses eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, acne, and various types of skin cancer creating an individualized treatment plan with each patient’s needs in mind. In addition, as a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patel has extensive cosmetic dermatology experience and knowledge in numerous state of the art interventional procedures in cosmetic dermatology such as botox®, fillers, microneedling, kybella, and thread lifts. Dr. Patel also specializes in facial contouring, concierge cosmetics, and laser based procedures. Dr. Patel frequently uses her dual wavelength laser system for treatment, as well as UV light therapies, prescription medications, and topical products with proven results.