Photo: Mario Jarjour/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Summer is upon us, and dermatologists are warning about sunscreen conspiracies that seem to be abundant and free-flowing on social media.
"I get very opinionated comments about how it is poison, how it's going to cause skin cancer, how I'm bought by the pharmacy industry," said Dr. Abigail Waldman of Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital.
A survey conducted by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute found that about one in seven adults under the age of 35 believe daily sunscreen use is more harmful to the skin than direct sun exposure. Nearly a quarter think they can prevent sunburn by just staying hydrated. Dr. Waldman, a board-certified dermatologist since 2015, said these anti-sunscreen claims, including that it robs you of vitamin D, are incorrect.
"The first time it ever happened, a few years ago when I first started posting, I was incredibly shocked," said Dr. Waldman. "I didn't even really know how to respond but over the years I have, I try to respond with calmness and just sort of giving some facts."
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer for men and women. More than 3 million people in the U.S. have nonmelanoma basal or squamous cell skin cancers. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among adults. For Dr. Waldman the solution is simple.
"There are great sunscreens out there. You can wear them. You can protect your skin. Yes, sun causes skin cancer."
To protect yourself from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people:
- Seek shade. Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear sun-protective clothing. Wear a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible.
- Apply sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kyle Bray (@KyleBrayWBZ) reports.