LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Tips and hacks often go viral on social media, but sometimes they can be dangerous.
Now, some people are taking to social media to share their sun habits, including taking an anti-sunscreen stance, according to CBS News.
A Lexington doctor WKYT spoke with says people should definitely not follow this trend.
“We’ve known for years that sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer,” says Dr. Katrina Hood, a pediatrician in Lexington.
As you or your kids scroll through TikTok or other social media sites, you may see videos pop up that take a stance against sunscreen or offer unusual tanning tips.
“Just because someone has an advocate doesn’t mean they’re an expert in the field,” Dr. Hood says.
Everyone has their favourite influencers and celebrities, but Dr Katrina Hood says following their advice on this topic could be putting yourself and your life at risk.
“Diseases like melanoma can be deadly, so we really need to be on the front lines of prevention first and foremost,” Dr. Hood said.
Hood says that means using sunscreen. Not doing so can lead to dark spots, precancerous cells, cancerous cells, and wrinkles, she says. After all, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Kentucky, in particular, has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the country.
“Repeated sun exposure can damage your skin in many ways, and without sunscreen your skin’s ability to remain healthy and intact can be compromised,” Dr Hood said.
What these trends have in common is that people want to go more “natural” due to concerns about the chemicals in sunscreen.
“There has been no link between their use and an increased risk of cancer. In fact, on the contrary, they may have a protective effect. However, if you are concerned, mineral water is by all means an option.”
Another trend that’s making the rounds on the internet is tanning with household oils, such as olive oil, which don’t contain any sunscreen properties.
“We understand that people are trying to increase the effectiveness of the sun’s rays to get a better tan, but they’re actually amplifying the damage,” Dr Hood says.
Dr. Hood says the moral of the story is to use what you know works, and with the summer heat now in full swing, she says it’s essential for people of all ages to protect their skin whenever they’re outdoors.
“We really need to be thoughtful about where we’re reading this information,” Dr. Hood said. “Just because your Instagram followers think it’s the right way to do things doesn’t mean you should just believe it. Do your own research in trusted places and be sure to talk to your health care provider.”
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