Latest news with #sunscreen
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The anti-sunscreen movement and what to know about its claims
In one TikTok video, a woman declared that she stopped using sunscreen altogether. In an Instagram reel, a man insists that building sun exposure without sunscreen can help boost a person's immunity. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. And on YouTube, some are promoting do-it-yourself sunscreen alternatives using oil, butters or other natural remedies. For years dermatologists and health experts have extolled the value of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and protect people from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. But a growing anti-sunscreen movement has taken hold on social media, causing confusion about its benefits and alarming public health experts who say avoiding sunscreen increases long-term health risks. - - - How does sunscreen work, and what's in it? Sunscreen protects the skin by either absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. Most sunscreen formulas fall into two categories: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens form a thin protective film to absorb UV radiation. They use ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and octocrylene to absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat before it reaches the skin. Mineral sunscreens rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays from reaching the skin. - - - Why is there skepticism of sunscreen? More Americans are questioning the safety of everyday products, driven by a growing distrust in conventional health advice, pharmaceutical companies and federal regulators. Among them are supporters of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement, who have helped revive skepticism of sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and titanium dioxide. Some people are also looking for natural alternatives, and they say skin irritation they have experienced from certain products has caused them to shift from conventional products. As a result, alternatives like homemade creams and mineral-based sunscreens have become more popular. Some people are also choosing to stop using sunscreen entirely. 'I am definitely a MAHA mom and voted for Trump so that RFK Jr. could get into office,' said Summer Whiteside, 31, an ER nurse from Wildomar, California, in a text message. 'After listening to his podcast on Joe Rogan, I knew he was the man for the job.' On Instagram, Whiteside, who doesn't shy away from the label 'crunchy,' posts about things like beef tallow for sunburns and her preference for mineral sunscreen. Whiteside, who said she has concerns about the chemicals in sunscreen, uses long-sleeved rash guards on her kids and sunblock only on their faces. Some wellness figures have claimed that diet changes or building sun exposure gradually can protect against burns, which dermatologists and the scientific community strongly recommend against. Some in the anti-sunscreen movement point to studies suggesting that certain chemicals cause cancer or are absorbed too heavily into the body. But public health experts say there are no human studies that conclusively prove ingredients like oxybenzone act as carcinogens. 'Oxybenzone has been used since the 1970s in sunscreen, so we would have found out by now if it caused harm,' said Henry W. Lim, senior vice president of academic affairs and former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health. Lim said that some groups will use testing methods and safety thresholds in studies that differ from those required for product approval in the United States. 'A lot of the concerns come from animal studies using high doses, but those results don't automatically translate to humans,' said Lim, who is also the president of the International League of Dermatological Societies and a past president of the American Academy of Dermatology. - - - What do health experts and science say? Health professionals warn that anti-sunscreen messaging can be harmful for the public because skin cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Experts say sunscreen is one of the most effective tools for prevention. Adam Friedman, a professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University, said skepticism of sunscreen is nothing new. Concerns about chemical ingredients and mistrust in federal oversight resurface every few years, often fueled by social media and wellness trends. But he said the science has remained consistent. 'Ultraviolet radiation is a known carcinogen; there is no debate about that,' Friedman said. 'We've had decades of data showing that sunscreen plays a critical role in reducing skin cancer risk.' Studies have shown that regular sunscreen use significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer. A randomized controlled trial in Australia known as the Nambour Skin Cancer Prevention Trial followed more than 1,600 participants for about 10 years. Those who used sunscreen daily had a lower incidence of melanoma compared with those who used it occasionally. Another prospective cohort study of more than 143,000 Norwegian women found that using an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen was associated with a 33 percent lower risk of melanoma compared with people using less than an SPF 15 or none at all. