Social networks are a real mine of information on beauty and well-being. There you can find makeup and skincare tips, but also numerous product tests to know where to go if you want to make a purchase ASAP. The problem is that on these same platforms we also find a lot of misinformation on sensitive topics, such as the benefits of using sunscreen. If an adult audience can easily know the merit of every information that comes to them, this is unfortunately not the case for a younger and more impressionable audience.
Recently, many influencers have started posting content explaining that they no longer want to wear sunscreen. The reason ? Products such as sunscreens and not unprotected sun exposure are responsible for the increase in cancer cases around the world. The idea would therefore be to return to unprotected exposure, as our grandparents and great-grandparents did. According to these same influencers, cases of cancer were less frequent than they are today…
After all, they are not the only ones who believe this sunscreens are toxic, Former The Hills star turned podcaster Kristin Cavallari recently freely admitted that she doesn’t wear sunscreen. She explains: “I don’t wear sunscreen and every time I do an interview I get a lot of crap when I admit I don’t. »
Fortunately, in the face of so much misinformation, a handful of dermatologists have recently decided to speak out.
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm
Seeing more and more similar content appear in his feed, dermatologist Critina Psomadakis decided to share a video on TikTok and Instagram in which she invites people to be wary of the information spread by these influencers. Dr. Paul Banwell, a skin cancer expert and former director of the Melanoma and Skin Program, is also concerned about this situation. He explains UK fashion designer :
“This anti-SPF message is extremely concerning because by encouraging people not to wear SPF you are putting them at risk of sun damage, sunburn and skin cancer. It’s not accurate to say that our grandparents were fine when they didn’t wear sunscreen, but rather it highlights advances in medical and scientific research, meaning we now know more than ever about the impact sun damage can have on our skin . »
He pursues:
“There are around 2,300 skin cancer deaths in the UK every year, which is more than six deaths a day. Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the UK and 16,000 cases are diagnosed each year. I would always advise people to wear sunscreen, regardless of the weather. I support daily use of sunscreen year-round.”
According to a study by Cancer Research UK Over the next 20 years, the number of melanomas and skin cancers will increase by 50% in the UK alone… In France, the number of new cases of skin cancer more than tripled between 1990 and 2023 according to data from the site e-cancer.fr…
Why is this theory false AND dangerous?
First, it’s important to point out that this anti-sunscreen movement is not based on any studies. As we speak to you, no scientists have reported cases of cancer due to daily use of sunscreen. On the contrary, its application is recommended worldwide and regardless of skin tone, to reduce the risks of skin cancer and melanoma.
To get everyone to agree, dermatologist Dr Mahto explains to Stylist Uk what are the most common causes of the appearance of skin tumors:
“The incidence of melanoma is influenced by various factors, including genetics, history of sun exposure, use of UV cabinets and geographic location. Although sunscreen use has increased over the years, it is only one aspect of sun protection and its benefits in preventing skin cancer are well established. »
In short, we are far from the vague theories and misinformation that we can see appearing on our TikTok or Instagram news feed…
What are your recommendations in terms of sun protection?
Regardless of your skin tone, skin type, and sun tolerance, using sunscreen remains essential. Whether you live in a sunny or cloudy or even rainy area, whether you voluntarily expose yourself to the sun’s rays or not… You should favor high protection ratings (minimum 30 or 50+ if you have sensitive skin). Use creams active on both UVA and UVB rays and don’t forget to reapply them every 2 hours or after every swim if you’re at the seaside, it’s called Mass!
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
