Experts Weigh In On Social Media ‘Anti-Sunscreen’ Trend
Another day, another trend you probably shouldn’t follow. Just because someone on social media told you to do something, doesn’t mean that you need to do it, after all. I’m talking about the latest trend, the anti-sunscreen movement. Some dermatologists are now addressing the trend.
Social media influencers or certain self-proclaimed “wellness experts” on platforms like TikTok are advocating against the use of sunscreen, alleging that the chemicals in sunscreen can cause cancer or lead to vitamin D deficiencies.
TikToker Shannon Fairweather is very vocal about not using sunscreen and tells her followers, “I refuse to block the skin from the healing rays of the sun.” The TikToker talks of the “natural things” she does to protect her skin. She says she uses coconut oil instead of sunscreen, which, according to her, “works about 30% as well as sunscreen does, except you’re not slathering yourself in chemicals.”
In one resurfaced video from March on X, lifestyle influencer and self-proclaimed “conspiracy theorist” Gubba Homestead, who has 50,000 followers on the platform, said: “I don’t wear sunscreen, and I never will.”
In the video, she claims that “There is no proof the sun causes cancer” and opines that we have been “brainwashed” into thinking so. “The sun is not the enemy,” she adds. “Your diet and sunscreen are.”
Why the concern about sunscreen?
Sunscreen concerns on social media may have increased after recalls due to contamination with benzene, which the CDC identifies as a carcinogen. In 2022, Banana Boat voluntarily recalled sunscreen over benzene contamination. That was followed by more recalls after products were found to be contaminated with benzene. These brands included Coppertone, Neutrogena, and Aveeno.
What do experts think about the “anti-sunscreen” movement?
Some dermatologists are stepping in to warn of the risks associated with this trend. The Weather Network spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll about the social media claims. She told the outlet, “This anti-sunscreen movement is so dangerous because we know that 80–90 percent of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation.” She added, “Sunscreen is one of our best ways to protect ourselves from that radiation.”
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with 1 in 5 Americans developing it before age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Most doctors recommend using sunscreen every day, not just on sunny days, and reapplying it every one to two hours. Doing so significantly reduces skin cancer rates.
According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, wearing sunscreen daily can help build up your skin’s protective barrier. Wearing daily sunscreen is the easiest way to avoid harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays and prevent any surprise sunburns or skin irritation. Sun exposure can also magnify certain skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne. By wearing sunscreen, you can help prevent flare-ups and manage these conditions.
“Sun exposure increases the risk of all types of skin cancer, including the most serious type, melanoma,” said Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD.
