FLORIDA, USA – In recent months, a growing wave of social media posts has sparked a major misconception: the belief that sunscreen, rather than the sun, could be responsible for causing skin cancer.
Hundreds of influencers, particularly on TikTok, have propagated the claim that harmful chemicals in sunscreen are more dangerous than exposure to the sun itself.
This controversy can be traced back to a 2021 recall by Johnson & Johnson of several Neutrogena spray sunscreens and one Aveeno product due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen.
However, Johnson & Johnson officials clarified that benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreen and that the detected levels were too low to cause health problems. Despite this, the incident has fueled ongoing distrust and misinformation.
Public Concerns and Misconceptions
A national survey by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute revealed that one in seven adults under 35 believes sunscreen is more harmful than direct sun exposure.
Additionally, 23pc of respondents think staying hydrated can prevent sunburns, showcasing a significant misunderstanding of sun safety.
Dr. Rajesh Nair, an oncology surgeon at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, emphasized the dangers of such misconceptions: “There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is a visual manifestation of damage to the skin, which increases the risk of skin cancer.”
Expert Insights on Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
Krista Rubin, a nurse practitioner at Mass General Cancer Center, reiterated that there is little evidence supporting claims that sunscreens are carcinogenic.
“Clear-cut evidence links UV radiation exposure to skin cancer,” she noted, emphasizing that factors such as age, gender, and skin type also play crucial roles.
Rubin highlighted that males, individuals with lighter skin, and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
She also debunked the myth that hydration can prevent sunburns, stressing that sunburns are caused by UV radiation, not dehydration.
Social media expert Eric Dahan pointed out that misinformation about sunscreen is often spread by well-meaning but uninformed individuals.
“Science is nuanced and less engaging than bold, false statements,” Dahan explained.
He noted that the public’s distrust in companies and government regulators, exacerbated by historical issues with harmful chemicals in consumer products, fuels the spread of false information.
Experts continue to advocate for the use of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer.
Dr. Nicky Gazy, a board-certified dermatologist, recommended using zinc-based mineral sunscreens as a safer alternative to chemical sunscreens.
