Doctor warns that new Gen-Z anti-sunscreen trend could be deadly

Ellen Fitzpatrick

A doctor is warning against a new viral TikTok trend that Gen-Z are hopping on as it could prove to be deadly.

The new trend sees the younger generation encouraging others to ditch the suncream and instead opt for natural alternatives or going without any protection against the sun at all.

The hashtag #antisunscreen has been doing the rounds with many “wellness experts” posting about the toxic ingredients in SPF, they are now encouraging people to create their own out of mayonnaise or just not use it whatsoever.

One TikToker in particular, Shannon Fairweather, has been very vocal on the issue, telling her followers: “I refuse to block the skin from the healing rays of the sun.”

She also says she protects her skin with “natural things”, using coconut oil instead of sunscreen, which she says “works about 30% as well as sunscreen does except you’re not slathering yourself in chemicals.”

Another TikToker, @emselement, falsely claimed that skin cancer was a new phenomenon, saying: “Skin cancer is a relatively new phenomenon in the last 60 years or so and yet our ancestors for 100s of years had been living outdoors working outdoors – they didn’t get skin cancer.”

@shannonfairweatherr Replying to @aliyah avoid sunscreen & sunburns ?? #antisunscreen #naturalliving #fyp ♬ original sound – Shannon Fairweather

Warning against the very dangerous trend, cosmetic surgeon and skin cancer expert Dr Paul Banwell told Glamour: “This anti-sunscreen message is extremely worrying because by encouraging people not to wear SPF you are putting them at risk of sun damage, sunburn, and skin cancer.”

Dr. Banwell adds: “I advise people to avoid this trend of making their own sun protection at all costs, and instead to incorporate a high factor broad spectrum SPF into their daily skincare routine, regardless of the weather.

“This will not only protect against the sun’s rays which can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, and skin cancer, but also protect against the UVB rays that are given out from computer screens, mobile phones and laptops which can cause premature ageing.

“It’s important to keep applying your SPF regularly and don’t forget areas such as the scalp, which you can cover with a hat if you prefer. Hands and feet are often areas that are forgotten, so ensure that these receive a high factor SPF too.”

According to the Irish Cancer Society, “skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.”

Nine out of every 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by UV rays from the sun or sun beds.

With skin cancer now the most common cancer in Ireland, there are over 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.