We've long been warned to cover our skin in Factor 30 before spending time in the sun, but new research suggests it could be causing fertility problems.
Apparently, one of the chemicals in sunscreen, responsible for blocking UV light, mimics the female hormone progesterone, which disrupts sperm cells in men.
A team of Danish researchers studied 29 of 31 ultraviolet filters currently permitted for use in sunscreen formulas in the US and European Union. They discovered that, because sunscreen is absorbed into the body via the skin, some of the ingredients could be affecting sperm motility.
"These results are of concern and might explain in part why unexplained infertility is so prevalent," said Niels Skakkebaek, a professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
"Our study suggests that regulatory agencies should have a closer look at the effects of UV filters on fertility before approval,"
