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00:00:00 – 00:46:24
Michelle from Lab Muffin Beauty Science debunks several myths about sunscreen, primarily critiquing Paul Saladino's DIY animal-based sunscreen and misconceptions surrounding seed oils, emphasizing the inadequacy of homemade formulations due to insufficient SPF and lack of proper scientific testing, such as the ISO 24444 method. She dismisses Saladino's theory that seed oils cause sunburn, explaining that linoleic acid benefits the skin and could act as a protective agent. The video underscores the complexity of correlating sunscreen use with cancer rates, noting other variables like lifestyle changes and improved detection methods.
The speaker highlights the importance of properly tested commercial sunscreens over DIY alternatives, addressing common misconceptions about SPF ratings and the mechanism of sunburn and melanoma. She discusses the safety and efficacy of sunscreen ingredients, including issues like absorption into the bloodstream and misunderstanding the role of dermatologists in ingredient safety. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are evaluated, touching on regulatory differences between the US and EU and the minor risks associated with ingredients like oxybenzone and titanium dioxide.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of using scientifically tested sunscreens consistently, debunking several claims about chemical sunscreens, such as their alleged endocrine disruption and long-term impact on human health. She criticizes misinformation from influencers and highlights the necessity of verification through scientific evidence. Additionally, concerns regarding environmental impacts of sunscreens are addressed, underscoring global warming as a more significant threat to marine life than sunscreen chemicals.
Concluding with recommendations, the video encourages the use of mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide, promoting critical thinking over emotional fear responses in sunscreen choices and advocating for consulting credible sources and experts for accurate information.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Michelle of Lab Muffin Beauty Science addresses common myths about sunscreens that resurface each year. She introduces Paul Saladino, a medical doctor who advocates for animal-based sunscreens, and critiques his DIY sunscreen recipe. Michelle points out the shortcomings of DIY sunscreens, emphasizing that effective sunscreens require more than just a high percentage of zinc oxide. She explains the importance of the distribution and particle size of zinc oxide in commercial sunscreens, as well as the need for specialized equipment to prevent clumping and ensure proper coverage. Michelle concludes that DIY sunscreens often provide inadequate protection, citing research showing homemade formulations typically result in low SPF values. She also touches on the misconception about seed oils in sunscreens, mentioning that the claim that they harm the skin lacks substantial evidence.
00:05:00
In this part of the video, the speaker critiques Paul Saladino’s theory that seed oils cause sunburn. The theory claims that linoleic acid in seed oils integrates into cell membranes, reacts with UV light, and causes cell membranes to burst, leading to sunburn. The speaker refutes this by explaining the scientifically established mechanism of sunburn, which involves UV light damaging DNA in skin cells, leading to apoptosis and, in some cases, cancer. They demonstrate this with a whiteboard, detailing the formation of thymine dimers and the role of apoptosis in preventing cancer. The speaker argues that linoleic acid could act as a protective sunscreen and cites scientific literature showing its benefits for the skin, including enhancing the skin barrier, reducing dryness, and helping with acne. They find it ironic that despite these benefits, some in alternative nutrition view seed oils as toxic. The speaker also criticizes the promotion of untested DIY sunscreens over scientifically tested commercial products with proven SPF ratings.
00:10:00
In this part, the video explains the testing of sunscreens using the ISO 24444 method, which involves applying sunscreen on human volunteers and exposing them to UV light to measure SPF. The speaker criticizes a tallow-based sunscreen for lacking standardized testing. There’s a discussion about common misconceptions regarding SPF ratings, particularly the misunderstanding that SPF represents strength when it actually correlates with time. Real-life application of sunscreen often results in less protection due to uneven and insufficient application. The video also addresses the notion that higher SPF provides more realistic protection under real conditions and debunks the myth that sunscreen usage leads to higher skin cancer rates by emphasizing the difference between lab conditions and real-world application.
00:15:00
In this segment, the video explains that increasing melanoma rates in the US cannot be directly linked to sunscreen usage. It highlights the concept of spurious correlations, using examples such as chocolate consumption and babies named Mariam. The video contrasts the situation in Australia, where melanoma rates in young people have decreased thanks to comprehensive SunSmart education initiatives, including slogans like “slip slop slap seek slide”. It underscores that simply knowing sunscreen prevents skin cancer isn’t enough; effective behavior is driven by values, convenience, and habits ingrained through education. The segment references the author’s book, which provides detailed scientific information on beauty and health. It moves to discuss controlled studies that show sunscreen’s effectiveness in reducing skin cancer, such as the Nambour trial. The segment concludes by explaining that overall cancer rates continue to rise due to factors like longer lifespans, improved detection methods, and increased sun exposure from lifestyle changes, emphasizing the complexity of correlating sunscreen use with cancer trends.