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered safe by dermatologists. Veena Vanchinathan, a board-certified dermatologist in California and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, said the hesitation regarding sunscreen use in wellness spaces is not supported by current scientific evidence. She explained that just because a sunscreen ingredient is absorbed into the body doesn't mean it is harmful. 'We see small amounts of absorption from many everyday products without any proven risk,' Vanchinathan said. 'Our skin is designed to function as a barrier, not a sponge.' Her bigger concern is that people are skipping sunscreen altogether or using ineffective unproven alternatives like coconut oil or beef tallow. This could lead to more preventable sun damage, especially among younger people who are influenced by wellness content online. - - - Why does the U.S. have fewer sunscreen options than Europe and Asia? The Food and Drug Administration regulates sunscreen, but U.S. standards have not kept up. The last major sunscreen monograph proposal came in 1999. This document serves as the FDA's official guideline for what ingredients can be used in over-the-counter sunscreens. Although the agency proposed updates in recent years, delays have left many newer active ingredients, which are already used in Europe and Asia, unavailable in the U.S. This regulatory delay has drawn criticism from dermatologists and public health experts who say the U.S. is falling behind global standards and giving consumers fewer safe options. Some people, frustrated by the lack of innovation, are turning to imported products or homemade solutions, which Friedman strongly discourages. 'Would you make Tylenol or Advil in your bathtub?' Friedman said. 'There's no way to replicate the safety, testing and effectiveness of a professionally formulated sunscreen.' Other countries often approve sunscreen filters faster by following a different regulatory model that emphasizes post-market surveillance and international data. The European Commission evaluates sunscreen ingredients under a cosmetics framework that allows newer filters to reach the market more quickly. Some advocacy groups are calling on Congress to require faster review timelines or align with international standards. Dermatologists say the science continues to support daily use of FDA-approved sunscreens to prevent skin cancer. They warn that avoiding sunscreen altogether poses a far greater risk than any concern about ingredient absorption. Related Content He builds sand sculptures for joy. A huge carving of Crocs put him on the map. Why we're still obsessed with Lindsay Lohan They once shared recipes. Now her family is going hungry in Gaza. Solve the daily Crossword
Washington Post
18 hours ago
- Health
- Washington Post
The anti-sunscreen movement and what to know about its claims
In one TikTok video, a woman declared that she stopped using sunscreen altogether. In an Instagram reel, a man insists that building sun exposure without sunscreen can help boost a person's immunity. And on YouTube, some are promoting do-it-yourself sunscreen alternatives using oil, butters or other natural remedies. For years dermatologists and health experts have extolled the value of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and protect people from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. But a growing anti-sunscreen movement has taken hold on social media, causing confusion about its benefits and alarming public health experts who say avoiding sunscreen increases long-term health risks.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Exactly what happens to your body when you're sunburnt
Wearing sunscreen should be as routine as brushing teeth or wearing a seatbelt or a bike helmet. Yet many of us – particularly those intent on getting a tan – will have felt that hot, tingling sensation on our shoulders already this month and kicked ourselves for not protecting our skin. Around half the British population get sunburnt at least once a year, according to a study by Melanoma Focus, which found that younger people are the most careless, with 65 per cent of 18 to 32 year olds getting burnt. The same study also revealed that 36 per cent of British people rarely or never apply sunscreen when in the UK during summer months – a figure that increases to 42 per cent for men. Alarm bells should be ringing, as both sunburn and sun tans are physical signs that your skin is reacting to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 'They are on the same spectrum of damage with a sun tan representing the skin attempting to protect itself from UV damage and a sunburn at the extreme end where it can no longer protect itself – a sign that your skin has been severely damaged at a microscopic level,' says Dr Mary Sommerlad, a consultant dermatologist and spokesman for the British Skin Foundation. 