Influencers on social media have been promoting an anti-sunscreen movement, encouraging people to stop using sunscreen. But don’t be swayed by sunscreen myth!
Have you read messages on social media suggesting that using sunscreen is not as beneficial as it should be? These online posts assert that sunscreen is superfluous and prevents you from getting any natural sunlight exposure! The truth is that although being in the sun might benefit you in many ways—like obtaining enough vitamin D, controlling your sleep patterns, and even improving your mood—the UV radiation can harm your skin permanently. For this reason, include sunscreen in your skincare regimen is crucial. Let’s dispel some misconceptions about sunscreen and defeat the anti-sunscreen campaign!
Why do we use sunscreen?
A topical skin care product called sunscreen is applied to the skin to help shield it from UV radiation. “The primary objective of using sunscreen is to help protect the skin from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Long-term exposure to these rays can result in the development of skin cancer, according to dermatologist Dr. Priyanka Kuri. Sunscreen forms a shield that prevents UV radiation from penetrating the skin. Frequent use also helps ward off early aging and skin burns.
Few people, meanwhile, are aware of the actual need to wear sunscreen regularly. According to an Orlando Health Cancer Institute poll on sunscreen awareness, one in seven persons under the age of 35 believed that regular sunscreen application damaged skin more than sun exposure. Approximately 23% of the participants in the poll also thought that consuming water may shield the skin from UV radiation. This is most likely the reason the anti-sunscreen movement has grown in popularity.
What is the movement against sunscreen use?
Influencers on social media have been supporting an effort to forgo using sunscreen. It is said that sunscreen use, sun exposure, and cancer are related. They contend that sunscreen contains a lot of chemicals and may even be carcinogenic. Proponents of this movement also believe that wearing sunscreen might impair immunity and cause a vitamin D deficit. Additionally, several videos showing how to create your homemade sunscreen using coconut oil have gone viral.
Myth: Cancer is caused by sunscreen
Sun exposure, not sunscreen, is what causes cancer. According to Dr. Kuri, “UV radiation from the sun can damage and prematurely age the skin, which can result in skin cancer.” UV radiation damages the DNA found in skin cells, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells. According to the American Journal of Public Health, there isn’t any connection between using topical sunscreen and a higher chance of developing a tumour called cutaneous malignant melanoma. Furthermore, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunlight’s UV rays are responsible for 80% of melanomas and 90% of skin cancers that are not melanoma.
Myth: There are dangerous compounds in sunscreens.
Perhaps this isn’t always the case. Certain ingredients in some sunscreens may not be as healthful as we believe, according to some investigations. Benzoin and benzine are found in chemical sunscreens. According to certain research, long-term use of benzoin and R-benzoin can cause skin cancer. Additionally, a study that was published in Chemical Research in Toxicology stated that benzophenone was present in sixteen sunscreen products with an octocrylene basis.
See also: How to Choose the Best Skincare Products According to Your Skin Type
But that doesn’t mean you have to stay away from sunscreen altogether. Sunscreens with mineral bases are safer than those with chemical bases. According to Dr. Kuri, “Mineral-based sunscreens can prevent allergic reactions because they are organic and free of chemicals like fragrances and/or preservatives.”
Sunscreen Myth: Wearing sunscreen causes a lack of vitamin D
Another fallacy that has gained traction as a result of the anti-sunscreen movement is that wearing sunscreen might result in a vitamin D deficit. This is untrue. According to a study that was published in the British Journal of Dermatology, there isn’t any scientific proof that using sunscreen can result in a vitamin D shortage. They achieved this by analysing 69 observational research, three field trials, and four experimental investigations that were done on the subject.
Myth: As more people began wearing sunscreen, the number of occurrences of skin cancer rose.
According to the American Cancer Society, increased sun exposure, longer life expectancies, and improved medical detection and diagnosis procedures have all contributed to the rise in skin cancer cases. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, sunburns and prolonged exposure to UV radiation from artificial or natural tanning sources can raise your risk of developing skin cancer.
How can I choose a quality sunscreen?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are three things to consider while choosing a sunscreen.
1. SPF of thirty or more
The high SPF is the most important aspect in identifying a good sunscreen among other sunscreens. The Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, provides additional protection against UV rays. Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is advised. According to Dr. Kuri, “the SPF requirement for skin varies depending on the location’s temperature and humidity.”
2. All-around defence
Another benefit of broad-spectrum sunscreen is its ability to shield skin against UVA and UVB radiation, both of which can cause cancer.
3. Resistance to water
Verify whether the sunscreen is resistant to water. Waterproof sunscreens don’t exist. Sunscreen must be reapplied after coming into contact with water. Additionally, give it ten to fifteen minutes to settle before entering the water. Check out this article to learn how to apply sunscreen correctly.
What other defences against the sun are there?
There are other methods to shield your skin from UV damage besides wearing sunscreen. Wearing protective gear is the first step. Those who carry parasols and wear hats are protected from the sun’s rays. Additionally, darker clothing—dark colours absorb radiation more efficiently than brighter ones—and sunglasses—which shield the eyes from radiation—as well as tightly woven clothing like denim jeans offer superior protection. It’s also advisable to look for areas with shade. The hours of 10 AM to 4 PM are the strongest for sun radiation.
