Is Your Sunscreen Harming Your Chances of Having Kids?

For the past two decades or more, we’ve been consistently warned about the dangers of sun exposure and encouraged to use sunscreen every day to prevent severe skin conditions, including skin cancer. Of course, skin cancer is indeed a serious issue, but so are the multiple health complications associated with sunscreen. One of the most significant downsides of excessive sunscreen use is vitamin D deficiency, which has been associated with numerous diseases such as dementia, schizophrenia, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, typical sunscreens contain chemicals like phthalates and parabens, which are known to cause cancer.

A recent Danish study has given men another reason to reconsider prolonged sunscreen use. This study discovered that certain UV-filtering chemicals found in sunscreen interfere with sperm cell function and contribute to infertility – a problem that has become increasingly widespread among males in the developed world.

The Culprits: Chemical UV Filters

The primary cause of sunscreen’s adverse effects on sperm is found in chemical UV filters. These UV filters are intended to absorb UV rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. They are rapidly absorbed through the skin and were detected in 95 percent of urine samples in both Denmark and the U.S.

This absorption wouldn’t necessarily lead to problems if it weren’t for the fact that 45 percent of the UV filters tested in the study were found to impede normal sperm cell function, hampering a sperm cell’s ability to fertilize an egg. Within the 29 UV filters examined, 13 interfered with sperm function. Among these, eight are currently approved for use in the U.S.

The fertility-reducing offenders include avobenzone, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate (or octyl salicylate), octinoxate (or octyl methoxycinnamate), octocrylene, oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3 or BP-3), and padimate O, all of which can also be found in personal care products containing sunscreen, such as lip balms or lotions.

What is even more alarming is the discovery that the disturbance of sperm cell function occurred with relatively minimal exposure to the filters. This degree of exposure is one that most men easily exceed with only a single day at the beach.

“This effect began at very low doses of the chemicals, below the levels of some UV filters found in people after whole-body application of sunscreens,” said University of Copenhagen professor and Copenhagen University Hospital researcher Niels Skakkebaek.

Safer Alternatives

Fortunately, there are safer alternatives that can protect against the sun while preserving sperm count. Certain plant oils, such as calendula oil, serve as a natural shield for the skin against the sun. Moreover, annatto, a type of fruit, offers skin care protection from the inside out.

There are also numerous natural sunscreens available in stores. These sunscreens typically use zinc or titanium minerals to protect the skin from UV rays. Just remember to go without sunscreen for at least 10 to 20 minutes per day to obtain your daily dose of vitamin D.

Additional Protective Measures

While switching to a natural sunscreen is an excellent preventive measure, there are other precautions that can be taken to minimize the harmful impact of chemical UV filters on fertility. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, for example, can help protect sperm from damage caused by harmful substances. Wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) can also play a significant role in decreasing your exposure to both harmful UV rays and UV filters.

Considering the potential risks associated with traditional sunscreens, particularly regarding male fertility, combined with the dangers of vitamin D deficiency, it’s essential to reevaluate our approach to sun protection. With a thoughtful blend of natural sunscreens, external protective measures, and attention to diet, we can address potential health issues while still effectively shielding ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun.