Myths and misinformation are plaguing social media yet again this summer. The hot topic? Sunscreen.
From supposed carcinogenic ingredients to people opting out of sunscreen for maximum vitamin D absorption, these myths might not be new, but their reach is far. Most recently, viral videos touting recipes for “healthier” homemade sunscreens prompted Health Canada to issue a warning against the practice in early July.
“Making and using homemade sunscreen products presents risks, as they are unlikely to be effective at protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays,” reads the warning.
Sunscreens that you buy in-store are monitored by Health Canada. They follow strict guidance surrounding the quality and quantity of ingredients, and the manufacturing processes. In the case of DIY sunscreen, Dr. Supriya Sharma, the agency’s chief medical advisor, says that none of these controls exist.
“This leads to a product that is at best a waste of money, but at worst could potentially lead to sun damage, and, in this case, increase your risk of skin cancer,” she says.
These homemade sunscreens are made out of a number of household ingredients—think coconut oil and shea butter—and are often whipped up with whisks or blenders. They often include a powdered version of zinc oxide, a broad-spectrum UV blocker, which Sharma says is nearly impossible to properly distribute in the product with at-home methods.
“I totally understand people’s need for wanting something more natural,” she says. “But everything is made out of chemicals. There’s acetone and formaldehyde in apples.”
In light of these viral sun protection claims, here are seven more common myths about sunscreen.
1. Ingredients in store-bought sunscreen can cause cancer
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral/physical. Other viral videos on social media claim that chemical sunscreens—which contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate—can be carcinogenic.
Health Canada hears these concerns, says Sharma, but all the ingredients are tightly regulated and appear in products in small quantities.
“No shade to the DIY space—there’s lots of things that are nice to make at home,” she says. “But if we’re looking at preventing cancer, that’s not something to be messed with.”
However, if you’re worried about any of these ingredients, Sharma recommends using mineral sunscreens. These products use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun’s rays, proving to be a great alternative to chemical sunscreens.
2. Sunblock is better than sunscreen
Speaking of mineral sunscreens, another viral myth is that sunblock is superior to sunscreen. Sunblock is just another word for mineral or physical sunscreen, says Sharma.
“Sunblocks reflect the light in addition to absorbing the light and sit more on the surface of the skin,” she says. “In effect, both work in very similar ways.”
Chemical and mineral sunscreens are both good options—it just depends what type of product you want.
3. I have darker skin—I don’t need sunscreen
“Darker coloured skin doesn’t burn as quickly, but your skin is still susceptible to skin damage,” says Sharma. The sun causes burns, sun damage, and wrinkles, no matter what your skin colour is.
4. The sun is the best way to get vitamin D, so I shouldn’t wear sunscreen
If you’re laying out in the sun sans sunscreen to get your vitamin D, “you’re doing more harm than you are good,” says Sharma.
The sun is one way of getting vitamin D—an essential vitamin for bone health—but the best way to get your quota is by consuming supplements and vitamin-rich foods, such as cow’s milk or fish.
“Skin damage starts at minute one,” says Sharma. “There are ways to get sufficient vitamin D and have sun protection.”
Sharma also reminds us that sunscreen doesn’t block 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. By protecting yourself with SPF, you’ll still get some of the sunshine vitamin from the sun.
5. I only have to use sunscreen when it’s sunny
Nope! The sun may be at its peak from late morning to mid-afternoon, but clouds don’t stop UVA/UVB rays from shining down.
These harmful rays also reflect off of bright surfaces, such as a lake, and can still cause sun damage.
6. Sunscreens don’t expire
They sure do.
As all chemicals do, sunscreens degrade over time. The expiry date is the date up to which testing has shown that it gives you the same effectiveness—in this case, protection from the sun—as when it was manufactured.
“There’s no magic date,” says Sharma. “In general, if there’s an expiry date, follow it.”
If you’ve had a sunscreen product for more than three years, Sharma recommends throwing it out.
7. I already have SPF in my makeup—I don’t need more sunscreen
“SPF in makeup is good, but it’s not enough,” says Sharma. Not only is the SPF typically lower in makeup, but you also usually apply the product one time and only to your face. Sunscreen should be reapplied to exposed skin every two to three hours.
Bonus tip: An adult should use about seven teaspoons of sunscreen to cover all areas of exposed skin. That’s about a shot glass worth of sunscreen!
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