00:20:00
In this segment, the dermatologist discusses their preference for mineral-based sunscreens over chemical-based ones, particularly for pregnant patients, citing safety concerns. The video critique points out that dermatologists may lack toxicology knowledge, highlighting the misconception that they’re the ultimate authority on ingredient safety. Additionally, it reviews a 2020 FDA study about sunscreen absorption into the bloodstream, emphasizing its regulatory rather than safety implications. The segment clarifies that detected sunscreen ingredients in bodily fluids indicate the body’s process of elimination and addresses misconceptions about hormone disruptors. The EU’s approach to regulating sunscreen safety, including adjusting allowed ingredient percentages, is also mentioned to provide further context.
00:25:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the safety levels of sunscreen ingredients allowed by regulatory bodies like the EU and the US. They highlight that small allowable percentages of certain chemicals, such as oxybenzone, are deemed safe by both regions, with the EU permitting up to 2.2% and the US allowing up to 6%. The segment also brings up a specific sunscreen chemical, 4-MBC, considered a potential endocrine disruptor, which is being phased out in the EU due to insufficient data to establish a new safe limit. The speaker emphasizes that safety assessments, including for pregnant women, are highly precautionary.
Moreover, the segment touches on issues with mineral sunscreens, such as the potential risk associated with titanium dioxide, which has been banned in food in the EU, and concerns about free radical formation when exposed to UV light. The speaker notes that while both chemical and mineral sunscreens have their pros and cons, the best sunscreen is the one that people will use consistently.
The segment also critiques misinformation spread by dermatologists on social media, explaining that dermatologists’ expertise is primarily in medical skin conditions and treatments, not necessarily in cosmetic skincare or formulation. The speaker advises checking information with relevant experts before trusting it and mentions a graphic made by a friend for better understanding of this.
00:30:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the adverse effects of certain sunscreens on their skin, noting that they experienced breakouts after using chemical sunscreens. They transitioned to using 100% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen, which did not cause breakouts. The speaker emphasizes that breakouts from sunscreens are usually not due to hormonal disturbances but rather other ingredients in the formulations. Additionally, they address a claim about sunscreen molecules, particularly triclosan, being found in human brains many years after use, debunking this claim by stating triclosan is not used in sunscreens and providing a detailed explanation of why the study’s findings are implausible. They argue that chemical sunscreen ingredients are present in many products, making it difficult to directly link them to brain deposits.
00:35:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker addresses the claim about the long-term effects of sunscreen ingredients on the human brain, specifically referencing statements made by Huberman. The main points discussed include:
1. The skepticism surrounding the claim that uranium from sunscreen ingredients can be detected in the body 10 years after use.
2. The absence of existing studies supporting these claims, with the submitted studies involving non-human subjects like rats or cells, not human brains or long-term effects.
3. Miscommunication and misinformation spread by influencers and the potential harmful impact of such claims, noting viewers expressing fear of sunscreen compared to melanoma.
4. Issues with transferring sunscreen to different containers, highlighting stability problems and potential reactions with plastic containers that can reduce effectiveness.
5. The responsible practice required when influential figures discuss topics outside their expertise, emphasizing proper verification and reliance on scientific evidence.
6. Mention of other instances where Huberman’s claims were debunked by experts in specific fields, such as immunology and cannabis use.
7. A safer method of applying sunscreen using a cushion and the demonstration of a self-made chemical SPF 50 lip balm, stressing the importance of consulting toxicologists in product safety approvals.
00:40:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the safety aspects and common misconceptions surrounding sunscreen ingredients. The presenter explains that cosmetic chemists take into account dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure when formulating sunscreens, ensuring products are safe for use, including lip products. The video also addresses concerns about using multiple products with the same ingredient, noting that toxicologists account for aggregate exposure to ensure safety.
The presenter emphasizes critical thinking over emotional reactions, especially in response to fear-driven marketing. They debunk claims about chemical sunscreens causing endocrine disruption, noting that the detected amounts are minimal and not significant. Additionally, concerns about sunscreens harming marine life are addressed, debunking myths based on unreliable studies and highlighting a comprehensive 400-page report by the National Academies, which finds minimal impact of sunscreens on reefs compared to other environmental issues like global warming. The presenter underscores the importance of consulting relevant experts and reliable sources for accurate information.
00:45:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses misinformation highlighted in the National Academies report, specifically criticizing the reliance on an NOAA page allegedly compiled by a librarian without critical appraisal. Despite a promised update since September 2022, no revisions have been made. The speaker notes interesting links between scientists from a 2016 study and the Hawaii sunscreen ban, hinting at a potential deep dive in the future. They recommend using mineral-based sunscreens, particularly those with zinc oxide, due to better safety profiles compared to chemical sunscreens, despite some safety concerns. The speaker also touches on the appeal to nature fallacy influencing consumer choices and promotes additional resources for sunscreen-related questions, including another video and their book.