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Is Sunburn Bad for Your Skin or Health? All the Facts and Myths at a Glance.
We all know it: as soon as the sun starts to shine a little brighter, the store shelves are again full of a host of different sunscreen products and the 1+1 promotions on SPF products start again . Sunscreen has been recommended for years to protect your skin from the sun and more and more often we are warned of the risks of sunbathing without these protectors, sprays and gels.
But perhaps you've also heard that using them is just not that good for you at all, that it can damage your health or even the environment? More and more reports appear on social Media with claims such as "sunscreen is bad for your hormone balance" or "smearing with an SPF is carcinogenic."
Can you see the forest for the trees? Who is right, what is really true? Is oiling yourself more harmful than unprotected sunbathing? In this blog, we list the facts and fables and are happy to help clear up any confusion regarding sun protection.
Want to know which sunscreen and/or other skin care is best for your skin type? Schedule a personalized skincare consultation at DokterEs. Our specialists give honest advice and create a plan that suits your skin."
Why Do People Think Sunburn Is Bad?
Doubt comes mainly from:
- News reports on chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone.
- Discussions about endocrine disruptors in SPF products.
- Environmental concerns (especially coral reefs).
- Viral posts on social media full of misinformation.
- Skin reactions such as allergy or irritation.
We are inundated with opinions these days. Dermatologists, experts by experience, as well as self-proclaimed "experts" share their views on social media. The problem? Not everyone bases their opinions on facts. Some claims stem from trends, unproven facts or sometimes even conspiracy theories. As a result, you see a lot of conflicting information passing by about whether or not to use sunscreen.
Which Ingredients in Sunscreen Are Controversial?
Most of the fuss about sunscreen products being unhealthy, bad and/or harmful are based on benzophenones, Notably, the substance oxybenzone. This its chemical UV filters among the most talked about ingredients. They absorb UV radiation (especially UVB) and thus protect the skin by preventing sunburn. The fuss About these substances was created because ze sometimes in connection be brought to you with a possible endocrine disruptors operation (endocrine disruptors). But are these really true?
What Exactly Are Endocrine Disruptors?
They are substances that can mimic or block the action of natural hormones. This does not automatically mean they are harmful: it depends mainly on the amount, frequency and individual sensitivity. Research shows that these factors would often have to be much higher than present in our products to cause harm. Benzophenones are also found in countless other products that we use daily without problems, such as perfume, shampoo, hairspray, nail polish and makeup.
Scientific reviews (Kim et al., 2021; Schlumpf et al., 2010) conclude that exposure through cosmetics is extremely low and that there are no evidence of adverse effects under normal use.
Other Ingredients
In addition, the use of:
- Nanoparticles (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide): these are sometimes claimed to penetrate the body through the skin. A review study published in Nanotoxicology (2018) confirms that these particles remain on the skin and thus cannot cause toxicity in the body. In addition, these mineral filters are just right for sensitive skins because they do not absorb sunlight (and thus heat) into the skin but reflect it.
- Perfume and alcohol: In high percentages, these substances can dry out and/or irritate the skin in dry, sensitive skin types. According to a review in Contact Dermatitis (2019), the risk of irritation is very low and mostly dependent on other ingredients. A study in Dermatitis (2014) shows that perfume-related allergies occur mainly in people with pre-existing contact allergies and rarely in the general population
Need Help Choosing the Right Sunscreen?
Want to know which sun protection and complementary skin care is best for your skin type? Schedule a personal skincare consultation at DokterEs. Our specialists give honest advice and create a plan that suits your skin.
Is Sunburn Bad for Your Skin?
So we can give a concise and clear answer to that: no. Sunscreen actually protects against UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) that causes skin aging and skin cancer. This manifests itself in both the short and long term through:
- Sunburn with skin damage and irritation
- Impairment of collagen and elastin. Exposure to UV radiation causes damage, resulting in wrinkles and sagging.
- Pigmentation spots
According to multiple scientific studies (including Green et al., 2011; Ghiasvand et al., 2016), daily sunburn use significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
All sunscreens on the Dutch market must comply with strict EU directives (such as EC Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009) and thus also do not exceed the limits of safe dosages of benzophenones and other ingredients.
The UK has set stricter guidelines for maximum percentages of benzophenones in body products, purely as a precautionary measure to address people's concerns, but so once again not Based on proven facts that it would affect health.
A common myth is that sunscreen blocks vitamin D production. In theory, this could be true because UVB radiation is required for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, and SPF actually protects against UVB. But what does research show? Multiple studies have shown that daily use of SPF, even a factor 50, increases vitamin D production even steeds takes place (albeit slightly slower) and that the vitamin D supply in the skin is not affected.
Research shows that daily 15 minutes of sun exposure with your hands or your face already sufficient. Daar with this, it is good to realize that you will never have your entire body covered with an SPF And so never have 100% of the skin rubbed in.
