“Tis the age of sunscreen misinformation.
The trend of influencers questioning sunscreen use and extolling the powers of the sun (and a good tan) is heating up again. They look for high UV index days and lather in tanning oil. As millennials and Gen Xers, all we can say is, “I think I’ve seen this movie before.” And no, we didn’t like the ending — considering prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
While we’re trying not to blame everything on social media here, there’s no denying that #SummerTok has a hand in this trend. In fact, sunscreen videos containing false information are more popular than you might think, a recent study I establish. The misinformation in these videos includes everything from unprotected sun exposure being beneficial to sunscreen itself being carcinogenic, hormone disrupting, or containing harmful microplastics. We’ve even gone back to that old myth of the “healthy base tan” (which, no, isn’t a thing yet).
The kick? The majority of TikTok videos about sunscreen actually encourage to use it. But they don’t have as much commitment as the ones that tell you not to.
We are now reaping the consequences of these seeds of misinformation. Among Gen Z-ers ages 16 to 29, one-third received a D or F on the American Academy of Dermatology sun safety quiz this year. A majority (64 percent) of Gen Zers surveyed said they had encountered misinformation about the sun online.
It makes for some interesting, myth-busting conversations in the doctor’s office, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, FAAD, of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. “When a young patient comes in with misinformation about sunscreen, I try to approach them with curiosity to open up a conversation rather than create one,” Dr. Shah tells SheKnows.
Some of the common myths he hears?
- “Sunscreen is toxic.” Is not. Sunscreen products in the US and abroad are regulated and reviewed for safety.
- “People with darker skin don’t need sunscreen.” Not exactly, says Dr. Shah. “People with darker skin tones have more natural protection from UV rays, but they can still be damaged by the sun and develop skin cancer.”
- “Natural oils provide enough sun protection.” Coconut oil, olive oil, or other DIY alternatives do not provide reliable, broad-spectrum UV protection.
- “Sunscreen prevents you from getting vitamin D.” You can still keep your vitamin D levels healthy while wearing sunscreen, says Dr. Shah, and a 2019 survey review on this topic concluded that “concerns about vitamin D should not override skin cancer prevention advice.”
- “I don’t have to worry about skin cancer because I’m young.” The hard truth is that UV damage accumulates over time. Your skin keeps scores even during childhood and adolescence. In fact, sun exposure during this time is linked to many skin cancers, Dr. Shah says.
It’s not like skipping sunscreen for a tan is a new trend — far from it. It’s just that this generation of teenagers is getting their anti-sun propaganda from the shiny new (and highly addictive) source of social media, a black box that parents really can’t penetrate. So how do you deal with it?
Dr. Shah likes to start by really listening and understanding why a teen is sunscreen. “It’s important for me to understand their concerns,” she explains, “so I can provide evidence-based information and correct misconceptions without making them feel rejected.” Her key talking points (which you can definitely steal) include:
- Sunscreen helps prevent skin aging such as wrinkles and sun spots. Gen Z loves their skin care, so this should resonate.
- A tan is not a sign of healthy skin. “Actually,” says Dr. Shah, “tanning is evidence that UV radiation has damaged the skin.” It just paves the way for premature aging and skin cancer.
- Everyone needs sun protection. Sunscreen isn’t just for the fair-skinned among us. Risk levels can vary, says Dr. Shah, but “no one is completely protected from the effects of the sun.”
- “Natural” does not mean safer. “Many posts on social media promote oils or homemade products as alternatives to sunscreen,” notes Dr. Shah. “Patients should be aware that products marketed as natural are not necessarily proven to provide reliable UV protection.”
- Sunscreen is only one part of it. Sun protection goes far beyond creams you can rub on your skin. Pair it with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and time in the shade.
Also, it’s always good to remind teens that sunscreen needs to be reapplied, especially after swimming, sweating, towel drying, or being outdoors for a long time.
And if this all sounds like a lot to your sun-loving child, we understand. Maybe it’s hard to get them to reapply when they’re out jumping in the waves or wear a sleeved shirt when it’s over 90. We’re being realistic here! But all of this becomes even more difficult when your teen prioritizes the words of TikTokers over the advice of his dermatologist — or his mom.
So start by educating yourself about sun protection (the list above is a good start) and forming these habits yourself. Then, when you talk to your teen about it, “keep the conversation nonjudgmental,” says Dr. Shah. Listen to them, then make your case and highlight the things they’ll care about, whether it’s premature aging or the pain of dealing with a sunburn. Give them a bottle of SPF while you’re at it and remind them that they can’t believe everything they hear on TikTok — an evergreen piece of advice if we ever heard one.
