New online trend to say it's better not to wear sunscreen

[Mummabear04]

Has anyone else come across this? People claiming sunscreen is carcinogenic and that you shoud never use it. These people are not even putting it on their kids?! Am I the only one who thinks this is absolute madness?

Suncream is actually really toxic

How do you define 'toxic' and what ingredients in sunscreen are 'toxic'?

Also, what's a 'natural' sunscreen?

I am not religious about it
I use a facecream with factor 30
I use sunscreen in kids on holiday

I think over use where people are like putting factor 50 on kids for school is mental.

But ai do think that burning is risky.

I get both sides.

Sorry, you think melanoma isn't caused by UV? Blimey someone better tell Cancer Research and the NHS

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/risks-causes

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes/

I don’t know. I burned very slightly last night between 5 and 6 pm while sat in the shade and under a parasol in a north facing garden. Very annoyed at myself for thinking I didn’t need sunscreen.

I've seen a rise in concern over sunscreen, particularly on upf avoidance groups where people are also seeking healthier cosmetics.

Personally I loathe wearing sunscreen, so I just stay in the shade or wear long sleeves and a big hat. Works for me.

I had a family member get skin cancer from not wearing sunscreen and I’m under a dermatologist for my skin condition who says to always wear factor 50. I’d rather act on those hard facts and wear it.

There is always propaganda/trends on social media, it’s why I don’t use that, that’s the thing that is bad for people’s health!

Which cold grey country?

A few things there
1- the claim isn’t new and has been there for years. Theres a reason why Theres such a huge market fur natural suncream.
2- whilst getting sunburnt is not recommended, nor is puttimg suncream in everyday. The Sun (NOT Vit D) protects from cancer and actually helps if you are diagnosed with cancer (better outcome).
3- the sun isn’t good just vitamin D (which is also the reason why just taking supplements doesn’t quite have the same effect)

Well, it is. I'm a pale redhead and absolutely need it this time of year.

Yes, OP, I think YABVU to say it's 'madness' and why would you not just 'slap it on.' The situation is far more complicated and nuanced than that.

Just a quick question to Chatgpt came up with this. The fears are not unfounded or the result of conspiracy theories. They have a reasonable foundation.

Chemical UV Filters
These are active ingredients that absorb UV radiation.
a. Oxybenzone

• Risk: Hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and coral reef damage.
• Why: Studies suggest it may penetrate the skin and act as an endocrine disruptor. It's also toxic to marine life.

b. Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)

• Risk: Hormone disruption and environmental harm.
• Why: Similar to oxybenzone, it may mimic hormones and is banned in some areas due to reef toxicity.

c. Homosalate

• Risk: Potential hormone disruption.
• Why: Accumulates in the body and may interfere with hormone regulation over time.

d. Avobenzone

• Risk: Skin irritation and instability in sunlight.
• Why: Can degrade when exposed to sunlight unless stabilized with other chemicals.

2. Mineral (Physical) UV Filters These are generally considered safer but not entirely without concerns. a. Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide (especially in nanoparticle form)

• Risk: Inhalation hazards and potential cellular damage.
• Why: Inhalation of nanoparticles (e.g., in spray or powder sunscreens) could cause lung irritation or oxidative stress, though skin penetration is minimal.

3. Fragrances and Preservatives Often added for product appeal and shelf life. a. Fragrances

• Risk: Allergic reactions and skin irritation.
• Why: Can contain allergens and sensitizers, especially in sensitive individuals.

b. Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben)

• Risk: Hormone disruption.
• Why: May mimic estrogen and accumulate in body tissues.

c. Methylisothiazolinone (MI)

• Risk: Strong allergen.
• Why: Associated with contact dermatitis, especially in leave-on products like sunscreen.

4. Spray Sunscreens

• Risk: Inhalation of active ingredients and reduced effectiveness.
• Why: Spraying can lead to inhalation of harmful particles, especially in children, and uneven application may reduce UV protection.