'Repeated sunburns at any age increase your risk of skin cancer; blistering sunburns particularly before adulthood have been shown to increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the type of skin cancer that can shorten life.' Melanoma, once considered rare, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK with around 17,500 new cases diagnosed each year. The UK now has more deaths from melanoma each year than Australia. 'This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma,' says Susanna Daniels of Melanoma Focus. Sunburn is itchy, painful and in some cases unsightly for about a week, but the damage to the DNA in the skin cells is irreversible and can lead to cancer over time. UV rays can also cause premature ageing and pigmentation. So it's essential that we understand the immediate and longer-term effects of sun on the skin, says Dr Sommerlad. What happens after you get sunburnt After 15 minutes You might not feel it yet but the damage has already begun. Within just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, UV radiation begins penetrating the outermost layers of your skin. 'UVB radiation starts damaging DNA,' Dr Sommerlad says. 'The body's immune system recognises this damage and triggers an inflammatory response. Blood vessels dilate, which is why in those with lightly pigmented skin, the skin can look red and feels warm and tender. This response is your body trying to bring immune cells to the area to repair the damage. In those with deeply pigmented skin, redness may be less perceptible but instead the skin may feel warm and tender.' After two hours The feelings of warmth, tenderness and swelling may worsen as your immune system continues to respond, Dr Sommerlad continues. 'Blistering may appear in very extreme cases – a troubling sign of dead skin cells that have lost the ability to remain cohesive.' Pain worsens as the nerve cells are activated by the inflammation from the UV damage. Furthermore, in very severe cases there may be flu-like symptoms of chills, aching and nausea caused by a release of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream from the extensive UV damage. After 48 hours Peeling begins as your body sheds damaged skin cells trying to remove cells with irreparable DNA damage. 'The skin may remain red or darker than the original skin colour. Itchy skin occurs as wound healing events start to occur in the sun burnt areas,' Dr Sommerlad says. The process of healing the skin can release chemicals in the skin that increase the sensation of itch, she says, a bit like when you have an itchy scab. After 72 hours Excess uneven pigmentation appears as the initial pain and swelling subsides. This is from the overproduction of eumelanin, a type of melanin, in response to excess UV exposure, Dr Sommerlad says. This manifests as freckles, sun spots known as solar lentigos. 'These are often permanent but may fade in less sunny months only to reappear in sunnier weather. Others do not fade even in the winter months,' Dr Sommerlad explains. 'It is important to regularly monitor your skin for any changes, particularly moles,' agrees Clare O'Connor, a suncare scientific advisor at Boots. 'If you do notice anything unusual, you should visit your GP, an NHS Walk-in Centre or a pharmacist.' A mole scanning service is available in selected Boots stores, while a SmartSkin Checker, an AI-powered skin tool that can screen for over 70 skin conditions, is available via Boots Online Doctor. After one year Your skin remembers being sunburnt long after your tan has faded. Long-term effects include hyperpigmentation manifesting as patchy pigment, freckling and sun spots, liver spots or age spots, Dr Sommerlad says. 'Fine lines and loss of firmness can also be observed.' These changes are broadly described as photo damage and give the skin a prematurely aged appearance. UV eye damage can lead to early cataract formation and growths on the surface of the eye such as pterygium which can affect your vision. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 20 per cent of cataracts globally are the result of UV overexposure. After a decade Cumulative DNA damage from repeated sunburns can eventually overwhelm your skin's repair mechanisms, leading to mutations in genes that control the skin cells potentially leading to pre-cancer and cancerous skin changes, Dr Sommerlad continues. We know that melanomas arise through a complicated interplay between melanocytes – the cells that give pigment – developing uncontrolled growth and division. 'It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and why melanomas form,' she says. 