Is Sunburn Bad for Your Health?
Thus, some studies have shown that UV filters (such as oxybenzone) can enter the bloodstream in small amounts through the skin. In a 2019 study (Matta et al., JAMA), participants were found to have blood concentrations higher than the limit at which the FDA recommends further toxicity testing.
BUT:
- These participants used 10x more than the recommended amount of sunscreen (four times a day, over 75% of the body).
- Despite further toxicity testing being recommended according to FDA standards, there is no evidence in this study that even this concentration in the blood would actually harm health. No health problems were observed during the study.
- The study itself concludes: "These findings do not mean that people should stop using sunscreens," he said.
- So far, there is no evidence that the low amounts that enter the body through normal use are harmful.
Conclusion
Using sun protection with UV filters is not bad for your health. The benefits (protection against skin cancer) far outweigh the theoretical risks.
Sunburn and the Environment
So sunscreen is not bad for your skin or health, but what is its impact on the environment? There are different opinions on this as well, especially the impact of sunburn use on coral reefs. The concern in this discussion revolves mainly around UV-filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which in certain circumstances could harm marine life.
What Does Science Say About This?
Several scientific studies revealed that oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) coral cells would kunnen damage and/or may cause coral reef bleaching. However, it is important to note here that even with these studies, it is mentioned that this only applies in very high concentrations in still waters. There are indications that UV filters can accumulate in the environment, but it is stressed that there is still much uncertainty about the actual risks in the open sea. Therefore, more field research in natural conditions is advocated on this issue as well.
Practical Tips for Safe and Effective Use of Sunscreen
Our advice: lubricate, clothe and repel:
- Always choose at least SPF 30, preferably 50 for bright sun or light skin.
- Apply plenty of product and reapply your sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming/sweating or up to 2 hours after application.
- Don't forget ears, feet, neck and scalp.
- Wear sunglasses, hat, and UV-resistant clothing.
- Avoid the sun between noon and 3 p.m. Did you know that the sun's strength in the shade is only about 10% less, so you can still easily get sunburned?
Did You Know?!
DokterEs offers a wide range of high-quality sun protection products, where you can count on:
More protection than just against UVA and UVB: our products also protect against infrared radiation and blue light. Both can lead to skin damage and the blue light specifically can cause pigmentation, especially the light from devices such as your phone, laptop and TV.
Different textures: with a suitable formulation available for each skin type that feels fine on your skin.
- Anti-aging and care: in addition to protection, our SPF products offer additional caring ingredients targeted to your specific skin needs and stimulate your collagen production for added anti-aging effect.
We are happy to work with you to find the best sunscreen for your skin. During a personal skin care consultation, we provide customized advice for an effective skin care routine.
Conclusion: Is Sunburn Bad or Actually Good?
Sunburn, or sun protection (because it actually prevents burning, of course!) is certainly not bad for your skin or health. On the contrary, it protects you from UV radiation, prevents premature aging and lowers the risk of skin cancer.
The discussion about certain filters and environmental impact is understandable since several studies have been done on them, but don't have to stop you from using sun protection. Choose consciously and apply consistently.
Unsure about which sunscreen to use or if you already have skin problems And don't know what's right for your skin condition? At DokterEs , we will help you with a skincare customized consultation. That way, you'll know exactly what your skin needs to stay healthy, radiant and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may still have questions. We are happy to explain the most common questions to you:
You can still tan as normal if you use sunscreen, just more safely and gradually. Important to realize: a quick tan is not a sign of a "healthy color," but of sun damage. Even if you don't visibly or palpably burn, your skin may already be damaged. A quick tan is an attempt by your skin to protect itself better from the sun's harmful rays and protect the DNA of the skin cells with more pigment production.
Sometimes they do, but that's So as explained above Actually a sign of skin damage. Not healthy in other words!
It depends a bit on the strength of the sun. In winter, applying once a day in the morning is sufficient. In sunnier weather, the advice is to apply your sun protectionat least every 2 Hours and reapply after swimming or sweating.
For proper protection, it is important that you apply enough as well. You use 1 teaspoon for rubbing on your face and neck anda handful of product for the entire body.
Basically. A SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB, SPF 30 about 96%. In both cases applies this when you still top up frequently enough.
No, right. Sun exposure can cause dead skin cells to accumulate, making acne appear temporarily lessened, but often break out after the vacations because the impurities have accumulated underneath. In addition, unprotected sun exposure can lead to darker discoloration of acne scars. For an acne (sensitive) skin are special non-comedogenic Sunscreens that prevent acne flare-ups.
Up to 2 hours (depending on sun exposure), so regular reapplication is important.
Curious About What We Can Do for You?
We are ready to advise and support you in achieving your skin goals. Feel free to contact us for a personal consultation and answers to all your questions.