Shining light on misinformation about sunscreen and UV ray safety

Social media misinformation about sunscreen and sun exposure can have major consequences, including increased risk of skin cancer.

Social media's rise has coincided with a spike in online health misinformation, much of which can cause serious health effects for those who believe the myths.

Among the recent dubious health claims found online involve sunscreen and UV ray exposure. Spreaders of these falsehoods — sometimes called "sunscreen truthers" — allege that, despite well-documented evidence to the contrary, sunscreen is harmful to people because of included chemicals, while UV rays are actually beneficial.

These claims aren't just wrong, they also carry the potential for dangerous consequences, according to Tarek Haykal, MD, an oncologist and researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

"I'm here to tell you that exposure to UV light, especially during peak sun times, is very dangerous," Haykal says. "It can cause serious skin damage, including predisposition to a lot of skin cancers that can be very hard to treat."

Click here to learn more about skin cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University.

Haykal and many other experts are alarmed at the spread of myths about sunscreen, which is a vital tool in the prevention of skin cancer, especially for teens and young adults who may spend a lot of time outdoors and also scrolling through social media feeds that may contain the harmful misinformation.

"Applying sunscreen that is regulated and approved is a very effective way to protect yourself from skin cancer," he says. "I would urge everyone to stay protected and apply sunscreen when they are exposed to the sun."

Haykal encourages people to do their own research on sunscreens and UV rays, but cautions everyone to get their information from established, reliable online sources.

“Please seek out websites from entities such as The Ohio State University, the FDA or other sources that can be trusted, and do not rely on social media word of mouth or misinformation that might be misleading,” he says.

Click here to learn more about skin cancer screening at the OSUCCC – James.