Social media myths, sunscreen, and skin cancer: What you need to know.
You may have come across it while scrolling. Claims that sunscreen is harmful, toxic, or unnecessary have recently surfaced on social media, leaving many people unsure who to trust.
Molecheck shares the concerns raised by dermatologists, researchers, and cancer prevention experts, highlighted in recent reporting by RNZ. We want to reassure New Zealanders that when it comes to protecting your skin, the science remains clear.
The most important fact to remember is that skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not sunscreen use. Researchers and skin cancer specialists continue to support sunscreen as one of the most effective tools available to help reduce UV damage and lower skin cancer risk.
It is understandable that people have questions. Social media content is often designed to be attention-grabbing, and videos that challenge established health advice can spread quickly. The difficulty is that many of these claims sound scientific without being backed by strong evidence.
For New Zealanders, sunscreen is particularly important. Our UV levels are among the highest in the world, and we continue to see significant rates of melanoma and other skin cancers. Unfortunately, these cancers do not only affect older adults.
The good news is that protecting your skin does not need to be complicated. Sunscreen is just one part of a broader approach. We encourage people to remember the familiar advice: seek shade, wear protective clothing, put on a wide-brimmed hat, wear sunglasses, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. No single measure is perfect on its own, but together they provide strong protection against UV exposure.
Our message is simple…
Social media trends come and go. Protecting your skin is a lifelong investment. We’re here to help you make informed decisions with confidence, not fear.
Book a Molecheck today.
