PHOENIX (KSAZ) - With an average of 300 days of sun per year, sunscreen is a vital part of life in Arizona. But the product that protects your skin from cancer and other sun damage may have a negative effect on another part of your body.
For men it could affect your fertility.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that UV filters commonly found in sunscreens could have an effect on male fertility by preventing sperm from functioning properly, but experts warn don't ditch the sunblock yet.
The study suggests we may want to know more about what we use to block the sun, experts say research into this started due to an increased numbers of infertility.
"There are a lot of factors that effect male fertility, and it's so unclear because there's so many environmental factors," said Dr. Jesse Hade.
Over time a link was discovered between UV filters that block sunlight on the skin to a lower sperm count, but the study isn't exactly a direct correlation.
Dermatologists say before you go 86ing the SPF remember the facts that 1 in 5 people will get skin cancer at some point in their life, and there are other factors to explain the decline in fertility.
If you're looking to add another to your bunch in the future, experts say there are alternatives that have stood the test of time.
"I think sticking with your tried and true methods like physical blockers, zinc oxide, wide rim hats, and in the shade from 10 to 2 the high exposure times," said Hade.
Many experts agree until there is more concrete research done on the long term affects of these filters it's too early to make big claims about the link to infertility.