Convinced that sunscreen blocks the beneficial effects of the sun on the skin, some influencers strongly encourage people to give it up on social networks. This trend, which is growing, worries dermatologists who point out the health risks it poses.
We repeat it every summer: it is essential to apply a good layer of sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn, and by extension that of skin cancer. While some may forget this good reflex, others claim to voluntarily give it up. On TikTok, “self-proclaimed experts” call themselves “anti-sunscreen.” According to them, sun protection is full of harmful agents that prevent the healing rays of the sun from reaching the skin and are even the cause of cancer. An aberration…
A worrying movement that returns every summer
Among the apostles of this worrying movement, user Shannon Fairweather claims to have banned sunscreen from her closet. She says in a video: “Irefuses to block the skin from the healing rays of the sun“. She then discusses more natural alternatives to protect her skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, and notably claims to use coconut oil. Same story for many other influencers.
A British fitness coach, named James Middleton, also tweeted by urging its subscribers to do without sun protection, judging that “pharmaceutical companies and the health care industry (…) need you to believe the sun is bad“Faced with this phenomenon, specialists express their concern.
Dermatologists see red!
Faced with this wave of misinformation, several dermatologists have reacted, dermayologist Critina Psomadakis shared a video on Instagram in which she refutes the information spread by these influencers.
View this post on Instagram
Same thing for the American dermatologist, Dr Dray, who refutes one by one the arguments developed by self-proclaimed experts.
@drdrayzday Sunscreen and sun protection does not limit your ability to enjoy & benefit from time outdoors. #sunscreenisimportant #protectyourskin #dermatologist #greenscreenvideo @Dear Media ♬ original sound – Dr Dray | Dermatologist
Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, dermatologist at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center in New York, told Nylon that “Short periods of sun exposure (10-15 minutes per day) can help convert vitamin D into its active form in the body and improve your mood, but it is very clear that overexposure has negative effects on our skin , both medically and cosmetically“. To which she adds: “All skin types should wear sunscreen and everyone should avoid jumping on these trends“. The expert also emphasizes that “Certain skin types that are more sensitive to the sun – such as people with lighter skin, or with a family history of cancer – need to take extra precautions“.
Added to this are other crazy trends like “perineal tanning”, which involves exposing your private parts (yes, you read correctly) to the sun. A type of tan which, according to fans, allows you to stock up on vitamin D. Of course, it is strongly discouraged by specialists.
Dr Paul Banwell, cosmetic surgeon and skin cancer expert, warns of all the dangers of not applying sunscreen: “It's not just the risk of melanoma, but all skin cancers that we need to protect against. The main types are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide” he explains to Glamor UK.
Practical advice for protecting yourself from UV rays
Some practical tips are useful to protect your skin against sun damage:
- Do not expose yourself in the middle of the day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.;
- Put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses;
- Wear clothing with a tight weave or anti-UV treatment;
- Beware of false friends (clouds, parasol);
- Use a sunscreen of sufficient index, effective against both UVA and UVB;
- Renew applications every two hours and after each swim.
According to Santé Publique Europe, around 80,000 skin cancers are diagnosed each year in Europe. The vast majority (70%) are basal cell carcinomas. In 2018, 15,500 cases of cutaneous melanoma and 1,980 deaths linked to this cancer were recorded in mainland Europe. Melanoma is, according to the National Cancer Institute, one of the cancers with the highest increase in incidence between 2010 and 2018.