the anti-sunscreen movement

[Anonymous]

They were talking about this on the radio this morning. Is this really a thing? Apparently there is a growing movement of people who argue the risks of sunscreen use outweighs the benefits. This is presumably due to the chemicals in sunscreen reaching your bloodstream, which they argue has all sorts of adverse health effects (probably cancer they'll argue).

I just cannot fathom the stupidity of Americans anymore, from completely debased from reality takes on vaccines to now ignoring how horrific melanoma can be to argue sunscreen isn't worth the risks to prevent cancers that can be almost 100% fatal.

When did America become so dumb?

[TeamSpirit_Mom]

Yeah, unfortunately it’s a real thing - it’s kind of piggybacking on the same distrust-of-science trend we’ve seen with vaccines and other public health measures. There are legitimate discussions about sunscreen ingredients and environmental impact (like oxybenzone in coral reefs), but those are completely different from claiming “no sunscreen is safer.” The risk of melanoma, especially in fair-skinned people, far outweighs the minimal absorption concerns from regulated sunscreens. It’s frustrating to see nuanced science replaced with outright misinformation

[Anonymous]

Sunscreen is for the wealthy!

[Anonymous]

I'm not going to risk my kids getting burned. But I don't love slathering sunscreen all over my kids. My solution is SPF protective clothing and swim wear, so they just need sunscreen on their faces, and lower arms and legs.

[Anonymous]

I won't stop using it, but I do question whether there is some drawback to regularly rubbing chemicals all over the largest organ of one's body. My guess is that whatever it may be, skin cancer is worse.

[Anonymous]

That's why I use baby sunscreen (mineral) on myself and my kids. Also better for the environment. It just has to be rubbed in.

[Anonymous]

I use it sparingly. I greatly prefer hats and lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants. I stay under an umbrella or in the shade when outside.

It’s doable to significantly cut back, but I’d never completely remove it as an option.

[Anonymous]

I’m not anti sunscreen and we use it all the time, but I also don’t slather it on every single day. I use wide brimmed hats and long sleeves, too. Mainly though I just don’t like
how it feels and I want to wash it off when I can.

[Anonymous]

My son is allergic to the chemicals in many sunscreens. That doesn't mean we don't use sunscreen -- we just only buy zinc oxide sunscreen. People have options if they are worried about chemicals.

[Anonymous]

yup - it's real. A lot about the chemicals (but you could use sun protective clothing or zinc). I've even heard about how we don't need sunglasses but to eat more lycopene. Sad and strange times.

[Anonymous]

I put it on my kids but not on myself. I just wear hats/long sleeves/pants to stay out of the sun. I know it won’t look as young as someone who slathers it on, but I don’t care about aging enough to wear sunscreen.

[Anonymous]

I only use Korean sunscreen. Theirs are better chemicals in that they are weightless and don’t make me feel like a snowman.

Melanoma isn’t anything like 100% fatal, though. My mom had it and lived cancer free for another 15 years. That said. I am still religious about sunscreen.

I have had to lighten up a little as my kids get older because teen boys go do things and aren’t going to be as careful as one would prefer. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

I would rather cover up with linen etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They were talking about this on the radio this morning. Is this really a thing? Apparently there is a growing movement of people who argue the risks of sunscreen use outweighs the benefits. This is presumably due to the chemicals in sunscreen reaching your bloodstream, which they argue has all sorts of adverse health effects (probably cancer they'll argue).

I just cannot fathom the stupidity of Americans anymore, from completely debased from reality takes on vaccines to now ignoring how horrific melanoma can be to argue sunscreen isn't worth the risks to prevent cancers that can be almost 100% fatal.

When did America become so dumb?

Do you mean detached?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would rather cover up with linen etc.

How much protection does that actually confer? If you hold the cloth up to the light and can see sun through it, it's not protecting you.