‘Sunscreen is toxic’ and three other SPF myths to rethink this summer

Social media myths may be dissuading some Australians from using sunscreen properly this summer, which is not slick, slop or even slap.

Only two in five Australians over the age of 15 used a sunscreen with an SPF30 or higher on most given days during November 2023 and February 2024, according to the Cancer Council. This is despite it being commonly known that Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world, with an estimated 16,800 Australians to be diagnosed this year.

So, what are these myths putting safe sunscreen use at risk, and is there any truth to them?

One in 10 people had sun tanned over the last year.Credit: Getty Images

The myth: Sunscreen is full of dangerous chemicals

One of TikTok’s most popular influencers Nara Smith claims that “natural” ingredients work better for her sensitive skin. A sunscreen skincare recipe video Smith made received 21.6 million views, 2 million likes, and backlash from dermatologists and chemists.

“Things that are natural aren’t necessarily safe,” says cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong. “Arsenic and lead are both natural, and they’re not good. UV as well, perfectly natural, but not good for us.”

Australian sunscreen is extremely safe under the watch of one of the world’s toughest pharmaceutical regulators, The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Despite this, Dr Prasanthi Purusothaman, a cosmetic doctor, has noticed patients reject wearing sunscreen because they believe it to be toxic.

“There’s this huge push away from traditional, tested, regulated sunscreens to ‘natural’ sunscreens that are made at home and not TGA approved in the belief that they’re doing something better for their body,” says Purusothaman.

“Some homemade sunscreen recipes include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – ingredients which do provide sun protection. However, for these ingredients to provide any level of protection they must be included at the correct concentration and evenly distributed throughout the sunscreen, which is unlikely to be achieved in the home.”

Myth: Applying a little SPF each morning is enough

Applying a pea-sized amount of sunscreen once to your face in morning might feel like a proactive step to be sun safe, but it’s not enough.

For safe coverage, it is recommended to use: one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back and one for the face, ears and neck. Or one shot glass for your whole body.

According to the Cancer Council, sunscreen needs to be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors every day when the UV is above three, so it can dry down and best protect the skin from the sun.

“If you’re going to the beach, then you want a water-resistant sunscreen,” says Wong. “Ideally, you want to reapply it every two hours and also right after you finish towelling, and if you’ve been in the water.”

Hats, sunglasses, UPF clothing and canopies are also great additions to keep the skin protected from the sun.

Skincare products like vitamin C will not prevent long-term damage from the sun.Credit: Getty Images

Myth: It’s impossible to find a sunscreen you like putting on

It can be thick and ghosting, and comes with the possibility of stinging your eyes – yes, even the experts acknowledge that sunscreen can be a sensory nightmare.

However, there are two main types of sunscreen – physical and chemical – and each offers something different.

Physical or mineral sunscreen works by creating a shield on top of your face that sun cannot penetrate, while chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays into the skin and converting it into very low heat, which is then released by the body.

“The most significant difference between chemical and physical is texture,” says Wong. “Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter, sometimes they are a little bit greasy. Physical sunscreens tend to be heavier and more drying, and they can have a bit of a white cast if you have darker skin, although they tend to sting the eyes a bit less.”

Myth: Vitamin C will get rid of my sun spots, so I don’t need SPF

Vitamin C is lauded as a miracle skincare ingredient which can reverse the appearance of sunspots and pigmentation.

However, while it can help treat the appearance of sun damage it won’t stop the long-lasting effects of cancer, accelerated skin ageing and impeding of collagen production from the sun, says Purusothaman.

“It should be thought of as a supportive ingredient, but not as a standalone protective ingredient or replacement for sunscreen,” she says.

“Sunscreen remains the single most important product to reduce skin cancer and cell damage, reduce hyperpigmentation, like sun spots, and prevent premature ageing signs, like wrinkles.”

Also, not all formulations are effective as it is an unstable ingredient to formulate, says Wong.

“Sun exposure also causes other types of skin damage deeper in the skin, so preventing UV from damaging the skin in the first place is more effective, and cheaper.”

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