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| source : hempworks.in |
Ah, summer. The season of sun, sand, and… sunscreen conspiracies?
If you’ve been scrolling through X or TikTok lately, you might’ve stumbled into what feels like a full-blown war on sunscreen. Influencers, “natural health” gurus, and even a few celebrities are pushing the narrative that sunscreen is the real danger, not the sun itself.
Posts with thousands of likes are now claiming:
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“Sunscreen causes cancer, not prevents it.”
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“If you eat clean, you won’t burn.”
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“Sunscreen blocks vitamin D, so just hydrate and you’ll be fine.”
Meanwhile, your dermatologist is quietly screaming into a bottle of SPF 50.
So let’s talk: What does the science actually say? Is sunscreen toxic? Or is this just another case of the internet throwing out decades of peer-reviewed research because someone’s cousin on Reddit said so?
First: What Does Sunscreen Actually Do?
Sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from UV rays, which are proven to:
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Cause sunburn
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Lead to premature aging (hello, wrinkles)
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Increase your risk of skin cancers, including the deadly kind, melanoma
There are two main types:
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Physical (mineral): Uses ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays.
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Chemical: Uses compounds like oxybenzone to absorb UV rays before they can damage your DNA.
Both have been studied for years. Both can work if used correctly. And yes, both have been caught in the crossfire of social media skepticism.
So… Is Sunscreen Dangerous?
Let’s get this part really clear:
There is no solid evidence that sunscreen causes cancer. None.
The “danger” people are talking about comes from animal studies or exaggerated lab data, like:
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Rats being fed massive doses of oxybenzone (you’d need 277 years of sunscreen use to match it)
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In vitro tests where ingredients react to UV light in a petri dish, not on human skin
As Dr. Timothy Rebbeck from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explained, the problem is that by the time that study makes it to your social feed, it's been stripped of context and spun into fearbait.
But What About “Toxins”?
Here’s the nuance: if you're worried about chemical ingredients, you can opt for mineral sunscreens. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are:
- Safe
- Effective
- Broad-spectrum protectors
- Less likely to irritate sensitive skin
And no, they don’t mess with your hormones, block your pores, or stop vitamin D synthesis in any meaningful way, because most people don’t use enough sunscreen for that to happen anyway.
“If you’re trying to make a choice, the choice is pretty clear.”
— Dr. Rebbeck
So Why Are People Ditching It?
Like most modern misinformation, sunscreen skepticism has a grain of truth buried in a mountain of memes.
Here’s what’s true:
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Some sunscreen ingredients get absorbed into the bloodstream
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Overexposure to sun with a false sense of security (because “I’m wearing sunscreen!”) may lead to longer sun exposure and more damage
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Not all sunscreens are created equal, some are full of irritants or allergens for sensitive folks
But the leap from “we should research sunscreen ingredients more” to “sunscreen gives you cancer” is like saying “my seatbelt is tight” so you decide to drive without it.
What About Natural Sun Exposure?
Yes, sunlight is good in moderation. Your body uses it to make vitamin D, and it can boost mood and help regulate circadian rhythms. But we’re not living like early humans anymore.
We’re not spending dawn-to-dusk outside while moving, farming, and hunting. We’re in offices, then suddenly out on a beach at noon, frying our skin with zero gradual exposure. That's a recipe for burns, and burns are what raise your cancer risk.
But My Friend Said Sunscreen Makes You Burn More?
A surprising number of people think this. And honestly, if you’re using expired sunscreen, not applying enough, or skipping reapplication? That burn might happen.
But that’s user error, not the sunscreen’s fault.
Also, no, drinking water will not stop a sunburn. (Sorry, Tom Brady.)
Sunscreen Isn’t the Villain, But Inflammation Is
Here’s the real enemy: chronic inflammation from sun damage over time. Repeated UV exposure without protection leads to:
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DNA mutations
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Immune suppression in the skin
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Wrinkling and pigment issues
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Higher risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
Sunscreen, when used properly, helps block that damage. Period.
Final Thought: It’s Okay to Question, But Do Your Homework
Sunscreen isn’t flawless. The industry isn’t perfect. And yes, we should keep researching the safety of ingredients. But let’s not throw out the SPF with the bathwater just because a podcast guest said, “Humans lived under the sun forever.”
People also used to die of skin cancer in their 30s. That’s not a vibe.
Use sunscreen. Reapply it. Pair it with hats, shade, and smart exposure.
Your skin, and your future self, will thank you.