By Ebere Echezona-Darlington

For years, sunscreen has been hailed as the holy grail of skin protection—your shield against harmful UV rays, your first line of defense against the sun’s dangerous effects. But what if we’ve been led to believe that sunscreen alone is enough? What if it’s actually not as effective as we think in preventing skin cancer, and, in some cases, might give us a false sense of security?

In the ongoing battle against skin cancer, sunscreen has long been considered a must-have in every skincare routine. Whilst it’s important, recent studies and discussions among experts have raised crucial questions about sunscreen’s effectiveness. The truth may be far more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.

Sunscreen Isn’t Foolproof

First, let’s address a harsh reality: no sunscreen can offer 100% protection. Even the most high-end products with SPF 50 or higher can’t block all of the sun’s UV radiation. While sunscreens with high SPF provide a higher level of protection, they don’t guarantee total immunity from sunburn or skin damage. It’s crucial to remember that most SPF only measures protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays, which are responsible for deeper skin damage and aging except for broad spectrum SPF.

Moreover, sunscreen wears off after a few hours of sun exposure, particularly if you sweat, swim, or wipe your face. If you’re not reapplying it regularly—every two hours, as recommended—you could still be at risk, even with a high-SPF product.

Sunscreen Creates a False Sense of Security

One of the biggest concerns with sunscreen use is the false sense of security it creates. Many people assume that if they’ve applied sunscreen, they can spend hours in the sun without consequences. This can lead to longer exposure times and more sun damage, which ultimately increases the risk of developing skin cancer. People who rely solely on sunscreen may not take other essential precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, or avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Studies show that people who wear sunscreen tend to stay in the sun longer than those who don’t use it. The over-reliance on sunscreen can give the false impression that it’s a “free pass” to soak up the sun without consequences.

Sunscreen Ingredients: Are They Safe?

Another controversial topic is the ingredients in many sunscreens. Some chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate, which have raised concerns about their long-term safety. These ingredients can be absorbed into the skin, and there’s growing evidence that they might disrupt hormones or cause allergic reactions. Recent studies suggest that these chemicals can enter the bloodstream, and some even raise questions about their possible role in the development of other health conditions.

Although mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are considered safer, they don’t provide the same cosmetic benefits as chemical sunscreens. The sticky, white residue left behind by mineral sunscreens can deter many people from using them regularly.

Ebere is a medical aesthetician