Does Sunscreen Cause Skin Cancer? Let’s Talk About It.

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by

Kate
in

Normally, when I see posts online that seem a little outlandish, I just keep scrolling. There are so many opinions on social media that it’s impossible to respond to all of them.

But this one felt different.

Lately I’ve been seeing posts that claim things like:

“The sun doesn’t cause skin cancer… sunscreen does.”

As someone who has worked with skin for more than 20 years, I felt like this was worth talking about.

Not because I think everyone has to agree with me, but because health information spreads incredibly fast online. When something is repeated enough times, people naturally start wondering if it’s true. I think conversations like these deserve facts, not fear.

Over the past two decades, I’ve looked at thousands of faces. I’ve seen what years of protecting your skin can look like, and I’ve seen what years of repeated sun exposure can do as well. That doesn’t mean everyone who loves the beach will develop skin cancer, and it doesn’t mean sunscreen is some magical shield. But I have seen enough to know that the choices we make consistently over time really do matter.

Now, before anyone thinks I’m saying every sunscreen on the shelf is perfect…I’m not.

I absolutely believe there are products on the market—whether they’re skincare products, cosmetics, cleaning products, or even some sunscreens—that deserve a closer look. We should all care about what we’re putting on and around our bodies. That’s why I encourage people to do their research instead of assuming every product is automatically safe simply because it’s sold in stores.

But that’s a very different conversation from saying sunscreen causes skin cancer.

What the research actually tells us

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the DNA inside our skin cells. Over time, that damage can accumulate and increase the risk of skin cancers while also accelerating premature aging, pigmentation, and loss of collagen.

This connection isn’t based on one study or one organization’s opinion. It’s based on decades of research from scientists around the world.

One topic that often comes up is that some sunscreen ingredients have been found in the bloodstream after repeated, heavy application. That’s true, and it’s an important area of ongoing research. But finding an ingredient in the bloodstream is not the same as proving it causes cancer or other health problems. Those studies were designed to determine whether additional safety testing was needed, not to conclude that sunscreen causes disease.

We need the sun.

One thing I don’t want anyone to take away from this is that the sun is something to fear, because I don’t believe that at all.

In fact, I encourage people to get outside every day whenever they can. Sunlight plays an important role in our health. It helps our bodies produce vitamin D, helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, can improve our mood, and honestly, sometimes just getting outside for a walk is exactly what your mind and body need. And if you live here in New England…you already know. After months of cold weather, gray skies, and being bundled up, most of us are looking for every excuse to get outside when the sun finally shows up. Trust me, we need it.

That said, enjoying the sunshine doesn’t have to mean lying in direct midday sun for hours. Like so many things in life, I think balance is the key. Pay attention to the UV index. Know when the sun is strongest. Take breaks in the shade if you’ll be outside for long periods, throw on a hat when it makes sense, and choose a sunscreen you’ve taken the time to research. We need the sun, but we also need to respect it.

So…what sunscreen do I recommend?

This is probably one of the questions I get asked most often.

If someone tells me they’re concerned about sunscreen ingredients, I don’t tell them to skip sunscreen altogether. Instead, I encourage them to look for broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide as the primary active ingredient. Zinc oxide has one of the strongest safety profiles we have and provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Many people with sensitive or acne-prone skin also find that mineral formulas work well for them, although everyone’s skin is different.

That doesn’t mean every mineral sunscreen is automatically a great product. The inactive ingredients matter too. Fragrances, certain preservatives, or heavy oils can still irritate some people’s skin or contribute to breakouts. That’s why I always tell clients to read ingredient labels and find a product that works well for their skin—not just the one that’s trending on social media.

If you’ve been in my treatment room, you’ve probably heard me say this before: I don’t expect my clients to blindly trust me, or anyone else on the internet. I want you to ask questions. I want you to be curious. I want you to read from reliable sources and make the decision that feels right for you. My job isn’t to tell you what to think. It’s to help you separate good information from fear-based headlines.

My perspective after 20 years

If there’s one thing this profession has taught me, it’s that skin remembers.

It remembers the choices we make day after day, not just one beach day or one vacation.

I don’t believe in fear-based skincare…I believe in informed skincare.

Ask questions. Read the research. Look beyond the headline. The best decisions are usually made when we slow down, stay curious, and rely on evidence instead of fear.

Don’t confuse a viral social media post with decades of scientific evidence.

Protect your skin, enjoy the sunshine, and remember that taking care of yourself rarely comes down to one product or one opinion. It’s usually the small choices we make consistently over time that have the biggest impact.

A quick note

This is meant to educate, not replace medical advice. Science is always evolving, and I encourage everyone to read from reputable sources, ask questions, and talk with their dermatologist or healthcare provider if they have concerns about sun exposure or sunscreen. And I’m always here to answer your questions as well. I’m happy to help if I can. You can either comment at the bottom of this page or send an email!

References & Further Reading

P.S. If you’ve been a client of mine, you probably already know this—I love seeing people outside enjoying life. Go to the beach. Take the hike. Spend the day at the lake. Explore New England. Make the memories. I just want you to enjoy those moments while also taking care of the skin you’ll be living in for the rest of your life.