Medical experts are raising concerns about the spread of misinformation regarding sunscreen, as some social media posts are even advising against its use. They emphasize that sunscreen is essential for protecting against skin cancer.
Quebec's Order of Chemists Warns Against Sunscreen Misinformation
Experts cautioned Canadians to ignore online misinformation suggesting that sunscreen can cause cancer. They emphasize that using appropriate lotions or sprays correctly is one of the best ways to prevent potentially deadly ailments like melanoma.
On June 19, Quebec's Order of Chemists issued a warning about a worrying trend on social networks. Some influencers are spreading false and misleading information, claiming that sunscreen ingredients are harmful and can cause cancer. The group stated that these unfounded claims pose a risk to public health.
Influencers Spark 'Worrying Trend' Against Sunscreen Use
One influencer on TikTok recently advised their 570,000 followers to avoid sunscreens containing "any funny words other than zinc."
Some influencers allege that certain sunscreen ingredients cause cancer or other health ailments, while others argue that sunshine is the best source of vitamin D. Another user even claims that sunscreen is a scam.
Scientists: Proper Sunscreen Use Can Protect Against Skin Cancer
Julia Carroll, a dermatologist in Toronto, emphasizes that much of the misinformation fails to consider the comprehensive medical literature on sunscreen ingredients, which points to their safety.
"I'm a board-certified dermatologist," Carroll said. "I have 20 plus years of training and education and we dedicate ourselves to looking after the health of our patients' skin. And one person on TikTok that just happens to have a lot of followers can sway someone's opinion. It's really frustrating for all of us."
She points out that some influencers overlook the principle that the dose makes the poison, noting that too much of almost any substance can be harmful, while small amounts of even toxic substances like botulinum toxin can be safe.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 65 percent of melanoma cases are due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from the sun. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the skin's pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes.
A report on projected cancer estimates in Canada for 2024 indicates that the incidence of melanoma continues to rise for both males and females, though mortality rates have remained relatively stable.
Cheryl Peters, a senior scientist at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and B.C. Cancer, attributes the increase in melanoma cases to multiple factors. She notes that climate change may lead to more skin exposure during hotter summers and that Canada's aging population also contributes to the rising risk, as the likelihood of most cancers increases with age.
Peters clarifies that the first layer of defense is to reduce time in the sun during its peak of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by seeking shade and covering up as much of your skin as you can with clothing that is made from tightly woven fabric or clothes labeled with a UPF (UV protection factor), a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
It is true that a bit of sun exposure does help the body produce vitamin D, which is important for our bones and other health aspects, he added.
But Carroll says people should not rely on it to get their vitamin D. "If vitamin D is really important to you, the easiest and most consistent way to get it is through a supplement," she said.
Experts Advise Sunscreen Type Based on Individual Needs
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act as a physical barrier on the skin's surface, reflecting UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens create a protective film that blocks and scatters harmful rays before they penetrate the skin.
Because they are not absorbed, mineral sunscreens often leave a white residue on the skin. They are recommended during extreme heat conditions.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into non-damaging heat through a chemical reaction. Ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene form a thin protective film that absorbs harmful rays before they can harm the skin.
These sunscreens come in creams or sprays and are generally easier to apply without leaving a residue. However, they can lose efficacy in extreme heat, potentially cause skin reactions in some individuals, and are suspected of harming coral reefs. Therefore, during periods of high heat or when traveling to reef areas, mineral sunscreens are preferred.
Experts Recommend Making Sunscreen a Daily Routine
Experts recommend making sunscreen application a part of your daily routine, using a generous amount, and ensuring the sunscreen has a minimum SPF rating of 30 and offers broad-spectrum protection. Additionally, using SPF-rated lip balms provides essential protection.
Read More
AI Tool Predicts Real-World Impact of Online Health Misinformation
The Lucrative Business of COVID-19 Misinformation Uncovered by Tax Records
