Key takeaways:
Sunscreen misinformation is increasingly common across the internet and social media. It may discourage patients from using sunscreen, increasing their risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Engaging in open-ended conversations can help healthcare professionals identify patients’ concerns and correct common sunscreen myths with evidence-based education.
If patients are hesitant to use chemical sunscreens, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens are an effective alternative.
Sun protection is a comprehensive strategy that includes sunscreen use, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Patients are increasingly turning to social media, podcasts, and online influencers for health information. While some content is evidence-based, misinformation about sunscreen and skin cancer has become more widespread. In fact, a recent survey from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that more than 16 million U.S. adults report reducing or stopping sunscreen use because of claims they encountered online.
Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to address these concerns. Knowing what information patients are consuming and then providing clear, evidence-based education can help them make informed decisions about sun protection.
What are patients hearing and reading?
Patients may encounter a variety of myths about sunscreen and skin cancer prevention online. These messages may be presented in ways that sound scientific or authoritative, making them difficult for patients to evaluate. The online influence is strongest among younger patients: Over 30% of Gen Z identify online influencers as their primary source of skincare advice.
Some common examples of sunscreen myths include:
Sunscreen ingredients cause cancer or other serious health problems.
Sunscreen blocks vitamin D production and leads to deficiency.
Building a “base tan” protects against skin cancer.
Regular sun exposure is healthy and shouldn’t be limited.
Questions to ask your patients
Asking your patients about their sunscreen beliefs and habits can help identify any misinformation and underlying concerns they may have. Using open-ended questions can create an opportunity for discussion without making patients feel judged or dismissed. You might ask:
What have you heard about sunscreen that concerns you?
Have you seen any information online that made you question using sunscreen?
What are your current sun-protection habits?
What factors influence the products you choose for yourself or your family?
Do you have questions for me about sunscreen or sun protection?
How to approach and educate your patients
A patient-centered approach that’s focused on the evidence can help address common sunscreen myths. Here are some of the most common concerns your patients may have and what the evidence shows.
Sunscreen doesn’t cause skin cancer
There is no scientific evidence that sunscreen causes skin cancer. It’s important to emphasize that we do know that unprotected sun exposure causes most skin cancers, and that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Several well-designed studies have shown that using sunscreen reduces the risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
FDA monitors sunscreen safety
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are classified by the FDA as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). The FDA has requested additional safety data for several chemical ingredients before making a GRASE determination. The request reflects the need for more data, not that these ingredients are unsafe.
The FDA continues to recommend regular sunscreen use. It’s worth mentioning that they also recently approved a bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen filter since the 1990s.
Systemic absorption is still being studied
A recent study showed that several chemical sunscreen ingredients were absorbed into the bloodstream after application. More research is being done to see what effects (if any) these have on health. Just because an ingredient is absorbed doesn’t mean that it is unsafe or harmful. Patients who remain concerned may prefer mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
For your patients: Chemical vs mineral sunscreen: Which is better?
Sunscreen and hormonal effects
Some chemical filters (like oxybenzone) have received particular attention because laboratory and animal studies suggest it may affect hormonal activity. However, current human studies haven’t demonstrated clinically meaningful hormonal effects. Having said that, because of potential concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding oxybenzone for children if possible. For patients who remain concerned, mineral sunscreens are a reasonable alternative.
Sunscreen and vitamin D deficiency
Patients may be concerned that regular sunscreen use will lead to vitamin D deficiency. Several studies have looked at this question with mixed results. Some show that sunscreen use can be linked with lower vitamin D, especially when there is limited sun exposure, while others don’t show this association.
More research is being done in this area, but it’s important to know that people who wear sunscreen regularly can still maintain adequate vitamin D levels. One reason is that sunscreen doesn’t block all UV rays from reaching your skin. Additionally, people can acquire vitamin D from a combination of diet (like fatty fish and fortified foods like milk) and supplements.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan
There is no healthy tan. In fact, any tan is a sign of UV induced skin damage. Tanning, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, has been shown to cause different types of skin cancer and can speed up premature aging. UV damage in the skin accumulates over time, so it’s best to avoid intentional tanning.
Encourage a comprehensive approach
Patients should understand that regular sunscreen use is only one component of sun safety. Other important measures include:
Seeking shade during peak hours
Wearing sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
Avoiding tanning beds
Performing regular skin checks
Getting routine skin cancer screenings when appropriate
For your patients: 5 ways you can protect your skin from sun damage in addition to sunscreen
Reliable resources
Here are some reliable resources you can share with your patients. These organizations provide evidence-based information about sunscreen safety, ingredient concerns, and sun protection recommendations:
American Academy of Dermatology Sun Protection Resource Center
Skin Cancer Foundation Sunscreen Safety
American Cancer Society Skin Cancer Fact Sheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sun Safety Facts
You can also talk with your patients about how to check credentials of the people they follow on social media.
The bottom line
Sunscreen and skin cancer misinformation is increasingly common and can influence patients’ sun-protection behaviors. By asking open-ended questions, addressing concerns with empathy, and providing evidence-based education, healthcare professionals can help patients make informed decisions about sunscreen use and skin cancer prevention.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2025). Sunscreen FAQs.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2026). Misinformation puts over 16 million Americans at an increased risk for skin cancer.
Arnold, M., et al. (2018). Cutaneous melanoma in France in 2015 attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation and the use of sunbeds. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venerology.
Bain, J. (2025). Sunscreen safety: The facts. Skin Cancer Foundation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Skin cancer statistics.
Gatta, E., et al. (2025). Sunscreen and 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels: Friends or foes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine Practice.
healthychildren.org. (2024). Sun safety: Information for parents about sunburn & sunscreen. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Matta, M. K., et al. (2020). Effect of sunscreen application on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA.
Pedroso, A. F., et al. (2026). Use of social media for health information among US adults. JAMA.
Sander, M., et al. (2020). The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Sun-protective clothing.
Suh, S., et al. (2020). The banned sunscreen ingredients and their impact on human health: A systematic review. International Journal of Dermatology.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Sunscreen: How to help protect your skin from the sun.
Wadyka, S. (2019). What you need to know about sunscreen ingredients. Consumer Reports.
