Why You Shouldn’t Believe Social Media Influencers Promoting An Anti-Sunscreen Movement

It’s hard to resist the siren song of social media, especially when it comes with juicy gossip, delicious recipes, and the latest fashion. But there’s a major downside to social media, too — dangerous health trends that take the internet by storm and put lives at risk.

One of the latest risky viral sensations involves sunscreen, and why you shouldn’t use it.

Our Orange Coast Dermatology team diagnoses and treats all types of skin cancer at each of our offices in Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Orange, California. Read on as we debunk the anti-sunscreen movement that’s taken social media by storm.

What the “influencers” are saying about sunscreen

Social media influencers have a lot to say, but there isn’t medical evidence behind their current sunscreen claim. 

According to the anti-sunscreen movement, sunscreen causes cancer.

This myth popped up when some prominent doctors made a claim that the ingredients in certain sunscreens had links to cancer. However, these doctors never stated that a person should stop using sunscreen altogether. Instead, they pointed viewers to safer options.

Unfortunately, influencers without medical training took this to the next level. Their messaging also includes claims that sunscreen and poor diets were to blame for skin cancer. They also started promoting the idea that blaming the sun for cancer was simply a way for companies to make money through sunscreen sales.

Despite the fact that these popular figures have no medical training, they’ve attracted an alarming number of followers to their anti-sunscreen movement.

Why you shouldn’t believe the anti-sunscreen hype

At the core of the matter, there’s no medical evidence to support the idea that sunscreen itself causes cancer. As stated by the initial doctors that attracted social media influencers’ attention, there have been some brands laced with cancer-causing substances, like benzene.

However, there’s ample scientific evidence that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays — either from the sun or tanning beds — does cause cancer. Worse yet, skin cancer rates are on the rise, largely because of lifestyle changes, including increased exposure to UV rays.

The anti-sunscreen movement also increases your chances of another problem: premature skin aging. Besides protecting your skin from sunburns, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation, sunscreen use supports healthy skin texture and elasticity to help slow the progression of wrinkle formation.

At the end of the day, following the anti-sunscreen movement can do far more harm than good for your appearance and your overall health.

How to choose your sunscreen

If you still have concerns about sunscreen, our team can offer guidance on selecting safe and effective skincare solutions.

To start, choose a broad-spectrum product that offers at least 30 SPF (sun protection factor). The term broad-spectrum describes formulas that protect against both forms of UV rays that cause sun damage and skin cancer. The number SPF describes the amount of UV it blocks.

If you have concerns about the chemicals and sunscreens, consider a physical blocker instead. 

These products, also known as mineral sunscreens, typically use ingredients designed to form a barrier on the surface of the skin. When applied, they reflect harmful UV rays; chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, protect your skin by absorbing UV rays.

In addition to sunscreens, you can also protect yourself from sun exposure by:

• Wearing wide-brimmed hats
• Using sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection
• Wearing light-colored, tightly woven clothing that offers UV protection of 50+

Finally, whenever possible, try to stay in the shade when the sun is at its highest, often between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Do you have questions about skin care and cancer? Don’t rely on social media influencers for answers — our experts have the facts you need to protect yourself moving forward.

Contact Orange Coast Dermatology by phone or online to schedule a consultation at your nearest office in Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange, or Mission Viejo, California, today.