'We do know that some people are much more likely to get them.' Those with lots of unusual looking moles, a history of sunburn and sun tan bed use, and who burn very easily or have a family history of skin cancer are at higher risk. According to Dr Sommerlad, photo-damaged skin appears saggier, more lined and wrinkled with extensive uneven pigmentation giving the skin a prematurely aged appearance. Can you reverse sun damage? If so, how? While you can't reverse the underlying damage from sun exposure, you can treat the skin with aftersun afterwards, which cools it and keeps it moisturised. 'Lotions with aloe vera can have a cooling effect on the skin,' O'Connor explains. 'It's also important to drink plenty of water to keep yourself cool and prevent dehydration.' Although prevention is better than cure, some skincare ingredients can help boost texture and firmness such as retinoids and peptides, adds Dr Sommerlad, while retinoids can also help fade dark marks. 'Niacinamide and antioxidants like vitamin C can help with hyperpigmentation too,' she says. 'In clinic procedures such as intense pulsed light (IPL), laser resurfacing, skin peels and microneedling can also target hyperpigmentation and skin laxity but may not suit everyone and can be expensive as you might need several treatments.' How can I protect myself in the future? Dr Sommerlad recommends sticking to shaded areas when spending time outside and avoiding outdoor activities when the sun is at its most potent between midday and 2pm. 'Wear breathable clothing that keeps you cool but protects from sunburns such as long sleeves and keep backs and lower limbs covered,' she advises, adding that we should all invest in a wide brimmed sun hat and suns glasses that have UV protection. For the parts of the body that are not easily covered such as face and neck, hands and ears, she suggests using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or 50 with a high UVA protection). 'Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Never rely on sunscreen alone as its application is also 'user dependent' and 'reuse dependent', and prioritise seeking shade and avoiding sunbathing as well as the protective clothing,' she says. If you notice any signs of sunburn, you should seek shade and cover up with clothing to help stop any more damage from happening. Putting on more sunscreen doesn't mean you can stay out in the sun for longer, Dr Sommerlad adds. Does sunscreen really work? Up to 86 per cent of melanomas are preventable if you protect your skin in the sun, according to Melanoma Focus, with sunscreen and protective clothing. SPF stands for sun protection factor and measures the product's protection against UVB rays; if your skin would burn in 10 minutes and SPF 30 should protect you for 30 times longer, ie about 300 minutes. 'We should use a minimum of SPF30 for all skin tones, increasing to SPF50 for those with fair or sun sensitive skin and for children,' O'Connor says. It's important that a sunscreen also has a high UVA level. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature ageing and skin cancer; they can even pass through a glass window or windscreen. 'Always check the UVA rating when purchasing sunscreen and look for five-star rated UVA, indicating the highest level of UVA protection,' O'Connor says. 'Broad spectrum' means it protects against both UVA and UVB. FAQs Is tanning as bad as sunburn? Yes. Tanning, even without burning, still damages DNA and increases your risk of skin cancer. There's no such thing as a 'safe tan.' What does skin cancer look like? Broadly speaking, Stage 1 melanoma may be a small, flat or raised mole with irregular borders and colour variation, Dr Sommerlad says. It arises in an existing mole in about 20 per cent of cases. Early detection and treatment may reduce the risk of it spreading beyond Stage 1. I had sunburn as a child – is there anything I can do now? Yes. Get familiar with 'self surveillance': checking the skin for potential skin cancers. Have a low threshold to consult a dermatologist if you notice any concerning changes to your skin; early detection of cancer is key. For advice on how to check your skin, see The British Association of Dermatologists website. Meanwhile, be meticulous with sun protection. Avoid sunbathing and suntan beds altogether even if you don't burn. The NHS do not offer mole check services, but many private providers do and may be worth considering if you have a lots of freckles and moles for an in person full skin check where you can also learn how to continue checking yourself at home. Don't I need to go into the sun to get vitamin D? Getting some sun on our skin can help our bodies to make the vitamin D it needs for healthy bones, according to Cancer Research UK, but whatever your skin tone, there's no need to sunbathe or risk getting sunburn for the sake of vitamin D intake. Can you sunburn on a cloudy day? Yes as the clouds don't block all UV; in fact 80 per cent can get through. UV doesn't heat the air – that's infra red light from the sun that gives the warm feeling – so you may be lulled into a false sense of security about UV strength on a cloudy summer's day. Can all skin types sunburn?
