TikTok influencers promoting the claim that sunscreen is harmful to health, fueling a controversy surrounding skin care and solar radiation protection.
In the digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become a powerful tool for spreading information, including misinformation. Recently, a concerning movement has emerged, encouraging users to forego sunscreen and linking it to the development of cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, there will be a record 20,800 cases of melanoma diagnosed this year, a significant increase from the yearly average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022. Melanoma skin cancer is primarily caused by overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light, making the use of sunscreen a critical tool in prevention.
However, on TikTok, Gubba Homestead, a wellness and natural skincare creator, has been leading an anti-sunscreen movement. Gubba Homestead's Instagram posts related to anti-sunscreen lotion have not been verified for accuracy, and their video caption reads: "I don't wear sunscreen, and I never will. We blame the sun for cancer when we should be blaming our diets."
This movement, while concerning, does not appear to be specifically led by Gubba Homestead, as there is no credible evidence or reports to that effect. Instead, these claims come from a broader set of influencers and unverified sources spreading concerns about sunscreen safety.
Despite this, some TikTok creators have shared their personal experiences of not wearing sunscreen, which should raise alarm bells. The increase in Google searches about the potential dangers of sunscreen, such as "Does sunscreen cause cancer" and "What causes cancer in sunscreen," may indicate growing concern among the public.
However, it's important to note that reputable skin health influencers ("skinfluencers") and experts actively promote the use of sunscreen, often collaborating with dermatologists to combat misinformation. Public health organizations and science communicators have also addressed and debunked various sunscreen myths circulating on TikTok.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the science does not indicate that any sunscreen ingredients currently available in the US are harmful to human health. Therefore, it's crucial to continue applying sunscreen as part of a comprehensive skin cancer prevention strategy.
As we navigate the digital landscape, it's essential to critically evaluate the information we consume and to seek out reliable sources to ensure our health and wellbeing.
- The increasing popularity of doubts about sunscreen safety on social media platforms like TikTok has sparked discussions in the health and wellness sphere, with some lifestyle gurus questioning the necessity of sunscreen use.
- Amidst the rise of fashion and beauty trends, the importance of science-backed sunscreen practices cannot be underscored, as shown by the mounting cases of melanoma skin cancer linked to UV light exposure.
