Warning to young adults: Head into the ‘last blast of summer’ with sun protection

Hoosiers have made it through several of the hottest months of summer. With several weeks of sunshine remaining, it’s important to know the facts about skin protection.

By TJ Banes, Senior Journalist IU Health, tfender1@iuhealth.org

It’s true. There are several weeks left on the calendar until Indiana officially welcomes Fall, but for many Hoosiers, Labor Day Weekend is celebrated as the “last blast of summer.”

Picnics, festivals, and water sports continue. And the sun doesn’t offer much relief. After coming off summer averages in the 90s, some may think it’s time to pack away the sunscreen until next year.

In fact, several social media influencers, especially on TikTok suggest sunscreen is toxic and unnecessary. The primary audience for these messages? According to one survey by the Pew Research Center, a large majority people between the ages of 13 and 28 (71 percent) gets news from social media daily, and 91 percent at least weekly. The survey found 52 percent of those consumers used TikTok; 59 percent used X, and 40 percent used Instagram.

Another national survey by the American Academy of Dermatology reported that more than 1,000 U.S. adults (52 percent) were unaware of the risks of sunburn, such as skin cancer. The survey reported that 50 percent of Americans received a grade of “A” or “B” for sun protection knowledge, yet 32 percent of younger adults received a failing grade of “D” or “F.”

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in young adults ages 15-29.

Here’s what one IU Health doctor says about the claims of social media influencers: “There’s no credible evidence that FDA-approved sunscreens are toxic. While some ingredients of chemical sunscreens can be absorbed (studies have shown small levels of some of these ingredients in the bloodstream), studies haven’t shown harm at these levels. The proven risks of unprotected sun exposure like skin cancer and premature aging are much greater,” said Dr. Syril Keena Que, a board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatologic surgery and cutaneous oncology.

Some social media influencers claim sunbathing is a “natural” process and encourage others to soak up the rays to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

“The sun does help make vitamin D, but you only need brief incidental exposure to benefit in this regard. Safer options include diet or supplements, rather than prolonged, unprotected sun time,” said Dr. Que.

Her recommendations: For daily use broad-spectrum SPF 30+, water-resistant formulas, and mineral blockers like zinc oxide for sensitive skin. “Otherwise, chemical or mineral sunscreens are equally great. Avoid expired products, skip added fragrance if sensitive, and remember sunscreen sprays need generous, even application.”

Other advice as you enter the Labor Day Weekend and face the remaining summer months:

“Limit direct sun, especially 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Combine sunscreen with hats, clothing, and shade, reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.”