Expert Sunscreen Advice: Debunking Myths and Protecting Against Skin Cancer and Photoaging

Montreal, Quebec Canada
All skin types are susceptible to damage from the sun
Canadian guidelines suggest using at least an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
Experts warn public about dangers of sunburn and skin cancer
Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier reflecting UV light before it penetrates the skin and are preferable during extreme heat
Proper use of effective sunscreens, along with other protective measures, can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage and various types of skin cancer
UV radiation is a known carcinogen and contributes to photoaging and various types of skin cancer
Expert Sunscreen Advice: Debunking Myths and Protecting Against Skin Cancer and Photoaging

Experts are warning the public about the dangers of sunburn and skin cancer, emphasizing the importance of using effective sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Misconceptions surrounding sunscreen have been circulating online, including false claims that certain ingredients can cause harm or that only certain complexions need protection. However, research shows that all skin types are susceptible to damage from the sun.

UV radiation is a known carcinogen and can lead to premature aging and various types of skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to this damage, with UVA being more deeply penetrating and responsible for photoaging. Melanoma, a rare but deadly form of skin cancer, affects an estimated 100,640 Americans this year and results in 8,290 deaths.

To ensure adequate protection against the sun's harmful rays, experts recommend applying sunscreen as part of your daily routine. A bit of sun exposure is necessary for the body to produce vitamin D, but it should not be relied upon as a primary source. Canadian guidelines suggest using at least an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Mineral sunscreens, which create a physical barrier reflecting UV light before it penetrates the skin, are preferable during extreme heat when chemical sunscreens may lose their efficacy. Lip balms with SPF ratings are also essential for protecting the lips from UV radiation.

It is important to note that some social media influencers have been spreading misinformation about sunscreen. For instance, one TikTok user warned followers not to use any sunscreens whose ingredients contain 'any funny words other than zinc.' However, experts stress that proper use of the right lotions or sprays is crucial for preventing skin damage and potentially deadly ailments like melanoma.

As temperatures continue to rise with climate change, people may expose more skin to stay cool. Additionally, Canada's aging population increases the risk of melanoma. The first layer of defense against UV radiation is reducing time in the sun during its peak rays and seeking shade or covering up with clothing and hats.

In conclusion, it is essential to be informed about sunscreen facts and disregard any misinformation that may put your health at risk. Proper use of effective sunscreens, along with other protective measures, can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage and various types of skin cancer.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

