Common Misconceptions About Sunscreen

Is It Really Helping Us?

As a Florida aesthetician, I talk to clients all the time who think sunscreen is only for beach days, but living in a sunny climate has taught me that UV exposure is a daily issue, not just a summer one. I see firsthand how sun damage shows up over time in the form of sun spots, uneven tone, fine lines, and that early stereotypical “Florida Woman” skin look that can happen when sunscreen is skipped too often.

Sunscreen is one of the most recommended skincare products, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people worry that the “chemicals” in sunscreen may be harmful, and some even wonder whether sunscreen could cause cancer. In reality, sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, which is a known cause of skin cancer.

What Sunscreen Does

Sunscreen helps block or absorb UV rays before they damage the skin. That means less sunburn, less premature aging, and a lower risk of long-term skin damage. It is especially important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, live in sunny climates, or are trying to protect skin that is prone to discoloration or irritation.

Concerns About Common Chemical Sunscreens

Some common sunscreens use chemical filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octocrylene, which absorb UV rays rather than blocking them on the skin’s surface. These formulas can be lighter and easier to blend, but they may be more likely to sting the eyes or irritate sensitive skin.

Some consumers also prefer mineral sunscreen because they are concerned about ingredient absorption or environmental impact, especially in reef-sensitive areas. Even so, sunscreen is generally considered a safe and important tool for preventing UV damage and reducing skin cancer risk.

Why People Worry About “Chemicals.”

A lot of sunscreen anxiety comes from ingredient concerns, especially around chemical sunscreens. While some sunscreen ingredients have been studied for safety, there is no direct evidence that they cause cancer in humans when used properly. If someone prefers to avoid certain formulas, mineral sunscreens are an alternative, but the key point is that some form of sunscreen is still recommended for UV protection.

Mineral Sunscreen Benefits

That’s why I personally lean toward mineral sunscreen, especially for clients with sensitive skin or anyone who wants a gentler option. Mineral sunscreen uses ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on the skin and block UV rays immediately, making it a great everyday choice in a place like Florida, where the sun is intense almost year-round.

I also like recommending mineral sunscreen because I’ve seen how often chemical sunscreens can sting, irritate, or feel too heavy for certain skin types. For people who are already dealing with redness, acne, or signs of aging, a formula that feels comfortable and less irritating can make all the difference in whether they actually wear it every day.

Common Sunscreen Myths to Avoid

• “I don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.” UV rays can still reach your skin even when the sun is not visible.

• “Dark skin does not need sunscreen.” Everyone can get UV damage and skin cancer, even if the risk level differs.

• “A high SPF means I can stay in the sun longer.” Sunscreen is not a free pass; reapplication and other protection still matter.

• “If I wear makeup with SPF, I’m fully protected.” Makeup alone usually does not provide sufficient coverage for full-sun protection.

The key takeaway is that sunscreen is important every day, not just when it’s sunny, because UV rays can still cause damage through clouds, makeup, and everyday exposure. It’s also important not to rely on myths about skin tone or high SPF alone. Everyone needs proper sun protection; reapplication matters, and most people don't apply as much as they should.

Biggest Myth - “Sunscreen Causes Cancer.”

This is one of the most common sunscreen misconceptions, but it is not supported by evidence. Studies and dermatology sources consistently show that sunscreen helps reduce the risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Some of the confusion comes from older observational studies in which sunscreen users appeared to have higher skin cancer rates, but that was because those people often spent more time in the sun in the first place.

Sunscreen is Your Lifelong Friend

Sunscreen is not the enemy. The proven danger is UV exposure, and sunscreen is one of the best tools we have to reduce that risk. For most people, the benefits of daily sunscreen far outweigh the concerns about ingredients, especially when it is used correctly and paired with hats, shade, and protective clothing.

From my experience, consistency matters more than perfection. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll truly use, but if you live in a sunny climate like Florida and want to help prevent "leathery skin", sun spots, premature aging, and long-term skin damage, mineral sunscreen is often a smart place to start.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, June 30). The science of sunscreen. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/the-science-of-sunscreen

MetroDerm. (2026, May 6). Five dangerous sunscreen myths that could impact your skin health. https://metroderm.org/five-dangerous-sunscreen-myths/

Naples Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. (2024, December 15). Does sunscreen cause cancer? Separating myths from facts. https://www.naplesdermatologyandskincancer.com/blog/does-sunscreen-cause-cancer

Stanford Medicine. (2025, August 4). Sunscreen fact and fiction: What the science says. https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/06/sunscreen-science.html