5. Contaminants

• Example: Benzene contamination (a known carcinogen).
• Risk: Cancer risk.
• Why: Detected in some sunscreen products due to manufacturing issues.

6. Environmental Concerns

• Risk: Coral bleaching and marine toxicity.
• Why: Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate can harm aquatic ecosystems even in small concentrations.

Deadly melanoma, however, is NOT directly caused by the sun.

Well, that's bollocks.

Melanoma risk increases with exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources such as solariums, particularly with episodes of sunburn (especially during childhood).

Melanoma | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | Cancer Council

Where did you get all this “information” from?

retinol does not prevent cancer “from forming”.

UV absolutely is one of the contributory causes of melanoma, as per the links from pp.

the UK does have enough sun to maintain optimum levels of vit D, it’s our lifestyles that cause deficiencies. My ds got a vit D deficiency only when he learned to drive, as he went from walking everywhere to driving and not being outside.

Because some idiot "influencer" on tik tok makes a post about how they believe sun cream is carcinogenic probably because they are being paid to promote some bullshit 'organic' sun cream, their followers believe this and suddenly multiple posts appear claiming the same thing. Then the daily fail cotton on to this and run a badly written article based on no official evidence and before you know it everyone starts getting worried. Happens all the time.

Hotness has nothing to do with the ability of the sun to burn.
UV radiation can be very high on a day that is sunny but windy in summer

Tell us about natural suncream -what is it, ingredients brands

You're mistaken, darker skins need it more.

Personally my daughter has eczema and suncream is really triggering for her. And we’ve tried them all. So I only put it on her if I really need to - she wears sunblock clothing, we stay out of the sun when we can, etc.

I agree there needs to be a balance.

I’m a pale redhead and get very easily burnt. Half my dad’s side of the family has had skin cancer, they grew up in Cornwall playing on the beach all summer before suncream was a thing. Both my kids are fair, particularly my youngest, and fortunately we’ve so far avoided sunburn as I’m insistent on them wearing suncream if they are spending prolonged periods of time outside. I know that my youngest has a normal vitamin d level (he had blood tests a couple of months ago).

But when I had a friend living with me she was OTT about suncream and shriek at me if the kids went outside for 5 minutes without putting suncream on. It was silly. And I don’t insist on my kids wearing suncream on all day every day from May - September unless we are spending a lot of time outside. They don’t spend enough time outside on a normal school day to warrant suncream before school AND lunchtime imo.

I usually sit in the sun for about 30 mins or getting slightly red before putting sunscreen on so I get my Vitamin D quota.

You should replace your sun cream every year if they contain oxybenzone (which in itself is thought to be an endocrine disruptor and is banned in some places apparently). When the oxybenzone breaks down over time it becomes benzophenone which is carcinogenic.

Just checked and our Boots kids roll on sun cream has it in but the nivea kids roll on doesn't so will get that one in future. I use Green people one on my face but the roll on ones are so easy especially with kids.

Part of my family originates from a tropical island - think the Maldives, Indian Ocean archipelago, and skin cancer rates are zero. People simply do not hang out in the sunshine. The other side of the family (Northern Europeans where they get little to no sunshine in the winter months) absolutely love laying out in the sun. Needles to say they have a high rate on skin cancer in this country.

Who are these people? Scientists or some TikTok person?

It's been known for years that most sun screens are carcinogenic. You can buy natural ones or make one yourself. Otherwise just keep covered up with hats, long-sleeves etc and keep out of the sun in the hottest part of the day.

Last year my GP told me to stop taking supplements unless they were advised by a healthcare professional. He did advise me to take Vitamin D though. Fast forward to this year when the Osteoporosis team told me to stop taking Vitamin D as my levels were way too high. Oh the irony!

I wouldn’t use it every day, or put on my kids every day. But we’re talking about a few
weeks of the year in the UK.. when it’s burning weather. I’d take precautions as well but sometimes sun cream is needed