Why Are People Ditching Sunscreen?
Back in the day, there was a trend of wearing SPF daily on social media, but recently, social media is buzzing with influencers preaching a “no sunscreen” lifestyle. They claim the ingredients in sunscreen can cause skin cancer, block vitamin D, and that people in the past “never needed it.“ But is this trend based on fact or just a dangerous hype?
The Argument Against Sunscreen: What Supporters Say
Components of the movement argue
- Sunscreen chemicals are toxic: There are some fear ingredients, like oxybenzone (which has been linked to coral reef damage) might harm the skin.
- Sun exposure = natural vitamin D. They believe that if we avoid sunscreen, then we will boost immunity.
- Ancient humans survived without it: True, but they also died younger from skin damage.
What Science Says
The dermatologist studies agree with these statements
- Skin cancer rate increases with sun exposure: Skin issues risks double if you have had 5 or more sunburns
- Vitamin D doesn’t require burning: Just 10 to 15 minutes of daily sun with sunscreen is enough.
- Not all sunscreens are equal: Mineral options like zinc oxide are reef safe and non-toxic.
How to protect your skin without extreme measures,
If you do not get along with chemicals, then try these derm-approved alternatives
- Use mineral sunscreens
- Wear UPF clothing and hats.
- Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.
The Scary facts if you stop wearing sunscreen.
- Wrinkles and sunspots: Wrinkles and sunburns make skin look decades older.
- Painful Skin burns: Increase risk of DNA damage.
- Higher cancer risk: 1 in 5 Americans develops skin cancer by age 70
Fun facts: Australia, the sunniest country, reduced melanoma rates by 50% thanks to sunscreen campaigns
Should you join the sunscreen movement
No, unless you want healthier and better skin.
- Pick a clean minerals sunscreen
- Get vitamin D from diet
- Don’t believe in TikTok trends over doctors.
Thoughts? Would you ever quit sunscreen? Drop your opinion in the comments!
