Sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of everyone’s daily skincare routine, says Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
In a recent public awareness post, Dr. Ashani addressed widespread misinformation about sunscreen safety, its effectiveness, and its crucial role in preventing skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Risk for Everyone
Dr. Ashani emphasized that everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, regardless of skin tone.
“You can develop skin cancer on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or even in your nail beds. This tends to be more common in people of colour, although everybody is susceptible,” she said, urging individuals to get their skin checked annually by a dermatologist.
Myth: Sunscreen Is Toxic
Responding to claims that sunscreen contains harmful chemicals, Dr. Ashani was unequivocal:
“There is no evidence that sunscreen is more harmful than UV rays from the sun. If you’re worried, you can opt for mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide or wear UPF-rated protective clothing.”
Key Takeaways from Dr. Ashani’s Advice
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Check Expiry Dates: Sunscreen does expire, and using expired products may compromise protection.
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SPF in Makeup Is Not Enough: Even if your foundation contains SPF, you still need a proper sunscreen layer for adequate protection.
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Choose Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+: Look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
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Reapply Every 90 Minutes: Especially important when swimming or sweating, since water reflects UV rays and increases exposure.
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Bug Spray Can Lower Protection: Bug sprays with DEET can reduce sunscreen effectiveness by up to 33%, so reapply more often if using both.
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Avoid Tanning Beds: “Tanning beds are actually worse for you. Using them to ‘build a base tan’ is like smoking cigarettes to prevent lung cancer,” Dr. Ashani warned.
Bottom Line
Dermatologists and cancer experts continue to recommend sunscreen as a frontline defense against UV-induced skin damage, premature aging, and melanoma. Regular application — combined with shade-seeking habits, sun-protective clothing, and annual skin checks — remains the gold standard for reducing skin cancer risk.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
