New Survey Reveals Alarming Misconceptions About Sunscreen and Sun Exposure

Key Takeaways

• Myths about sunscreen include the belief that sunscreen is more harmful than sun exposure and that drinking lots of water can prevent sunburn.
• Social media influencers are helping spread these misconceptions.
• For anyone concerned about chemicals in sunscreen, mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide that aren't absorbed into the body can be a good option.

Is sunscreen worse for you than sun exposure? Can staying hydrated prevent a sunburn ? Is a tan healthy? Too many young adults would say the answer to all these questions is yes, according to a new national survey commissioned by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute in Florida.

The survey found that almost one-third (32 percent) of adults under age 35 agree with the statement that a tan makes people look more attractive and healthier, despite abundant scientific linking sun exposure to skin cancer and premature skin aging.

The survey also revealed that about 1 in 7 (14 percent) adults 35 and under think daily sunscreen use is more harmful to the skin than direct sun exposure, while nearly one-quarter (23 percent) believe drinking water and staying hydrated prevents a sunburn.

The Myth of the ‘Healthy' Tan Persists

There is no such thing as a healthy tan, says Rajesh Nair, MD , an oncology surgeon at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. "Suntanned skin represents an increased risk of a deadly disease," he says.

Skin cancer is by far the most common of all cancers in the United States.

Only about 1 percent of skin cancer is a particularly dangerous type called melanoma , but melanoma causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. About 100,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in 2024, and over 8,000 people are expected to die as a result.

Social Media Influencers Are Spreading Misinformation

Where do all these misconceptions about sunscreen and sun exposure originate? "I think a lot of people get their information from TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, that might not be actually legit," said Brianna Starr, a 29-year-old Floridian quoted in the Orlando Health Center Institute media statement. Starr's sister received a melanoma diagnosis at age 19, stunning her family.

A quick scroll through social media is all it takes to see where a lot of the misinformation comes from. Says Dr. Nair, "There are countless stories and posts from influencers with very strong opinions and polished presentations regarding the benefits of prolonged, unprotected sun exposure and the dire consequences of sunscreen. These posts disavow or don't acknowledge the very real risk of sun-induced skin cancers."

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In one video, Shannonfairweatherr , an influencer who calls herself "Boston's hippie big sis," states, "I literally don't wear sunscreen and yes I get sunburnt but I refuse to block my skin from the healing rays of the sun." Instead of sunscreen, she uses coconut oil. Despite her claim to the contrary, coconut oil doesn't provide any sun protection. Cocoa butter, safflower, jojoba, and baby oil don't either.

Safety of Different Types of Sunscreens

It is important to understand the root of this aversion to sunscreen, says Nair, and the fear of chemicals that leaves many young people unwilling to use sunscreen.

Not all sunscreens are the chemical kind that is absorbed into the skin, Nair notes. Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide sit on the outer surface of skin, where they create a physical barrier that reflects damaging UV radiation.

Chemical sunscreens are more durable and resistant to sweat and water than mineral sunscreens, but there is more uncertainty about toxicity, Nair says, with particular concern related to compounds in aerosol (spray) versions that may be inhaled.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy nonprofit, offers a list of sun protection products that eschew potentially harmful chemicals.

Top Tips for Sun Safety

In addition to wearing sun protective clothing and avoiding the sun during peak hours, Nair offers a few tips for protecting skin with sunscreen:

• Select a sunscreen that has an SPF rating of at least 30, is water resistant, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen before you go outdoors. This is a common sunscreen mistake . If you're using chemical sunscreen, apply it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure for full absorption.
• Reapply. At a minimum, slather on more sunscreen every two hours, or sooner if you get wet or sweaty.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Sources

1. Survey Finds Young Adults More Likely to Believe Myths About Sun Protection and Skin Cancer Prevention. Orlando Health Cancer Institute. May 1, 2024.
2. Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer. American Cancer Society.
3. Top 10 Myths About Sunscreens. Mayo Clinic Health System. May 26, 2023.

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