Conflicting claims about sunscreen—particularly those shared through social media and online product-rating guides—are causing some people to avoid proven sun protection. A recent Medscape article describes a patient who rejected dermatologist-recommended sunscreens after seeing their ingredients labeled as potentially unsafe online. She planned to use a homemade sunscreen recipe from TikTok instead.
Dermatologists emphasize that claims about sunscreen ingredients should be considered in context. The potential concerns frequently discussed online are often based on laboratory findings or unproven risks, while the dangers of ultraviolet radiation are well established. UV exposure damages DNA, causes premature skin aging, and increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Homemade sunscreens have not undergone standardized testing and cannot be relied upon to provide the SPF or broad-spectrum protection they claim. Patients concerned about a particular ingredient have several effective options, including mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The best sunscreen is generally a broad-spectrum, water-resistant product with an SPF of 30 or higher that you are comfortable applying—and reapplying—regularly.
Sunscreen should be used together with other protective measures, such as seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and avoiding prolonged exposure during peak sunlight hours. If you have questions about sunscreen safety or selecting an appropriate product, speak with your dermatology provider rather than relying on unverified information online.
Read the full Medscape article: “The Clinical Cost of Sunscreen Misinformation”