The debate over whether or not sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate can be linked to certain types of skin cancer isn’t likely to just fade away like yesterday’s tan anytime soon, especially after the comments of a U.S. Senator on Sunday.

Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that although the FDA has been “sitting on” data linking retinyl palmitate, an ingredient in most sunscreens, to skin cancer since last July, the agency has yet to issue any guidelines to consumers.  He went on to urge the FDA’s National Center of Toxicology Research to expedite the evaluation of their findings as swiftly as possible (Washington Post).

According to Schumer’s office, one study shows that tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated with sunscreen containing retinyl palmitate than those coated with a cream without the additive.

Although the verdict may still be out regarding retinyl palmitate and skin cancer, one debate that was settled long ago is that both UVB and UVA rays can lead to skin cancer.  Dermatologists suggest using a sunscreen every time we venture out into the sun, even for a relatively short period of time.