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
The dermatologist-loved SPF celebrities swear by - and it's under $50: 'Best facial sunblock ever'
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more This top-rated sunscreen deserves its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When it comes to skincare, the only step you should never skip out on is SPF. That's why we are always looking for the best of the best on the market — and EltaMD for over a decade now has taken the cake. EltaMD has wowed users for generations, and with its hero product, the UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, we see why. The sheer sunblock has caught the attention of more stars than we can count over the years, including Kate Upton and Emma Stone. The brand has released even more of their beloved sunscreen, launching two tinted versions. The craziest part about this dermatologist-recommended brand is that you can snag their best-selling SPF finds for under $50! Sunscreen is having its moment, and we are here for it. The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 was formulated with your skin's long-term protection in mind. Each bottle contains 5 percent Niacinamide that actively reduces blemishes during wear and SPF 46 to block out powerful light. The list of ingredients also includes other helpful naturally sourced actives, including Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. Don't trust us? Trust the dermatologists! EltaMD is backed by dermatologists everywhere, with all its products tested rigorously to pass dermatology standards. Celebrities like Kyle Richards often note this as one of their main reasons for choosing UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 over other popular sunblock brands. If you are looking for a little extra shine with all the same protection, then the new EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum 46 sunscreens are for you. Available in two shades and designed to give your skin an effortless sun-kissed glow all day long, you will not be disappointed. Shoppers can't stop adding EltaMD to their carts, with one saying: 'I've been using EltaMD for over 10 years ~ it is tried and true. It's the best facial sunblock ever!' While another said: 'This is more than just a sunscreen! The deep tint give my face a perfect sun kissed looked WITH OUT the sun damage.. this is an everyday type of sunscreen!' Give your summer a final send-off with skincare that just GETS it. EltaMD has everything from cleansers to moisturizers and beyond. Shop all of EltaMD, including their famous SPF products, right now on their Amazon storefront!
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Danielle Lloyd hits out at 'dangerous and false' sunscreen information amid skin cancer battle - after Sam Faiers wrongly claimed many SPF brands are 'harmful'
has hit out at 'dangerous and false' sunscreen information amid her battle with skin cancer. The mother-of-five was diagnosed with melanoma in February and went under the knife to remove a mole above her collarbone earlier this year. On Wednesday, Danielle wanted to make her followers aware of the 'false information' being spread on social media about sunscreen being 'toxic and causing cancer'. It comes after Sam Faiers admitted she doesn't put sunscreen on her children in a controversial statement on SPF, where she claimed some brands are 'harmful' and full of 'toxic ingredients'. Danielle shared on Instagram: 'I've got people in my comments saying that, "sunscreen is full of toxins and it can cause cancer. 'This is false information. It is not true, and it is highly dangerous information. This has started on TikTok and wherever else it started, but it's false. 'We are highly regulated in the UK, and these products would not be on the shelves if they were full of toxins that could give you cancer. 'I understand people read things and believe them, but please don't spread lies because it is so dangerous. People need to protect themselves, and one of those things is by using sunscreen.' In recent months, doctors have been forced to speak out after videos claiming sun tan lotion contains chemicals that are 'more cancerous than the sun', have racked up tens of thousands of views on TikTok. Among those peddling the information are influencers with thousands of followers, including Lauryn Goodman and Kelsey Parker. Most recently, Sam was branded 'irresponsible and naive' by a horrified skin doctor after admitting her three children don't wear sunscreen because she wrongly claimed many SPF brands are 'harmful'. Dr Perry, who is the owner of skin clinics chain Cosmedics , claimed the reality star is 'misleading' fans into not using sunscreen on their children and it can 'double the risk of getting skin cancer' as they 'do not build up a tolerance to sun exposure'. Sam revealed that she doesn't use suncream on her children by sharing a snap of her youngest son Edward, two, playing in the shade. She wrote: 'So this is always a bit of a controversial one, but honestly, me and my whole family don't actually wear sunscreen. 