Experts in the industry have been issuing a cautionary statement regarding a current trend on TikTok where users are falsely claiming that sunscreen leads to cancer.
Recently, a trend has emerged on TikTok and other social media platforms where individuals are promoting the abandonment of sun protection altogether. These individuals assert that sunscreen contains harmful chemicals linked to cancer or that it can potentially damage the skin.
An influencer, whose video on the Gubba Homestead has received more than 1.2 million views, declared: “I refuse to use sunscreen and I always will. We tend to attribute cancer to the sun, but the real culprit is our unhealthy diets. Using sunscreen and having a poor diet will only make you unwell.”
Based on Glam’s most recent data, there is a growing worry surrounding the effects of the trend, as shown by a 160% rise in Google searches for “Does sunscreen cause cancer”over the course of the previous month.
I don’t wear sunscreen, and I never will.We blame the sun for cancer when we should be blaming our diets.But if we cleaned up our diets, how would Big Food and Big Pharma make their money? Sunscreen and a poor diet will make you sick.Sick people = $$$Don’t be a pawn. pic.twitter.com/bOa2aNSBqE
— Gubba Homestead (@GubbaHomestead) March 28, 2024
According to Wales Online, there has been a significant increase in searches for “Free skin cancer screening near me”and “How do I know if I have skin cancer”, with a surge of 400% and 250%, respectively. This suggests that the recent TikTok trend of using sunscreen as a form of fake tan has sparked concern among many individuals.
During an interview with Glam, Dr. Mariano Busso, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist from Beverly Hills, cautioned against seeking health advice from content creators, emphasizing the potential danger involved.
Research has shown that sunscreen effectively shields the skin from the damaging impact of ultraviolet light, encompassing both UVB and UVA rays. Refraining from using sunscreen significantly raises the risk of developing skin cancer caused by sun exposure.
Dr. Mariano reiterated that not using sunscreen can speed up skin aging, leading to a more aged appearance. He also clarified that sunscreen does not directly cause cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun has the potential to harm skin cells and result in skin cancer. Although skin cancer can impact anyone, individuals who are prone to sunburns may be at a heightened risk.
Experts continue to caution against the latest TikTok trend, following dietitians’ criticism of the ‘Oatzempic’ weight loss phenomenon.
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