social media influencers are
pushing a dangerous trend, advising people to skip sunscreen altogether.
This advice is based on misinformation, and ignoring sun protection puts Nigerians at risk year-round. Here, we debunk some popular anti-sunscreen myths circulating online, based on insights from health experts interviewed by Healthline.
Myth 1: Sun Doesn’t Cause Cancer
This claim is demonstrably false. Decades of research solidify the link between sun exposure and skin cancer. Dr. Dino Prato, CEO of Envita Medical Centers, highlights studies that consistently show higher skin cancer rates in people with greater sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages skin cell DNA, potentially leading to mutations and cancer development.
Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains the process. UV exposure generates free radicals, causing inflammation and damaging skin cell function and DNA. Damaged cells beyond repair can mutate and become cancerous with additional sun exposure. Sunburns are a sign of excessive sun exposure, triggering an inflammatory response with swelling, pain, and redness. Damaged cells that survive become more susceptible to future sun damage and potentially cancerous. The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes that about 90% of nonmelanoma and 86% of melanoma skin cancers are linked to solar UV radiation.
Myth 2: Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
This myth compares sunscreen use to wearing a seatbelt and getting into car accidents. Dr. Gary Goldenberg, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, clarifies the misconception. People might feel overly protected with sunscreen and neglect other sun safety measures. However, studies show that combining sunscreen with practices like wearing hats, protective clothing, and seeking shade effectively reduces sunburn risk and UV damage. Sunscreen acts as a barrier, blocking or absorbing harmful UV rays, and research demonstrates its role in decreasing precancerous skin lesions.
Myth 3: Sunscreen Caused the Skin Cancer Increase
Skin cancer diagnoses have indeed been steadily rising, but sunscreen isn’t the culprit, says Dr. Goldenberg. The increase is more likely due to factors like:
An aging population
Increased recreational sun exposure
Improved awareness and diagnosis
Climate change with rising temperatures might also contribute. The American Academy of Dermatology Association identifies risk factors for skin cancer, including:
Five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15-20 (increases melanoma risk by 80% and nonmelanoma risk by 68%)
Tanning bed use (increases melanoma risk)
Light skin, blonde or red hair, history of sunburns, tanning bed use, weakened immune system, or personal or family history of skin cancer
Having more than 50 moles, atypical moles, or large moles.
Myth 4: Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are safe and non-toxic. Mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to reflect UV rays off the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb and scatter UV rays. Dr. Massick clarifies that mineral sunscreens might be less irritating for sensitive skin but aren’t necessarily safer.
Sunscreen and Skin Protection for Nigerians
While Nigeria doesn’t experience seasonal changes like summer, the sun’s rays are a constant threat. By understanding the facts and following these sun safety tips, you can minimize your risk of skin cancer throughout the year.
Source: Health line
