Sunscreen Skepticism Fuels Skin Cancer Concerns Among Young Adults in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY – A disturbing trend is emerging among young adults in Utah and nationwide: a growing reluctance to use sunscreen, fueled by a wave of misinformation circulating on social media. This trend is particularly alarming in Utah, a state already grappling with the highest melanoma rate in the country. The proliferation of unsubstantiated claims about the alleged dangers of sunscreen is exacerbating an already critical public health issue, increasing the risk of skin cancer, especially among the younger generation.
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm as they witness a decline in sunscreen use, particularly among Generation Z. A recent study by the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that only 37% of Gen Z individuals regularly use sunscreen. This statistic is deeply concerning given Utah’s outdoor lifestyle and high elevation, factors that intensify sun exposure and thus the risk of skin damage. The state’s abundant sunshine and love for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking necessitate consistent sun protection, making the decline in sunscreen use even more perilous.
The rise of social media influencers peddling unproven theories about sunscreen toxicity is contributing significantly to this problem. These influencers, often lacking any medical or scientific credentials, disseminate misinformation suggesting that sunscreen is carcinogenic, ineffective, or disrupts hormonal balance. These claims, widely debunked by scientific research, gain traction online, influencing impressionable young audiences who are more likely to trust social media personalities than established medical authorities. This erosion of trust in scientific consensus poses a significant challenge to public health efforts.
Medical experts are pushing back against the tide of misinformation. Dr. Mark Hyde, a dermatology professor at the University of Utah, emphatically refutes the claims circulating on social media, labeling them "abjectly untrue." While acknowledging that certain sunscreen chemicals have raised concerns in high concentrations, he emphasizes that the amounts absorbed through skin application are negligible and pose no significant health risk. The benefits of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer far outweigh any purported risks associated with their proper use. "The amount that we get on our skin is so small when you look at blood concentrations that it’s not influencing hormones," Dr. Hyde explains, underscoring the safety of sunscreen use.
For those harboring concerns about chemical sunscreens, Dr. Hyde recommends mineral-based alternatives containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays without the chemical filters that have become the subject of online misinformation. He advises individuals to prioritize sun protection regardless of sunscreen type, emphasizing that the proven risk of skin cancer far outweighs the unproven risks associated with sunscreen use. Choosing a mineral-based option can provide peace of mind for those influenced by online misinformation campaigns.
Dr. Hyde urges the public to exercise critical thinking when evaluating information encountered on social media, especially regarding health-related topics. He advises scrutinizing the credentials and expertise of the source. "There are clearly experts, and you can tell by looking in profile if someone has knowledge or training about what they’re talking about or if they don’t," he says. He stresses the importance of relying on evidence-based information from reputable sources rather than unsubstantiated claims propagated by influencers with no medical expertise. His personal approach exemplifies his confidence in the safety and efficacy of sunscreen: "For me and my family, I’m not picky. I use sunscreen. I use higher SPF. I’m not worried about this rumored risk, because I know the real proven risk is the risk of skin cancer that sunscreen protects against." Dr. Hyde’s message is clear: sunscreen is a vital tool in protecting against the harmful effects of sun exposure and should be a part of everyone’s daily routine.