What Does the Study Actually Say?
A study published in November 2023 examined “specific gene–environment interactions in at-risk individuals” for skin cancers and sun exposure, based on a UK Biobank cohort. Researchers identified darker skin and hair colors as “protective factors.” However, the study also noted: “Surprisingly at first, frequent use of sunscreen was greatly associated” with skin cancers. This finding has been misinterpreted on social media, with claims that sunscreen itself increases cancer risk.
Dr. Ivan Litvinov, a dermatology researcher at McGill University, clarified that this is explained by the fact that people who used sunscreen were more likely to be in the sun, and naturally, had “greater exposure to UV light and/or a lack of reapplication of sunscreen throughout the day.”
Why the Confusion?
The study’s data showed that people increased their use of sun protection after being diagnosed with skin cancer. “Some sunscreen users,” Litvinov explained, “spend more time in the sun without employing other protective measures, leading to increased tanning and sunburn, while having a false sense of protection.”
“The proper use of sunscreen, combined with other sun-protection measures, reduces the risk of skin cancer,” Litvinov said. Researchers said: “Collectively, however, these findings demonstrate the importance of adequate and frequent sunscreen use and minimization of exposure to UV light, particularly in individuals with fair skin.”
How Misinformation Spreads Online
A study published last month in *PLOS Digital Health* analyzed 971 TikTok videos on sunscreen found that most of them promoted its use. Only a small fraction contained critiques, and even fewer said sunscreen causes harm or prevents health benefits. Despite this, the sunscreen-critical videos garnered “significantly higher engagement in likes, shares and comments” compared to those promoting it.
“This suggests that critical or contrarian content may attract disproportionate attention even when not widely represented,” the researchers noted. The study found that while sunscreen misinformation on TikTok constitutes an area of concern not for the total sum of overarching influence in terms of content production but rather in how strongly some sunscreen misinformation ideas resonated among particular audiences.
What This Means for Public Health
The findings highlight that sunscreen misinformation on TikTok constitutes an area of concern regarding how strongly some sunscreen misinformation ideas resonated among particular audiences.
Health organizations are working to provide messaging on the importance of adequate and frequent sunscreen use and minimization of exposure to UV light.
What You Should Know About Sunscreen
Pro Tips for Safe Sun Exposure
- Use sunscreen and minimize exposure to UV light.
- Reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
- Wear protective clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sunscreen cause skin cancer?
No. “The proper use of sunscreen, combined with other sun-protection measures, reduces the risk of skin cancer,” Litvinov said.
How can I spot sunscreen misinformation?
The study notes that sunscreen misinformation constitutes an area of concern regarding how strongly some sunscreen misinformation ideas resonate among particular audiences.
Why do critical videos get more engagement?
Research suggests that critical or contrarian content may attract disproportionate attention even when not widely represented.
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