A new study was published by WebMD regarding commonly used skin moisturizers and skin cancer. Unexpected result that astonished researchers suggests that these moisturizers promote skin cancer in mice, and may not be as safe as they are thought to be for human use.

These moisturizing creams helped skin cancer spread and tumors grow in mice exposed to UV radiation, researchers at Rutgers University study. “This was unexpected. We really did not expect to see the tumor-promoting activity of these creams,” Conney tells WebMD. “These creams we tested have tumorigenic [tumor-causing capability] activities,” said lead researcher Allan H. Conney, from the university’s Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research.

Almost every house has at lease one type of moisturizer, and we used them almost daily. I am glad that the study revealed the name of the moisturizers that were used.

Researchers rubbed moisturizers into the animal’s skin five days a week for about 17 weeks, and these are the results. WebMD

• • Dermabase increased the total number of tumors by 69%.
    • Dermovan increased the total number of tumors by 95%.
    • Eucerin increased the total number of tumors by 24%.
    • Vanicream increased the total number of tumors by 58%.

“The multimillion-dollar question is, what about humans?” Conney asks. “The answer is, we don’t know. Our study raises a red flag and points out the need for epidemiologists to take a look at people who use moisturizing creams. And the companies that market these products should take a look at animal models and see if their products promote tumors.”

Sources – WebMD – Washingtonpost