Sally Foran: Five of my favourite SPF 50 suncreams and the myths to ignore

Modern suncream formulas have become more advanced, lightweight, invisible and comfortable to wear

"As melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, we need to ensure our children aren't taking their health advice from wellness influencers or celebrities who are sharing damaging and inaccurate myths, including that cancer rates rose with the advent of sunscreen use and, even, that suncreams themselves cause cancer."

Misinformation around sunscreen has unfortunately become more widespread on social media. 

Given that false news spreads up to six times faster and reaches more people than truthful content online (according to a 2018 study), this is extremely worrying. 

For younger people, it is more worrying still, as many rely on social media as a source of health information. 

A recent study from DCU found 57% of Gen Z are influenced by or frequently adopt nutrition trends they've found on TikTok and of those influenced, 67% said that they adopt at least one of these trends a few times a week.

As melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, we need to ensure our children aren't taking their health advice from wellness influencers or celebrities who are sharing damaging and inaccurate myths, including that cancer rates rose with the advent of sunscreen use and, even, that suncreams themselves cause cancer. 

The misinformation largely seems to stem from a mix of misinterpretations of lab studies, conspiracy theories and even apps like Yuka, which can confuse people by demonising substances that toxicologists (scientists who study the harmful effects of chemicals) deem safe in regulated amounts. 

What do the experts say?

It's important to note that, to date, no sunscreen ingredient, mineral or chemical, is classified as carcinogenic by any major health authority, including the Irish Cancer Society and the FDA.

Skin cancer rates are likely increasing due to improved screening and diagnosis and significantly stronger UV radiation. UV rays, NOT sunscreen, are the actual carcinogen; they're classified as a group one carcinogen by the WHO, right next to plutonium.

Thankfully, many dermatologists are now using their social media platforms to debunk this dangerous misinformation and help people make evidence-based choices for their skin health, including dermatologist Caitriona Ryan. 

Professor Caitriona Ryan: There’s no evidence that these ingredients cause cancer or health risks at the levels absorbed

Professor Ryan said one of the "growing myths" she's witnessed online is that chemical sunscreens cause cancer. 

"This [myth] is driven by misinterpreted studies. A recent FDA-sponsored study did find that some chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are absorbed into the bloodstream at levels that warrant further testing, but absorption doesn’t mean harm. There’s no evidence that these ingredients cause cancer or health risks at the levels absorbed."

Professor Ryan also points out that the FDA advised consumers to continue using sunscreen as "the proven benefits outweigh any of the theoretical risks”.

A spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society’s website added; "we’re often asked if chemicals in sunscreens are harmful, and if they increase your risk of developing cancer. 

Sunscreen has been used by a large portion of the population for a number of decades and there is no evidence that users come to harm. 

"The research on the chemicals in sunscreen (oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and parabens) does not show that they cause cancer. None of these chemicals has been classified as a cancer-causing substance by any major scientific organisation."

Sunscreens we love

Modern formulas have become more advanced, lightweight, invisible and comfortable to wear. Here are five of our favourites.

Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics, €17

• Beauty of Josean Relief Sun Rice & Probiotics, €17, Beauty Features

A gorgeous, lightweight gel cream ideal for breakout-prone skin or during hot weather. This Korean favourite feels like a weightless moisturiser, is fast
absorbing, leaves no white cast and sits beautifully under makeup.

Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++

• Skingredients Skin Shield, €57, The Skin Nerd

A primer, moisturiser and sunscreen all in one. It has a gorgeous universal peachy tint (I love it on no-makeup days) leaves no chalky white cast or photo flashback. It contains allantoin to soothe, niacinamide to help reduce redness and vitamin E, an antioxidant, to help protect against premature ageing. It protects against UVA, UVB, infrared light, pollution and blue light.

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50

• CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion, €19, LookFantastic

A lightweight, facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection, plus three essential ceramides, to help protect the skin’s natural barrier and provide hydration, making it ideal for dry or mature skin. It hydrates for up to 24 hours, plays well under makeup, and is the only SPF I can get my kids to use!

Lacura Sun Sensitive Face Sun Lotion SPF 50+

• Lacura Sensitive Face SPF , €2.99, Aldi

Ideal for those of a sensitive disposition. It has broad spectrum protection, is water resistant, dermatologically tested and best of all, is only €2.99! It’s been a huge hit with my partner.

Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum

• Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum, €12, CH Tralee

One of the lightest SPFs I’ve ever tried. Perfect for anyone who hates sticky or oily sunscreens. It works on every skin type and doesn’t pill under makeup.

• Sally Foran is an ambassador for Aldi. Prices are correct at the time of print.