Is Wearing Sunblock Bad For You?

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
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** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[@NewKitchenGun117]

My Aunt died at 38 of melanoma. She was always very careful about sun protection and always wore sunscreen and a hat, but living in Australia is brutal. The fact that some people have the audacity to say that sunscreen does more harm than good baffles me.

[@tiggy4591]

Sadly people who hold that belief will use examples like your aunt to prove their point of it's "useless", or it's "harmful". All because she DID do everything right with the sunscreen and the coverage. So it clicks in their mind that maybe the sunscreen was the "real" cause of her condition. I know that people like that must be frustrating. Their mistrust is at companies who would sell you sawdust in your bread if it wasn't illegal. Or how tobacco companies were campaigning that cigarettes were actually good for you before enough evidence came out that they weren't.

[@MrNicoJac]

​@@tiggy4591 To be fair, with this specific set of circumstances, I'd also be highly suspicious about what brand of sunscreen she wore, and what its ingredients were... And my inner detective would also want a DNA test, to see if she had higher chances of developing cancer. But in the end, on a population of millions, each person having billions of skin cells, it's also basically statistically guaranteed that someone ends up getting unlucky at way too young an age...

[@Pronellyllon]

@@tiggy4591​​⁠​​⁠​⁠unfortunately, I think you are right that a specific group of people will use the unfortunate event as evidence that the sunscreen is harmful and causes cancer. While medical experts say it helps preventing the risk of getting melanoma... or say it reduces the risk of it... they don't make claims as "it will annihilate the risk of getting melanoma". @NewKitchenGun117, I am sorry to hear your aunt passed away from melanoma. I don't know how long ago it's been, but I wish you a lot of strength 😢

[@Valkies-zj2bi]

That is unfortunate

[@richardmcgraw6881]

sunscreen saves lives.❤

[@mare5335]

I live and work a manual labor job in El Paso. The sun here is a death ray. None of my co-workers wear sunscreen. They say "sunscreen is for bitches" im the only one by the end of the day that isnt burnt red. I dont see how protecting yourself from cancer is bad.

[@narc440]

Yup i'm texan and always wear sunscreen when out in the sun for a while. My friend in utah said "sunscreen is for pussies" after his body got extremely sun burned, and he's always complaining about the pain and peeling of his skin. You reap what you sow

[@Electrifynn]

What sunscreen do you use?

[@OgdenM]

@@narc440 , yah the pain of a sunburn alone makes me look at these people think they are crazy. Sun burns HURT. Even ones that don't peal hurt.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Your co-workers are going to learn the hard way. Skin cancer kills.

[@mare5335]

@@Electrifynn studio selection. Ill change now though after watching this video.

[@pegendary]

As an Australian these claims have always felt insane to me - especially the idea of being better without sunscreen. 70% of Aussies will get skin cancer, so the idea of the sun being preventative in any way is ludicrous!!

[@SeaBlueJay]

Literally came here to comment THE EXACT SAME THING. My grandfather got skin cancer due to sun exposure. We genuinely thought he was gonna die in 2009. This year he got to meet his 13th grandchild. He doesn't dare go in the sun without protection, preferably clothes, and takes his physical health super seriously too often participating in running events and charities. Other people haven't been as lucky and my grandfather has permanent scars from the experience. Please everyone, slip slop slap.

[@MagiRemmie]

Not only that, what about us that are pale? We catch on fire without protection.

[@shayharel9102]

Education is everything

[@user-ki4xw2rb8q]

Wait, but what's going on in Australia with the sun? Something about the ozone layer?

[@amazinggrapes3045]

well, pale-skinned people really aren't fit to an environment with such strong sun. I don't think that's relevant for anyone else asking the question of sunscreen. It's like asking if a food is healthy and then someone saying "that's insane! Of course it's unhealthy, I'm allergic to it!

[@el__dostor]

Its incredible to study 8-12 years, and during that process, you study how to study studies, while also studying how those studies were studied, and how to critically analyze those studies, only to realize that those studies were done correctly, and how diverse studies from different scientists from around the world always come to the same conclusion. "Sunblock prevents cancer". Only for some guys with the cientific research of a 30 second video on tik tok are like: "Nuh-uh"

[@S3verance]

Sounds about right

[@Phoenixhunter157]

Yep and they’re here in the comments telling us about it. Hilarious.

[@RandianaJoness]

Perfectly sums it up. And also sometimes people just like to cherry pick information from those studies, take everything out of context and create a new trend while looking "credible." Its bonkers 😂

[@4400seriesFAN]

While I agree with you on this specific issue discussed, you have to remember that those people who have done all of these things that you said, also tried to violate us with Covid and the failed "vaccines" for it.

