Trending Sun Protection Myths: Addressing Misinformation in Clinical Practice

☀️ 6 Common Myths About Sun Protection — and the Truth Your Skin Needs

There’s a lot of sunscreen misinformation online right now. Let’s clear things up with what dermatology experts and research actually show.

Myth #1: “I only need sunscreen at the beach or when it’s sunny.”

Truth: Sun protection is an everyday health habit, not a vacation accessory.

• UV damage is cumulative and starts in childhood

• You’re exposed during normal life — driving, walking the dog, sitting near windows

• Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds

• UVA rays penetrate glass (cars, homes, offices)

Sunscreen + protective clothing are some of our most powerful tools to prevent:

• Skin cancer

• Wrinkles and premature aging

• Sun spots and discoloration

Recommendation: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ daily.

Myth #2: “Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen.”

Truth: Everyone needs sun protection.

While melanin offers some natural protection, it is not enough to prevent:

• Hyperpigmentation

• Melasma

• Post-inflammatory dark spots

• Photoaging

• Skin cancer

Skin cancers in people with darker skin are often found later and can be more aggressive. Daily sunscreen helps protect both skin health and skin tone.

Myth #3: “Sunscreen is toxic or causes cancer.”

Truth: UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen. Sunscreen is not.

• UV radiation is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen (same category as tobacco)

• Approved sunscreen filters have not been shown to cause cancer in humans

• Both mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and chemical sunscreens are considered safe when used as directed

Some people prefer mineral sunscreens because they sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing — and that’s totally fine. Choice can be based on comfort and preference, not fear.

The proven risk is sunlight without protection.

Myth #4: “Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency.”

Truth: Real-world sunscreen use does not typically cause vitamin D deficiency.

You can maintain healthy vitamin D levels through:

• Brief incidental sun exposure

• Diet (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods)

• Supplements if needed

Protecting your skin and maintaining vitamin D are not mutually exclusive.

Myth #5: “Natural oils like coconut oil or beef tallow work as sunscreen.”

Truth: These do not provide reliable protection.

Natural oils may have an SPF of 2–8, which is far below what’s needed. They also:

• Do not protect well against UVA

• Break down quickly in sunlight

• Are not water-resistant

• Do not meet safety standards for sun protection

They cannot replace FDA-approved sunscreens and relying on them increases long-term risk of skin damage and cancer.

Myth #6: “Getting a base tan (a ‘solar callus’) protects my skin.”

Truth: A tan is a sign of DNA damage, not protection.

Tanning:

• Does not prevent further UV injury

• Provides minimal extra protection

• Increases risk of skin cancer and aging

There is no such thing as a safe tan. Protection should come from clothing, shade, and sunscreen.

References

1. Herman C, Harb N, Ghazarian M, Belzile E, Morena N, Meguerditchian AN. BIO25-022: Why don’t they want to wear sunscreen? Quantifying anti-sunscreen messaging on TikTok. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2025;23(3.5):BIO25-022. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2024.7105

2. Nikookam Y, Potluru A, Guckian J. Debunking sunscreen myths and trends — lessons for dermatology educators. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2025;50(5):1025–1027. doi:10.1093/ced/llae492

3. Silva HM. Misinformation about sunscreens on Brazilian social networks: A risk to public health. Trends Med Res. 2024;19(1):285-292. doi:10.3923/tmr.2024.285.292

4. Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J. The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi:10.1503/cmaj.201085

5. Wilson BD, Moon S, Armstrong F. Comprehensive review of ultraviolet radiation and the current status on sunscreens. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(9):18-23.

6. American Academy of Dermatology. What to wear to protect your skin from the sun. Accessed August 9, 2025.

7. American Cancer Society. Spend time outside and stay sun-safe. Published March 7, 2025. Accessed August 9, 2025.

8. Brar G, Dhaliwal A, Brar AS, et al. Role of UV radiation in photoaging processes between different skin types. Cureus. 2025;17(3):e81109. doi:10.7759/cureus.81109

9. World Medical Association. WMA statement on solar radiation and photoprotection. Published October 26, 2021.

10. Raymond-Lezman JR, Riskin SI. Sunscreen safety and efficacy for the prevention of cutaneous neoplasm. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e56369. doi:10.7759/cureus.56369

11. Matta MK, Florian J, Zusterzeel R, et al. Effect of sunscreen application on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256-267. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.20747

12. Jaskulak M, Cinkusz M, Franchuk K, Zorena K. Endocrine and reproductive health considerations of sunscreen UV filters. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2025;12(1):28. doi:10.1007/s40572-025-00492-9

13. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA In Brief: Results from second sunscreen absorption study. Published January 20, 2020.

14. Andrade JM, Grandoff PG, Schneider ST. Vitamin D intake and self-reported deficiency among US adults. Front Nutr. 2022;9:899300. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.899300

15. Arkhipenko Z, Shah SC, Yi RC, Feldman SR. A review on homemade sunscreen. J Integr Dermatol. Published online April 7, 2025.

16. Love B, Ghosh C, Oestman K, et al. Impact of community-based sun safety interventions on a college campus. J Am Coll Health. 2024:1-8. doi:10.1080/07448481.2024.2367989

17. American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. Last updated February 11, 2025.