Influencers on social media are claiming that wearing sunscreen causes cancer rather than preventing it.

(NewsNation) — In a startling new anti-SPF trend, influencers on social media are claiming that wearing sunscreen causes cancer rather than preventing it.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with the American Academy of Dermatology estimating around 20% of the population will be diagnosed with the disease in their life.

But social media personalities on such sites as TikTok are strongly warning their young audiences to avoid sunscreen products. Doctors are reporting seeing younger patients with sun damage and premature aging due to sun exposure, Nexstar's WGN reported.

But is sunscreen to blame? Dermatologists say no.

Does sunscreen cause cancer?

The University of Texas' MD Anderson Cancer Center and dermatologist Anisha Patel, M.D., debunked some of the same myths spreading on TikTok. According to Patel, there is no evidence wearing sunscreen causes cancer.

Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist with Cleveland Clinic, shared similar advice during an interview with Nexstar.

"As far as we know, the sunscreen ingredients sold in the U.S. are FDA-approved and none of them have been linked to cause cancer," she explained, adding that, "by not wearing sunscreen, [you] are increasing their risk of developing skin cancer, specifically basal cell and squamous cell."

Basal cell carcinoma causes lumps, bumps or lesions to form on the outer layer of your skin, primarily exposed to lots of sun, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is considered the most common form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common and often forms on the head, arms, legs, or other parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure.

"The statistics in the U.S. are that one in every three fair-skinned individuals will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. We know sunscreen is one of the ways to reduce that," Khetarpal said.

Picking the right sunscreen

Patel recommends picking a formula that covers both UVA and UVB radiation with an SPF of 30 or higher for maximum protection.

There are two main types of sunscreen you will find on store shelves: physical sunscreens, which were once commonly referred to as sunblock (manufacturers are no longer allowed to label it as such), and chemical sunscreens.

Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which function like shields and reflect sun rays off our skin, Khetarpal explained. They are generally considered to be better at blocking UV rays and are recommended for those who are more prone to burn in the sun, have a history of skin cancer, and those with fair skin, including infants.

Chemical sunscreens work more like sponges, essentially absorbing the sun and breaking it down, preventing us from the negative effects. These sunscreens can contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that some communities have banned as a way to protect marine ecosystems.

It’s worth noting that oxybenzone and octinoxate are among a group of chemicals commonly used in sunscreen that are not considered GRASE, or “generally recognized as safe and effective” by the Food and Drug Administration. Instead, the agency says “additional data is needed to show” sunscreens containing the chemicals “are GRASE.”

The FDA notes, however, that this does not mean oxybenzone and octinoxate are unsafe to use in sunscreens. More information is necessary to determine whether they are GRASE. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using sunscreens with less than 5% of either.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered GRASE ingredients because the FDA “has found sufficient safety data … to support a proposal that sunscreen products containing these ingredients (at concentrations of up to 25%) are GRASE.”

It is also important to keep a few factors in mind when applying. Expired sunscreen, belatedly applied sunscreen and sunscreen washed off by water or sweat are not as effective.

Sunscreen alternatives

There are some alternatives to avoid cancerous UV rays, including wearing:

• Protective clothing that is dark and tightly woven
• Wide-brimmed hats
• Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection

Khetarpal notes there is clothing that is UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) protective, which can block about 99% of ultraviolet light.

You can also avoid sun damage by seeking shade, though Patel clarified that shade is not as effective as wearing sunscreen or protective clothing.

Latest news