During a period of extreme heat across Europe, a trend has emerged on social media platforms where influencers are advising followers to stop using sunscreen. These influencers claim that sunscreen ingredients are linked to skin cancer, a narrative that contradicts established medical consensus.

Health experts interviewed by The Independent emphasize that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that sunscreen causes cancer. Instead, dermatologists and public health officials reiterate that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a well-documented carcinogen. They argue that the widespread adoption of these anti-sunscreen claims poses a significant public health risk, particularly as temperatures reach record highs, increasing the intensity of UV exposure for the general population.

While the influencers frame their advice as a way to avoid 'toxic' chemicals, the medical community maintains that the benefits of sun protection—specifically the prevention of melanoma and other skin cancers—far outweigh the unsubstantiated risks cited by online personalities. The disagreement centers on the interpretation of safety data regarding chemical filters in sunscreens versus the immediate, proven danger of unprotected sun exposure.