02 : The truth in your sunscreen
ONLINE WEBINAR
Officially open to everyone! (not only healthcare providers!)
(English) November 24th 2020 and (French) November 25th 2020
About the webinar & Questions
If you believe that everything that is sold on the shelves of a trusted store (pharmacy, grocery, or any other store) is safe for you or the environment, you are wrong. I thought it was the case, but it’s not. A simple example to illustrate this: cigarets.
I am someone who questions a lot, and I have a very critical mind. While I have very high respect for anyone who comes up with recommendations and theories, professional and governmental decisions, I don’t necessarily believe all that is told. Instead, I question, but I also dig (intensively) to confirm or refute my intuitive question.
I question pre-conceived theories, believed, established, and taught. I ask questions such as does sunscreen work? Which study assessed this statement, and how was it made? Who financed this study? Is the increase in skin cancer incidence is really caused by the sun or the products we use? and so on.
I did go through some cognitive dissonance while doing this review. Again, while I have high respect for teachers, researchers, and more, we have to admit that we have not reassessed or reviewed concepts or don’t do this regularly. We believe what one person or a group of professionals established as a theory or concept and move forward from this point, instead of having a different point of views to solidify the statement or refute and come up with better findings. I don’t think many people are aware of what’s behind everything.
Sunscreens have been around for close to a century. The first sunscreen was invented in 1938. The use of Oxybenzone in sunscreens was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the 1980s!
It took 40+ years to realized that it was toxic. 40 years to ban this ingredient in Hawaii starting in 2021.
This makes you question a couple of things.
Who makes those regulations in the first place, and how do they make their decisions?
How strong is lobbyism?
What else is approved and toxic?
Do we really know what we are doing?
It started with one question, which led me to read 300+ scientific research, resources, databases, and more, to have a better understanding of where we stand.
Important note:
Reading a scientific article does require critical thinking and a set of skills. “A study” does not mean much until it is properly assessed. Sometimes authors are wrong about their conclusion. Sometimes it’s biased and full of conflicts of interest. Sometimes the methodology is completely incomplete. There is more to it than just reading articles.
I compiled my findings, summarized, and wish to share this with you. This will allow you to have a better understanding of sunscreens, how to choose your sunscreen, and more aware of the reality. :)
My goal is not to scare you, rather help you find safe and healthy solutions with trust and confidence.
See you then!
-Dr. Stephanie E. Pharmacist