Some claims on social media about sun safety have grown into a major misconception that sunscreen could cause skin cancer. Hundreds of creators, many on TikTok, have posted videos arguing that the sun isn’t the culprit in causing cancer, but rather that harmful chemicals found in sunscreens are to blame. This stems from a 2021 recall of Neutrogena spray sunscreens and one Aveeno product (Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen) due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen.
Johnson & Johnson officials confirmed that benzene is not a sunscreen ingredient, according to a Harvard Medical School advisory in Oct. 2021. Additional testing reportedly found such low levels of benzene in these products that it would not be expected to cause health problems. Experts advised choosing a different sunscreen brand as a solution.
But a national survey by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute in Florida found that one in seven adults under 35 years old believe sunscreen is more harmful to the skin than direct sun exposure. Another 23% believe that drinking water and staying hydrated can prevent sunburns.
Rajesh Nair, M.D., an oncology surgeon at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, commented in a press release that there is “no such thing as a healthy tan.” He mentioned that suntanned skin represents an increased risk of a deadly disease, despite the perceived positive image associated with tans.
Krista Rubin, a nurse practitioner and member of Mass General Cancer Center’s Melanoma Team, stated that there is little evidence supporting the claim that sunscreens are carcinogenic. She mentioned that UV radiation exposure is linked to skin cancer and factors like age, gender, and phenotype also play a role in skin cancer risk.
Social media expert Eric Dahan highlighted that misinformation about sunscreen is prevalent on social media platforms. Many well-meaning individuals share inaccurate information about sunscreen, creating confusion among consumers. Dahan emphasized the importance of seeking information from credible sources when it comes to health-related topics.
Some experts, including Dr. Nicky Gazy, a board-certified dermatologist, recommended using sunscreen alternatives that do not contain benzene. Gazy suggested using zinc-based mineral sunscreen as a safer option to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
In conclusion, while there is misinformation circulating about the safety of sunscreens, experts emphasize the importance of sun protection to prevent skin cancer. Choosing a reputable sunscreen brand and following proper sun safety guidelines can help individuals enjoy the outdoors without compromising their skin health. It’s crucial to seek advice from healthcare professionals and reliable sources when making decisions about sun protection products.
