| schema:text
| - Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that sunscreens are a massive scam and that sunscreens cause melanoma. We did the fact check and found out the claim to be false.
The Claim
According to a post on X, “Sunscreen is a MASSIVE scam 🚨 Sunscreen users have the highest rates of melanoma. This is because it’s inhibiting their body from producing melanin, the hormone to help you tan! Sunscreen also contains many harmful chemicals which are heavily linked to cancer.”
Fact Check
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, starts in melanocytes. These are the cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Uncontrolled growth of these cells can cause tumours, leading to melanoma. Early detection is important because untreated melanoma can spread to other body parts. Regular checkups for skin and protecting skin from the sun are essential for preventing melanoma.
Is it true that sunscreens cause melanoma?
No, it is not true that sunscreens cause melanoma. In fact, sunscreen is an important tool which helps protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV rays are a major risk factor for developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Sunscreens work by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, reducing the skin’s exposure to them. Using sunscreen, along with other sun protection measures like wearing protective clothing and seeking shade, can help lower the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
We checked with Dr Aseem Sharma, Director and Chief Dermatologist at Skin Saga Centre for Dermatology, Mumbai, for his opinion on sunscreens causing cancer. He says, “4-MBC, also recognised as enzacamene, is a chemical component found in sunscreens. While certain studies indicate its potential to disrupt the endocrine system, there’s insufficient direct evidence linking it to cancer in humans. It’s essential to weigh these concerns against the established advantages of sunscreen in shielding against skin cancer. Opting for physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may offer a safer choice for individuals wary of chemical sunscreen ingredients.”
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that needs serious attention, can arise due to multiple factors. But, the fact that sunscreens cause melanoma is false. Recognising these factors is important because it can lead to better practices that reduce the risk. This also ensures early detection through clinical investigations. Some of the factors which can increase the likelihood of developing a melanoma are as follows:
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Spending too much time in the sun, especially without adequate protection, can increase the risk of melanoma due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Fair Skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are at a higher risk of melanoma because they have less melanin, which provides some protection against UV radiation.
- History of Sunburns: Having a history of sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, can increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
- Family History: Individuals with a family history of melanoma are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
- Certain Moles or Birthmarks: Having many moles or unusual-looking moles (dysplastic nevi) can increase the risk of melanoma. Additionally, large congenital moles present at birth may also increase risk.
- Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those who have undergone organ transplantation, have an increased risk of melanoma.
- Age: While melanoma can occur at any age, the risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in older adults.
- Gender: Melanoma is more common in men than in women, although the gap is narrowing.
- Previous History: Individuals who have had melanoma previously are at a higher risk of developing it again.
- Exposure to Artificial UV Radiation: Using tanning beds or lamps increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
What are the advantages of using sunscreen?
Protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential for maintaining skin health. It also reduces the risk of sun-related damage. Sunscreen plays an important role by providing a barrier against UV rays. Here are several advantages of using sunscreen regularly:
- Prevents Sunburn: Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn by blocking UV rays from penetrating the skin, reducing the risk of painful redness and peeling.
- Reduces Skin Cancer Risk: Regular use of sunscreen lowers the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, by shielding the skin from UV radiation, which is a known carcinogen.
- Prevents Premature Aging: Sunscreen helps prevent premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, by protecting against UV-induced damage that accelerates skin aging.
- Maintains Skin Health: Sunscreen helps maintain overall skin health by protecting against sun damage, which can lead to dryness, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
- Preserves Even Skin Tone: By blocking UV rays, sunscreen helps prevent uneven pigmentation and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even and radiant skin tone over time.
- Supports Healing: Sunscreen can support the healing process for existing skin conditions or wounds by providing a barrier against UV radiation, which can impede healing and exacerbate skin problems.
Are there any long-term side effects of using sunscreen?
Sunscreen is generally safe and effective when used as directed. But, some individuals may experience long-term side effects, although they are relatively rare. Here are a few potential long-term side effects associated with sunscreen use:
- Skin Irritation or Allergic Reactions: Some people may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredients in sunscreen formulations. This can manifest as redness, itching, or a rash. Using sunscreen designed for sensitive skin or hypoallergenic formulas may help reduce the risk of irritation. Generally, mineral sunscreens are recommended for people with sensitive skin.
- Hormonal Disruption: Certain chemical UV filters found in some sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have shown the potential to disrupt hormonal balance in the body. However, the extent of this effect and its significance in humans is still under investigation.
- Environmental Impact: Sunscreen ingredients, particularly chemical UV filters, can enter waterways through swimming or showering. This can potentially harm marine life and ecosystems. Oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreens harm coral reefs and marine life.
- Skin Absorption of Chemicals: Some studies suggest that certain chemical UV filters found in sunscreens may be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied. We need more research to understand the impact of absorption of such ingredients in the body.
There’s an ongoing debate around sunscreen usage and Vitamin D deficiency, but we did not find any studies linking both. Regular sunscreen use does not cause Vitamin D deficiency.
We would like to emphasise that the benefits of using sunscreen in protecting against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing generally outweigh the potential risks associated with long-term use.
Individuals concerned about possible side effects can opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are considered safe and less likely to cause skin irritation or systemic effects. Additionally, consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalised recommendations for sunscreen use based on individual skin type.
We also fact checked another claim linking sunscreen ingredients and cancer. We fact checked can sunscreen use cause cancer? Can sunscreen use lead to Vitamin D deficiency?
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)