Sunscreen Does NOT Cause Skin Cancer: Dr. Sarnoff Wants You to Know

Our president, Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, is here to set the record straight. Sunscreen does NOT cause skin cancer; sunscreen, as part of a complete sun protection strategy, helps to PREVENT skin cancer. Sunscreen is regulated by the FDA for the safety and efficacy of ingredients. 

Dr. Sarnoff: There is absolutely no evidence that sunscreen causes skin cancer. This claim is false, it has no scientific basis and worse yet, it endangers public health

What we do know with 100% certainty is that the main cause of most skin cancers is unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Sun exposure causes DNA damage in skin cells. That damage can cause mutations that lead to skin cancer. That is a fact.

FACT: Unprotected exposure to UV radiation causes about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas. Further, UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen.

FACT: Sunscreen, as part of a complete sun protection strategy, helps to prevent skin cancer. Two studies showed that in people who used sunscreen every day, melanoma was reduced by 50 percent and squamous cell carcinoma by 40 percent. 

It’s worthwhile to note that if you use sunscreen regularly now, but have a history of sun damage, you could be diagnosed with skin cancer due to that previous damage. 

The bottom line is that if you stop using sunscreen, you increase your risk of skin cancer and sun damage. Using sunscreen and reapplying every two hours, wearing wide-brimmed hats to cover your face, ears and neck, using sunglasses to protect your eyes, covering up with clothing and seeking shade are all easy ways to protect your skin from skin cancer.

I urge you: Don’t believe everything you see on social media.  If you have questions about your skin, please talk to a dermatologist.

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About the Expert:  

Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, is the Director of Dermatology at COSMETIQUE Dermatology, Laser & Plastic Surgery, LLP. She specializes in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic and laser surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of skin cancer. Dr. Sarnoff became president of The Skin Cancer Foundation in January 2017. She was previously a senior vice president.