I’ve done my research, and I know what’s in sunscreen—harmful chemicals that claim to protect you from skin cancer but may actually be contributing to it. The very thing people slather on to prevent sun damage could be doing more harm than good.
The Rise of Skin Cancer After Sunscreen’s Invention
Most people don’t realize that sunscreen is a relatively new invention. The first commercial sunscreen was developed in the 1920s, and by the 1940s, more formulas hit the market. Before then, skin cancer rates were low. But instead of decreasing with the rise of sunscreen use, skin cancer rates actually skyrocketed.
In the 1950s, the lifetime risk of developing melanoma was 1 in 600. Today, that number is 1 in 38 for white Americans, who use sunscreen more than any other group. According to the CDC, the rate of new melanoma cases has doubled from 1982 to 2011—right alongside the increased use of sunscreen and warnings to “never go outside without protection.” If sunscreen was truly effective, shouldn’t we be seeing a decline in skin cancer instead of an increase?
What’s Really in Sunscreen?
Many people assume sunscreen is just a protective lotion, but have you ever looked at the ingredients list? Chemical sunscreens are loaded with endocrine-disrupting toxins like:
• Oxybenzone – A hormone disruptor linked to lower testosterone and fertility issues.
• Octinoxate – An estrogen-mimicking chemical that affects thyroid function.
• Homosalate – Accumulates in the body faster than it can be eliminated, disrupting hormones.
• Avobenzone – Breaks down in the sun, leading to harmful free radical damage.
Some of these ingredients have even been banned in places like Hawaii because they’re so toxic they harm marine life. If it’s killing coral reefs, what’s it doing to our bodies?
The Sun Is Not Your Enemy
We’ve been conditioned to fear the sun, yet it’s essential for human health. Vitamin D, which our bodies naturally produce when exposed to sunlight, is one of the most important nutrients for immunity, bone strength, and even cancer prevention. Studies show that low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
So why are we being told to block the very thing that keeps us healthy? The truth is, moderate sun exposure is beneficial, while sunscreen filled with toxic chemicals is what we should really be avoiding.
Instead of rubbing chemicals into my skin, I choose a natural approach:
• Gradual sun exposure – I don’t go from zero sun to hours outside. I build up tolerance over time.
• Shade and clothing – When the sun is at its peak, I wear a hat or light clothing instead of chemicals.
• Diet and hydration – A healthy diet rich in antioxidants helps protect the skin from oxidative damage.
The Hidden Dangers of Sunglasses
Sunscreen isn’t the only thing we’ve been misled about—sunglasses can also interfere with how our bodies process sunlight. Our eyes play a critical role in signaling the brain to produce melanin, the body’s natural sun protection. When we constantly wear sunglasses, we disrupt this process, making our skin more vulnerable to burns and reducing our body’s ability to adjust naturally to the sun.
Here’s what happens when you block sunlight from your eyes:
• Your body produces less melanin, making your skin more vulnerable to sunburn.
• Sunglasses trick your brain into thinking it’s dark, which can lead to pupil dilation and increased UV exposure to the eyes.
• Circadian rhythms get disrupted, affecting sleep, hormone balance, and overall health.
• Sunglasses can weaken eye health over time, increasing dependence on artificial lenses.
That doesn’t mean you have to ditch sunglasses completely—I love a cute pair of shades just as much as anyone! But when you’re soaking in your daily dose of vitamin D, try taking them off for a while. Let your eyes experience natural light so you can get all the benefits the sun has to offer.
The Bottom Line
The idea that we must use sunscreen every time we step outside is just another example of how we’ve been conditioned to trust products over nature. But when you look at the history, the statistics, and the science, the truth is clear: sunscreen isn’t the hero it claims to be.
Our bodies were designed to thrive with sunlight, not fear it. Instead of blocking nature, I choose to work with it—gradual sun exposure, real nutrition, and a respect for how our bodies were meant to function.
Leave a Comment