Something unexpected is popping up on social media. People are claiming sunscreen isn’t necessary, even harmful. On TikTok, a woman says she stopped using it entirely. On Instagram, a man argues that building sun exposure can “boost immunity.” And on YouTube, wellness influencers tout homemade sunscreens using oils or butters. Dermatologists worry that this anti-sunscreen wave could cause serious, long-term health consequences. Skin cancer is on the line, and the message spreading isn’t harmless.

How Sunscreen Really Works

Sunscreen either absorbs UV rays or blocks them before they harm your skin. Chemical formulas such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene absorb radiation and convert it to heat. Mineral versions rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier. Both types protect against sunburn, aging, and cancer.

Why People Say No to Sunscreen

What’s driving this trend? Distrust in mainstream health advice plays a big part. Movements like “Make America Healthy Again,” pushed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., fuel skepticism around familiar ingredients like oxybenzone and titanium dioxide. Some people have experienced skin irritation and turned to “natural” remedies or homemade mixes. One ER nurse said, “I use long sleeves and only apply sunscreen on faces” because she is wary of chemicals and leans on alternatives instead.

No Evidence That Sunscreen Causes Cancer

The fears over sunscreen ingredients trace back to lab or animal tests that use doses far above what humans encounter. Dermatologist Henry Lim notes that oxybenzone has been in use since the 1970s. If it caused harm, we would already know. The evidence for safety is solid.

What Experts Are Saying

Dermatologists are clear. Unprotected UV exposure raises the risk of skin cancer. UV rays are carcinogenic, full stop. A major Australian trial tracked over 1,600 people for a decade. Those who used daily sunscreen had fewer melanomas than those who didn’t. Another long-term study of over 143,000 women in Norway showed using SPF 15 or higher cut melanoma risk by 33 percent. Experts say daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is key, even on cloudy days. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are especially safe.

Homemade Options Aren’t Safe Enough

Some wellness voices recommend cow fat, coconut oil, or gradual sun exposure instead of sunscreen. Dermatologists worry these methods are ineffective. Just because a product is absorbed into your skin doesn’t mean it’s dangerous. Our skin is designed to resist, not soak up random substances. Skipping sunscreen or using untested alternatives invites sun damage, especially among younger people influenced online.

Why U.S. Sunscreen Lags Behind

The FDA’s rules for sunscreen, known as its “monograph,” haven’t been overhauled since 1999. Other countries approve new ingredients more quickly under different regulatory systems. Some Americans are frustrated and turning to imported or homemade options. Experts warn against that. Dermatologist Adam Friedman puts it plainly: “Would you make Tylenol in your bathtub?” The comparison is sharp. Formulated sunscreens undergo careful testing for safety and effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

Daily use of FDA-approved sunscreen remains one of the most powerful tools against skin cancer. Avoiding it in favor of unproven alternatives is a risk too big to take.