Social media influencers are promoting anti-sunscreen trends, advising followers to skip sunscreen or use ineffective household oils like olive oil for tanning, perpetuating myths that sunscreen ingredients cause cancer, skin damage, hormone disruption, and skin darkening, despite a lack of scientific evidence. Young adults, particularly Gen Z, are more likely to believe sun safety myths and engage in risky sun behaviors, such as not wearing sunscreen or believing tans don't cause skin cancer. Dermatologists and health organizations strongly disagree with anti-sunscreen claims, emphasizing the importance of daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent skin cancer and damage and advise seeking professional medical guidance from dermatologists for accurate information on sunscreen and sun protection.
1 View gallery ( Shutterstock ) Surveys show more people are becoming complacent about sun safety, believing the dangers of sunbathing are exaggerated, and that there is no need to wear sunscreen when it's cloudy. Excessive UV radiation exposure can damage skin DNA, leading to sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. Proper sun protection measures, including using broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, are recommended for good health.
Cloudy skies do not fully protect from UV rays. It's still necessary to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. Skin appearing darker with sunscreen may be due to rare allergies or prolonged sun e.
