Too much exposure to the sun has traditionally been seen as a danger. Now claims that sunscreen is toxic flood the internet. What does the science say?
It’s summertime in the UK and social media is awash with influencers airing their concerns about sunscreen. Among them is reality TV star Sam Faiers from The Only Way Is Essex, who believes sunscreen is “full of toxic ingredients”. None of her family wore sunscreen, she said, adding that her children had built up “a really good tolerance” to the sun. Some of the claims appear to be fuelled by a US doctor who told his followers: “Be careful what you smear on yourself and your children.” Here we look at the science behind sunscreen and sun exposure.
It’s all down to the high energy ultraviolet (UV) rays. These cause premature skin ageing and wrinkles by degrading collagen and elastin. Collagen gives skin its firmness and structure, while elastin makes it stretchy. UV rays can also damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that ultimately drive skin cancers. One in three cancers globally is a skin cancer, and the main driver is UV rays.
“Too much UV radiation from the sun is the main cause of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer,” said Dr Claire Knight at Cancer Research UK. “That’s why it’s important to develop good sun safety habits from a young age and protect your skin when the sun is strong using shade, clothing and sunscreen together.”
