Misinformation about sunscreen and sun exposure is surprisingly common in young adults, which dermatologists say can have serious consequences. A new national survey for the Orlando Health Cancer Institute which included 1,021 U.S. adults found that about 1 in 7 (or 14%) adults under age 35 think daily use of sunscreen is more harmful to their skin than direct sun exposure, and nearly a quarter (23%) of young adults believe that drinking water and staying hydrated prevents sunburn. The survey, conducted by Ipso, also found that nearly a third (32%) of Americans believe a tan makes people look “better and healthier.”
So what’s the real problem? Yahoo Life reached out to dermatologists to clear up the confusion and debunk some myths about sun safety. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is there so much misinformation about sunscreen and sun exposure?
Experts say much of the misinformation comes from social media. “Even if the information is false and lacks scientific legitimacy, people may take it at face value if it is widely disseminated on social media and through word of mouth among friends and acquaintances,” Dr. Vicky Zhen Renassistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, told Yahoo Life.
But it can also come from celebrities. Earlier this year, Kristin Cavallari shared that she doesn’t use sunscreen on her Let’s be real podcast, which featured the participation of his doctor, Ryan Monahan, who specializes in functional and oriental medicine. Monahan said people can develop tolerance to the sun “instead of burning.” The controversial clip recently circulated again on social media, including TikTok. Another case in point: in a 2017 interview with ESPN, Tom Brady claimed that his daily habit of drinking 20 ounces of purified water in the morning is the reason he no longer gets sunburned.
“People might think, ‘Oh, that’s a great thing to do’” Dr., chief medical officer at Schweiger Dermatology Group, told Yahoo Life. “There is no evidence to show that drinking water prevents sunburn. But once that information is available, if people want to believe it, they believe it.”
Is sunscreen safe?
Sunscreens are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and “follow high standards to ensure people’s safety,” says Ren. “There is no scientific evidence that the ingredients in sunscreens currently available in the US are harmful to human health. Along with protective clothing – such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants – water-resistant broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreens are recommended for sun protection and can be used on people from the age of 6 months old.”
Ren adds that for those concerned about skin irritation, physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which block the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays like a shield, are better choices than chemical sunscreens. which absorb UV rays like a sponge.
“We know that 1 in 5 people will get skin cancer in their lifetime,” says Miller. “Data shows that sunscreen prevents cancer.” According to Skin Cancer FoundationRegularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher reduces your chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma around 40% and melanoma by 50%, as well as premature skin aging by 24%.
Miller adds, “Sunscreen is safe.” Exposure to UV rays, on the other hand – whether in the sun or indoor tanning – is “the biggest and most preventable risk factor for skin cancer,” says Ren. She explains that it is not only chronic and cumulative sun exposure that is harmful, but also intermittent and intense sun exposure, as in indoor tanning. “Research shows that all it takes is one sunburn during childhood or adolescence to almost double a person’s risk of developing melanoma, and every time you tan, you damage your skin,” says Ren. “This damage is cumulative and results in premature skin aging and skin cancer.”
Can you still get enough vitamin D if you use sunscreen?
When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D, which helps build and maintain bones and supports immune health. But you don’t have to give up sunscreen to get the essential nutrient. “There is evidence that shows sunscreen does not lead to lower vitamin D levels”, says Moleiro. “People generally don’t put on enough sunscreen and there’s not 100% blocking of UV rays with sunscreen, so there’s enough getting through.”
Ren also notes that you don’t need to rely on indoor or outdoor tanning to get vitamin D, pointing out that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and eggs, or vitamin D. Fortified foods or drinks with D, like orange juice. You can also talk to your doctor about taking vitamin D2 or D3 supplements. O recommended average daily amount for adults ages 19 to 70 it is 600 IU, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Can drinking water help prevent sunburn?
While it’s important to stay hydrated, water is no substitute for sunscreen, experts say. “Staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration after a sunburn occurs, but hydration does not protect the skin from UV damage,” says Ren.
Both Ren and Miller say it can be more difficult for some people, especially young adults, to understand how tanning, lack of sunscreen and sunburn can be harmful, since the consequences are not always immediate. “Every day, young patients and older adults tell me that they now use sunscreen, but I wish they had been more diligent about sun protection when they were younger,” says Ren. “Over the years, with cumulative sun damage, people not only develop skin cancer, but also increase their risk of premature skin aging” – specifically, wrinkles, lentigines (also known as liver spots or age spots), loss of skin elasticity and depigmentation, such as melasma.
“You want to make sure you’re using sunscreen before you see these changes,” says Miller. “It’s easier to prevent them than to treat them.”
