Is it true that sunscreen products are carcinogenic and sunburn is good for you? No that's not true: This information is not only false, but also dangerous. Sunscreen products are proven to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer and premature aging. Sunburn, on the other hand, is an indication of skin damage and inflammation that can increase the risk of skin cancer and other complications.
The claim appeared in a TikTok video (archived here) published on May 13, 2023. The video featured an excerpt from an interview conducted on the Bulgarian TV show "The new knowledge" ("Новото познание" in Bulgarian) discussing the importance of sunlight for humans. The TikTok video includes these Bulgarian captions:
We are being offered cancer-causing sunscreen products everywhere. If you get sunburned, you should be happy because it heals you. Sunlight is the best light for human beings. Тhey are trying to eclipse the sun on purpose. For those of you who don't know, we were even told on the news that uncle Gates is trying to darken the sun (✈🐸) Chemtrails is a fact. The fact that the media in Bulgaria is bribed and does not protect the Bulgarian interests is not my problem 🐑 Wake up!!!
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Jun 16 20:01:58 2023 UTC)
This claim has been shared in a number of Bulgarian posts, including a website called "Be healthy" ("Бъдете здрави" in Bulgarian):
Skin cancer statistics have seen a huge increase in parallel with the increased use of sun protection products.
(Source: Screenshot taken on Fri Jun 16 20:14:59 2023 UTC)
According to experts, sunlight's ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer and sunscreen serves as an effective barrier against UV rays, aiding in the prevention of skin cancer. A study published in the journal BMJ Open in 2020 revealed that consistent sunscreen use can significantly reduce the occurrence of new skin tumors and melanoma-related deaths. Healthline reported in 2021 that sunscreen ingredients do not increase the risk of cancer. Consequently, regularly applying sunscreen emerges as a wise and safe way for maintaining optimal skin health.
This assertion not only endangers individuals with potentially severe health implications but also undermines the trust and reliability of medical experts and public health authorities who offer evidence-based advice on how to prevent and treat skin conditions.
Lead Stories has previously debunked claims that sunscreen products cause cancer.
