What is anti-sunscreen, this trend supported by influencers and which worries dermatologists ?

#antisunscreen : quelle est cette tendance qui inquiète les dermatologues ?

On social networks, some influencers are questioning the effectiveness of sunscreens which, according to them, “would do more harm than good”. Behind #antisunscreen or #nonsunscreen, they call for no longer using protection. Which is cause for concern among dermatologists.

The dangers of the sun are well documented. In addition to premature aging of the skin, 80% of skin cancers are due to excessive and unprotected exposure, mainly during childhood. However, in recent months, a trend has emerged encouraging people to no longer apply sunscreen.

Among the arguments of these pseudo-expert influencers – who therefore have no scientific training – there is the fear of absorption by the skin of dangerous chemicals, the fact that sunscreen would clog the pores of the skin or even deprive it of vitamin D, acting as a barrier. Thus on her account, TikToker Shannon Fairweather (to name but one) explains that she does not want to deprive her skin of the healing rays of the sun, only using coconut oil as protection. .

Influencers vs science

"We are watching the spread of this misinformation about sunscreen" reacts in a press release the Order of Chemists of Quebec. "It is crucial to rely on solid scientific data and reject fear-based narratives. Sunscreens are developed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredients, whether mineral or chemical, act by absorbing, reflecting or dispersing UV rays. Scientific research demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of these ingredients when used as directed."

The incidence of skin cancer has been constantly increasing for 30 years. The best known being melanoma: the latter affects 15,500 new patients, and costs the lives of 1,980 patients each year in France.

But how does the sun expose us to cancers ? The rays, when they penetrate our skin, "cause alterations in the cells of the skin which have mechanisms allowing them to repair the damage suffered, explains the League against Cancer.

But this ability does not last over time, especially when the epidermis is too regularly exposed to the sun. "When damaged cells are no longer repaired properly, mutations can occur and cause the cell to become cancerous".

Also, in order to preserve your health, it is essential to protect yourself when exposed to the sun.