'Over the years, the kids have built up a really good tolerance to being in the sun. Of course if it's really hot and the sun feels too harsh I'll make sure we head into the shade... usually around lunchtime we'll go in, have something to eat and just avoid those peak hours. 'I'm really careful about sunscreen in general, because a lot of them are actually pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients.' Danielle's post comes after she revealed she had undergone another operation after spotting an unusual mole on her torso that needed to be sent off for a biopsy. Taking to Instagram, she shared a video of her experience, revealing that while the procedure was quick and painless, she would have to wait two months to find out whether the mole was cancerous. Showing off the mole in her video, she explained: 'I t only looks small but it's definitely changed in colour and size.' Documenting her time in hospital, she confessed: 'I was a little bit apprehensive when I was waiting but then I was absolutely fine going in.' Showing off the markings on her stomach ahead of surgery, she added: 'I had to laugh because it looked like they'd drawn the evil eye on my belly.' Danielle then showed off her scar as she continued: 'When I got home I was a little bit sore and a little bit swollen but overall I'm just looking forward to getting some positive results.' She finished her video by urging her followers to ' know the signs [of skin cancer] and protect yourself from the sun'. Danielle captioned the clip: 'Trigger Warning ⚠️ Today I had another surgery to remove another mole — this time on my stomach. 'We're hoping it's just a precaution, but I'll be waiting 8–10 weeks for results. 'Please don't ignore any changes to your skin. I never thought this would happen to me… until it did. Early detection saves lives — skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. 'If something doesn't look or feel right, see a doctor. Protect your skin: ☀️ Use high SPF. Cover up. Say no to sunbeds. Look after yourself and those around you'. She added the hashtags: '#SkinCancerAwareness #Melanoma #StaySafeInTheSun #GetChecked #SunSafety #protectyourskin'. Danielle then shut down misinformation around SPF after a fan commented: 'Check ingredients in Sun cream!! Chemicals awareness'. The former pageant queen responded: 'that's actually false information and it's people posting causing people to believe it if suncream was harmful it wouldn't be sold in shop out beauty and health industry is so heavily regulated honestly it's a load of rubbish x 'When I went to Westminster a few weeks ago to speak about sun safety I was told it's false information? 'Some no branded ones maybe but people on TikTok have been spouting false information and making people throw away suncream and not use it which is so dangerous xx' Elsewhere in the comments, Danielle revealed how she came across the mole. She explained: 'the specialist actually recommended this one be removed I went for my 6 month check and they just said as precaution they wanted to remove.' She also put a fan at ease who was also due to have a mole removed but was worried it would be painful. Danielle shared: 'T hey give you anaesthetic injections to numb the area so you don't feel it just feels like tugging.' While Danielle was praised by many for helping to spread awareness, the following morning she revealed that vile trolls had also commented on the post. She revealed she'd been branded: ' old, haggard, too thin, basically disgusting'. Hitting back on her Stories, she shared: 'I don't give a f**k if you think I look old, I'm 41, I'm not 20 no more. 'I've got five beautiful kids, I've got a lovely husband, I've got a lovely life. 'If you think I'm old and haggard then fine but your opinion does not matter to me... 'They're just weird, weird people, get a life.' Earlier this year Danielle revealed to her fans she had been diagnosed with skin cancer in an emotional post . Struggling to hold back the tears, the heartbroken star said: 'I don't really know how to say this and I didn't know whether to come on and say this but I feel like I have to raise awareness of this kind of thing happening to other people. 'Today I have been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer.' She urged: 'I just want to raise awareness for anyone who thinks they've got something funny on their body, they see a mole growing, which is not normal - please please please go to your doctor because honestly, you just never know.' The model went on to say that she'd been 'really shocked' by what she'd been told earlier in the day, but before going on to praise the Macmillan nurses at the hospital for their support.