[@cosmos7227]

I would rather take my chances with sunscreen than skin cancer.

[@brandond5900]

Are you using a tanning bed? Because all the studies on uv and cancer are using isolated uv light. That’s not sun. Sun is balanced with at least 50 percent red/infrared at any time of day. You can have my sunscreen

[@User826r37]

I mean it is unfair to say all people throughout history had unhealthy skin till just 80 years ago

[@ticketforlife2103]

​@@User826r37except they did. All my grandparents, along with all elderly people in my neighborhood, had loose and damaged skin in their 70s.

[@JackAnderson101]

Brain washed

[@Tg12399tg]

@@JackAnderson101 nice argument

[@user-ei3by3il5d]

I wish you'd also say that a lot of influencers that are afraid of chemical sunscreens also show how to diy "non-toxic" sunscreen. They don't work and give false sense of security, so please! don't do it yourself, guys But thank you for the video!

[@minetruly]

I once heard someone suggest butter as sunscreen and just no

[@TLguitar]

​@@minetruly Was it Newman?

[@Wingedshadowwolf]

Veritasium did a video a while back where he tested different sunscreen hacks.

[@Aptarus]

I also read ample criticisms at mineral sunblocks due to them having not enough (and not efficient enough) filters. For people that want to avoid "chemicals" (... Everything's chemical if it's not energy/radiation...), they should stick to shades and UV blocking fabric.

[@dean.mcmxcvi]

Yes!!! Agreed! LabMuffinBeauty is great about spreading awareness on this subject!

[@Lusac11]

We need to make more people aware that tanning is actually damaging your skin even if it makes you look “healthy”

[@Midala87]

I know of a lot of people who tan artificially all the time. I don't have the heart to tell them how bad it is because they do other things that are damaging to their own body such as smoking. At least they exercise which I feel like isn't going to help much.

[@ZosiaSamosiaOo]

@@Midala87 Artificial tan is bad for you as well? Seems like I will stay the whitest shade of white forevermore. 😒

[@elisabetaioan5854]

@@ZosiaSamosiaOo if by artificial tan they meant tanning beds then yes. Self tanning lotion should be fine! And there's nothing wrong with white 😁

[@isoutoforbit]

@@ZosiaSamosiaOo Tanning beds are arguably worse than moderate sun exposure. Self-tanning is fine and actually makes your skin a bit more resilient to UV. But embrace your skin color, if enough of us do this then the beauty standards will change, nobody should be ashamed of their natural skin color.

[@perreban]

tans don't even look good tbh

[@kepler1377]

I read somewhere that mentioned that if, instead of calling them sun burns, we called them radiation burns (which they technically are) people would take them much more seriously. But because we have called them a more specific name, it’s easier to distance in our minds what is going on.

[@Syunnnnnnn]

As an Australian i find it dumb that people think sunscreen is bad 2/3 australians develop skin cancer in their lifetime because we do not wear enough sunscreen, Veritasium did a wonderful video about UV and sunscreen about 6 years ago and it is worth a watch

[@-SimonRiley]

The f?! 2/3 of Australians get skin cancer? How did y'all manage before the modern era then? Did 2/3 of the Australians just die, why did I never hear of it

[@pedropalacios1]

@@-SimonRileyTwo thirds of Australians develop a skin cancer in their lifetime, either a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with 100% and 95% survival rates, respectively.

[@Iberium]

@@-SimonRiley Skin cancer is still serious, but it's way less lethal than you think (with treatment) when hearing "It's cancer".

[@amazinggrapes3045]

​​@@-SimonRileybefore the modern era, light-skinned people didn't live in Australia. They were sent as punishment. 😂

[@tionaus]

​​@@-SimonRiley we didn't exist before the modern era that sounded a bit racist, I mean that white people who were made for colder temperatures were only sent here in the modern era, and Aboriginals were darker in colour which helped them with the sun

[@belindaweber7999]

As a Western Australian - thank you for clearing this up. I'm of German and Irish and Scottish heritage and burn after only 5-8mins in the sun on any given day. I'm always waiting to be told by my Skincheck Dr that the big C has finally got me. Growing up in the 80's sunscreen wasn't seen as important as it is now *sigh.

[@roundhouse2616]

Yooo fellow west aussie! I'm so grateful I grew up in the time of slip slop slap seek & slide and no hat no play

[@SeaBlueJay]

Hey!! Fellow west Aussie! I'm of Welsh, British and Scottish descent so I definitely relate lol. I got burned real bad a couple times as a kid, but none as bad as my Welsh cousin who recently moved here. Poor kid had burns so bad she had to go to the hospital. She forgot to reapply her sunscreen. The sun is not a friend. It will kill and it will hurt.

