Why do Gwyneth Paltrow and Tiktokkers flow, despite science? The fear of unknown chemicals and distrust of commercial brands fueling DIY alternatives to appropriate sunscreen care
When Gwyneth Paltrow Shared her skin care routine in a Youtube 2021 video for Vogue, fans were captivated – until she drops her point of view on SPF. It ended with a tampon of SPF of sunscreen tinted 30, mentioning with casualness: “I am not a fadmer of the sunscreen from head to toe, but I like to put a nose and the area where the sun really hits.” Some delicate stamps, and that was everything. The viewers did not miss a beat, stressing that a slight sunscreen tap does not exactly push UV rays, triggering a fiery debate online.
Some social media influencers are against the use of sunscreen, despite demonstrable advantages. Photo: Document
For a minute, it seemed that sunscreen was a matter concluded: essential, end of history. SO Tiktok appeared with a twist of the plot – “is the sunscreen really harmful?” Suddenly, SPF skeptics were everywhere, throwing claims of toxicity as if it were the new mode of health. The beauty industry is now in damage control mode, trying to follow the anti-sub-screen train is growing.
The role of sunscreen once seemed obvious, but with Tiktok’s adjustment trends, SPF has somehow lost its shine. Influencers highlight unprotected sun exposure and even homemade solar screens, putting back years of progress in solar security and giving dermatologists a collective headache. Chinni Choi, main artist of Nars Hong Kong, warns that jumping the SPF “can accelerate skin aging, because aging slows the renewal of epidermal cells, leading to the accumulation of keratin and a decrease in cell activity”. Fellow Nars artist Phoenix Mok Suitable, noting: “In particular for facial skin, the non-user of sunscreen can cause ultraviolet rays to stimulate underlying melanocytes, leading to pigmentation and formation of dark spots.”
Influencers on Tiktok distribute disinformation over the security of Suncreen. Photo: Document
The anti-sub-screen movement seems to find the assertions that the SPF is secretly toxic. The creators of Tiktok called ingredients such as oxybenzone and benzene, painting them as bad guys. Of course, a few sundships were taken due to contamination by benzene, but here is the thing: benzene was not supposed to be there in the first place. “Although there have been concerns about ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, in particular with regard to the effects of coral reefs, the ingredients approved by the FDA in solar screens have decades of security data,” said Dr Ahmad ChaudhryDouble board certified dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs. So, unless someone mixes their own “natural” FPS in the kitchen, the solar screens available commercially are the safest bet.
A great concern is that sunscreen leads to a vitamin D deficiency. Yes, our body produces vitamin D from the sun, but we don’t need to roast to have enough. Felix Law, a senior trainer from Laura Mercier Hong Kong, clarifies: “Although sunscreen can reduce the amount of vitamin D produced in the skin, it does not prevent any synthesis of vitamin D.” So, even with a regular sunscreen, you always get what you need. “The impact of sunscreen on the absorption of vitamin D is actually limited,” adds Choi. And just to be safe, there is always food. “We can also get vitamin D thanks to our daily diet, so the maintenance of a balanced and healthy diet allows us to obtain enough vitamin D without deficiency, even when applying a sunscreen,” explains Mok.
The sunscreen tested in the laboratory is much higher than anything you can concoct in your home. Photo: Document
And then there is tanning – the secular pursuit of this glow bubbed by the sun. Some influencers are here who call for an unprotected “natural” and “healthy” unprotected sun, but dermatologists have long warned that tanning is only disguised skin damage. This bronze glow? It is the skin that shouts, “help!” Each tanning is added, leading to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer such as melanoma, known for its aggressive nature.
Law offers a much safer way to reach this tanned look without sacrificing the future of your skin. “It is fully achievable thanks to a combination of makeup and Auto-handling products“, She said. Moisturizers tinged with SPF and wide spectrum protection “will not only provide a suspicion of color to even take out your complexion, but also protect your skin from harmful sun rays. A hint of color, SPF and without damage – talks about a winner -win.
