Skin Care May Cause Skin Cancer

Rutgers University recently reported that a skin lotion study showed increased skin cancer and tumors in mice. When the offending ingredients were removed, the lotions did not seem to increase the incidence of skin cancer in mice.

Here is a link to the study:
http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?Docid=618434

The ingredients removed were mineral oil and sodium laurel sulphate, two common lotion additives.

Another link to the study, with additional information and commentary:
http://www.collegeotr.com/rutgers_university_new_brunswick/moisturizing_could_lead_to_skin_cancer__10638

The moisturizers used in the study were Dermabase - Patrick Laboratories in Minneapolis; Dermovan - Galderma Laboratory Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas; Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream - Beiersdorf of Hamburg Germany; and Vanicream - made by Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc., in Rochester, Minn.

While the studies were done on mice and may not affect humans in the same way, it might be prudent to avoid the brands that were named in the study.

The complete story is in the TulsaWorld newspaper. It includes some sharp commentary opposing the worth of the Rutgers study.

Once again, it is a case of buyer beware!