There Are Safe Sunscreens But No Safe Tans

McGill University Friday, 05 July 2024 03:06
  • Unique Points
    • The first commercial sunscreens appeared in the 1960s and were designed to filter out UVB rays.
    • UVB rays cause sunburn and are responsible for skin cancer.
    • UVA rays, previously thought to be innocuous, are more deeply penetrating than UVB and responsible for premature wrinkling and aging of the skin (photoaging). UVA also has potential carcinogenic properties.
    • Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are effective in protecting the skin from both UVB and UVA but leave a white residue on the skin.
    • Recent developments have led to micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide products that do not leave a white residue.
    • Oxybenzone can absorb UVA but has potential health concerns such as producing free radicals, inactivating antioxidants and mimicking estrogenic behavior.
    • A combination of avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate and octocrylene is effective in protecting the skin from both UVB and UVA.
    • Tetraphylydine dicamphor sulfonic acid (Mexoryl) increases protection from UVA by absorbing UV light and dissipating the energy as harmless heat.
    • Sunscreens can prevent skin cancer, with a study in Australia showing a 40% reduction in squamous cell cancers among subjects who used sunscreen daily for four and a half years.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (85%)
    The article provides factual information about the history and development of sunscreens, but it also contains editorializing and emotional manipulation. The author states that 'there is no may about it' when it comes to skin cancer caused by sunlight, implying a sense of urgency and certainty. They also use the phrase 'excessive exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer!' in all caps for emphasis. Additionally, the author makes a value judgment by stating that 'chemical protection can effectively reduce exposure.' These are examples of emotional manipulation and editorializing.
    • There’s no ‘may’ about it. Excessive exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer!
    • Chemical protection can effectively reduce exposure.
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The author makes several statements that are not fallacious but do contain some potentially misleading information. The author states that 'Excessive exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer! There’s no ‘may’ about it.' This statement is true, but the use of the word 'excessive' could be misinterpreted as implying that moderate sun exposure is not harmful. The author also states that 'Chemical protection can effectively reduce exposure.' While this statement is generally true, the author does not mention that chemical protection only blocks a portion of UV radiation and does not provide complete protection. The author also states that 'An SPF of 15 already blocks 94% of UVB, only 3% less than one labeled as SPF 30.' This statement is misleading because it implies that an SPF of 15 provides the same level of protection as an SPF of 30, which is not the case. The author also states that 'Some organic compounds such as oxybenzone and avobenzone (Parsol 1789) can also absorb UVA but with oxybenzone there are some ‘buts.’' This statement implies that there are significant concerns about the safety of oxybenzone, which is not the case. The author also states that 'There is no evidence reported in the scientific literature of oxybenzone being linked to any human health problem, except for photodermatitis.' This statement is misleading because it implies that photodermatitis is the only potential health concern associated with oxybenzone, which is not the case. The author also states that 'No single ingredient can protect the skin from all wavelengths of UV light. However, a combination of avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate and octocrylene is up to the task.' This statement is true but does not mention that this combination only provides partial protection against UVA radiation. The author also states that 'We no longer have to say that sunscreens may prevent skin cancer, we can say they do.' This statement is true but does not mention that sunscreens only provide protection against UV radiation and do not prevent all types of skin cancer. The author also states that 'Look for a product with an SPF of at least 30.' This statement is generally good advice but does not mention that higher SPF values do not provide significantly more protection. The author also states that 'Sunscreens should not be used to prolong sun exposure, but rather to protect the skin when exposure is unavoidable.' This statement is true but does not mention that sunscreens should still be used in conjunction with other sun protective measures such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. The author also states that 'Above all, remember that unfortunately there is no such thing as a healthy tan.' This statement is true but does not mention the potential health risks associated with artificial tanning methods.
    • ]An SPF of 15 already blocks 94% of UVB, only 3% less than one labeled as SPF 30.[
    • There is no evidence reported in the scientific literature of oxybenzone being linked to any human health problem, except for photodermatitis.
    • Look for a product with an SPF of at least 30.
  • Bias (95%)
    The article provides a detailed explanation of the history and science behind sunscreens, discussing the different types of ultraviolet light and their effects on the skin. The author does not express any bias towards any specific position or group. However, there are some instances where language that could be perceived as critical is used towards certain chemicals such as oxybenzone. But these criticisms are based on scientific evidence and do not demonize the chemical or its users.
    • Another concern about oxybenzone is that it can disrupt coral reefs.
      • But, and a big but it is, there is no evidence reported in the scientific literature of oxybenzone being linked to any human health problem, except for photodermatitis, a skin reaction triggered by exposure to sunlight.
        • ]There have been concerns raised about titanium dioxide that is micronized to the extent that it contains particles smaller than 100 nanometers, known as nanoparticles. Ingested titanium dioxide nanoparticles can damage the genetic material in cells, but there is no evidence that such particles are absorbed through the skin. However, if they are present in spray products, inhalation could be a problem.[
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        As temperatures rise, so do myths about sunscreen

        CBC News Network (Canada) Friday, 05 July 2024 03:07
        • Unique Points
          • Experts are warning Canadians not to heed misinformation spread online that sunscreen can cause cancer.
          • Quebec’s Order of Chemists warned against false and misleading information about sunscreen on social media.
          • One influencer on TikTok recently warned their followers not to use any sunscreen whose ingredients have ‘any funny words other than zinc’.
          • People may expose more skin to stay cool during hotter summers with climate change, increasing the risk of melanoma.
          • Canada’s aging population also increases the risk of melanoma.
          • The first layer of defence against UV radiation is to reduce time in the sun during its peak rays and seek shade or cover up with clothing and hats.
          • A bit of sun exposure does help the body produce vitamin D, but it’s not a reliable source for getting enough vitamin D.
          • Canadian guidelines recommend applying sunscreen as part of your morning routine and using at least an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
          • Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier reflecting UV light before it penetrates the skin, making them preferable during extreme heat when chemical sunscreens can lose their efficacy.
          • Lip balms with SPF ratings are also important for protecting the lips from UV radiation.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        99%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        10 sunscreen myths you can't afford to fall for

        MedicalXpress Karen Kaplan, Friday, 05 July 2024 03:08
        • Unique Points
          • The sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer.
          • Both UVA and UVB damage the DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that can lead to tumors.
          • Melanoma of the skin is rarer but more deadly, affecting an estimated 100,640 Americans this year and resulting in 8,290 deaths.
          • People of every complexion can get sun damage and skin cancer. Skin cancer in darker skin tones is often diagnosed later.
        • Accuracy
          • Excessive exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        98%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        The doctors' ultimate sunscreen guide: As brands FAIL protection tests - how to tell if yours will...

        Daily Mail Thea Jourdan Tuesday, 02 July 2024 01:28
        • Unique Points
          • Many people don’t understand what sort of sunscreen they are buying, nor how much it protects them.
          • There are proven links between sunburn and some types of skin cancer.
          • Applying sunscreen regularly and generously is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin against damage from UV rays.
        • Accuracy
          • ][Concerns have been raised that the claims about the degree of protection offered by some products aren't always accurate.][
          • Many people don't understand what sort of sunscreen they are buying, nor how much it protects them.
          • Last week, consumer group Which? announced that three widely available sunscreens had not passed basic sun protection tests.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication