SUNSCREEN SAFETY

Are you concerned about sunscreen safety? A worrisome ‘anti-sunscreen' trend seems to be on the rise, particularly on social media platforms, fueled by various myths surrounding sun exposure and sunscreen safety.

This misinformation poses a significant threat to public health. Scientific evidence has established that the sun's UV rays are a major reversible risk factor for skin cancer. Despite this, an increasing number of individuals are dismissing the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, with women showing more concern about the cancer risk than men.

SOME COMMON MYTHS RELATED TO THE SUN AND SUNSCREEN SAFETY

1. Sunscreen contains harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.
2. Sunscreen will cause a Vitamin D deficiency.
3. The risks of sun exposure are overstated.
4. Sunscreen is unnecessary on cloudy days.
5. Getting a sunburn is necessary for achieving a tan.
6. A base tan is as good as sunscreen.

ARE SUNSCREENS SAFE AND DO THEY HELP AVOID THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER?

Concerns surrounding sunscreen safety often stem from the fear of harmful chemicals being absorbed into the skin. However, extensive scientific research spanning decades has consistently shown that sunscreen actually cuts cancer risk in half, rather than heightening it.

WHAT ABOUT VITAMIN D?

Vitamin D is a hot topic these days. There is a lot of confusion about whether sunscreen affects the body's ability to produce Vitamin D.

The reality is that while sunscreen does reduce the amount of Vitamin D produced by the skin in response to UV exposure, the body's Vitamin D needs, especially as we age, are primarily met through our diet, not through sun exposure.

So, the notion that sunbathing on the beach to boost Vitamin D levels, can help prevent cancer, heart disease, or boost immunity is simply not true.

SUNSCREEN IS NOT THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID THE RISK
OF SKIN CANCER!

Many people forget that the simple measure of wearing a hat in the sun is important as well, if they plan to be out in the sun for any extended period of time. This is especially true for men who may be experiencing thinning hair. The top of the head should be protected because this is a common site for skin cancer to develop.

ADVANTAGES OF AVOIDING THE SUN AND PROTECTING THE SKIN...

The number one reason to avoid the sun and protect the skin, of course, is to avoid the risk of skin cancer. Another reason to avoid the sun is to forestall the photo-aging that occurs with UV exposure, such as lines and fine wrinkles. 

For the young social media influencers pushing anti-sunscreen agenda, wrinkles are very far away, and a tanned body makes for a good profile photo. But it has been proven that a tan will not protect the skin and a base tan is not the equivalent of wearing sunscreen.

ALWAYS PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SKIN DAMAGE!

The dangers of UV radiation are slow subtle, long term, and irreversible. Wearing sunscreen and protecting yourself from sun damage will result in avoiding the risk of skin cancer and can make a person look 10 years younger than those young social media influencers pushing anti-sunscreen myths!

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