[@SeaBlueJay]

​@@roundhouse2616it's starting to make a comeback, but it's hard. We grew up with ads on our TVs consistently saying it. Kids now aren't watching TV, they don't get the ads like we used to. No hat no play is still a rule but parents really need to push the sunscreen safety.

[@vanderlin4966]

It's because everyone is blue light toxic and nobody gets morning sun. Blue light inhibits pro opiomelanocortin and therefore you cannot build up melanin effectively. In addition, the morning sun conditions the skin to the more intense sun of midday. You're an Aussie, so look into the Aussie doctor Max Gulhane. He's got a lot of great stuff to say on his podcast Regenerative Health about the sun.

[@roundhouse2616]

@@vanderlin4966 “Blue light toxic” is absolute made up gibberish. Blue light cannot be toxic, it’s a frequency of light that is a vital part of our health. Blue light has been shown to effect sleep rhythm and that’s _IT._ Go somewhere else with your pseudoscience.

[@sburton84]

I think the idea that mineral filters reflect the rays rather than absorbing them is a common misconception that's actually inaccurate, only about 5% of their effect in the UV band is via reflection and the rest is via absorption, the same as chemical filters. Michelle Wong covered this in one of her videos.

[@hozepheena]

Thank you, I came to the comments looking for this.

[@Valkies-zj2bi]

You are welcome

[@janemary8339]

Okay if they mostly absorb UV rays, just like chemical sunscreens, there's no point in making oneself look like a ghost with that white residue of mineral sunscreens, Right? Just use the chemical sunscreens in the first place....

[@lolwhat2628]

I was about to comment about this!!

[@Watuhh]

I was just about to mention this, glad to see someone else talking about it!

[@tranquility6358]

This is why I have so much respect for Doctor Mike. He never makes you feel like an idiot for entertaining a contrarian idea. He always addresses health claims calmly and presents us with a ton of knowledge along the way. Thank you for your hard work Doctor Mike, both in the office and here on KZbin. We need more healthcare professionals like you.

[@ghaznavid]

On hikes, I always prioritize covering up to minimize sun exposure. I've been using SPF50 for everything else. It baffles me that people think that getting sunburned is good for their health.

[@Grintock]

Not to sound douchey, but SPF50 is legit so prohibitively expensive though

[@ghaznavid]

@Grintock upside of long sleeves is that you don't use nearly as much sunscreen. I'm bad with reapplying it throughout the day, and am often in the sun from sunrise to sunset, so it's essential for me to use a high spf.

[@Wingedshadowwolf]

@@Grintock How much does it cost where you're at? I think it's $8 usd where I'm at (interior Alaska)

[@hclyrics]

@@Grintock Cancer treatment is even more expensive.

[@Fridelain]

​@@GrintockHard to believe, here in Spain it's what you find most often in stores, including the store brand stuff. I like to buy the store brand stuff made for children, because I took the time to check the ingredients and they are less objectionable.

[@pamelamays4186]

I am so tired of influencers and celebrities medical advice, acting like they're smarter than doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

[@lane4798]

This is a doctor

[@kynleechapman7472]

@@lane4798I’m sure they know that. They’re referring to “influencers” on TikTok, etc as Doctor Mike mentions in the beginning of the video.

[@User826r37]

I mean it is unfair to say all people throughout history had unhealthy skin till just 80 years ago

[@SeaBlueJay]

I love seeing so many Aussies in the comments. We've had sun protection drilled into us since suncreen was created. Please. Take it from the country with one of the highest cases of skin cancer in the world; if you don't want skin cancer: Slip on protective clothing Slop on the sunscreen Slap on a hat Seek shade Slide on your UV protective sunnies Stay safe ❤ Side note: I'm surprised this isn't higher on your truth or scare scale. It should be a 10 imo, the rates of skin cancer in young adult aussies has increased significantly because of claims like "sunscreen is dangerous" or "sunscreen blocks the suns health benefits" Aussie young adults and teens are not wearing enough sunscreen or covering up enough because of these claims. This is super dangerous and has led to the government making multiple advertisements addressing the issue.

[@Wingedshadowwolf]

I think his scale is based on how legit the "sunscreen is bad" claims are. Not how much of an impact it's had.

[@CeliannaNami]

We need this kind of education in The Netherlands. We are the third highest country with skin cancer rates. Over here, people think having a tan is healthy, and very pale skin is mocked. If you go on vacation and don't return back tanned, again you get mocked. People actively don't wear sunscreen and say they don't need it, while burning like a lobster. Because we don't get a lot of sun (it's very cloudy and rainy here), whenever there's sun, people massively sit outside to soak up the sun rays, without protection of course. It's insane, people are actively against wearing it. We need more campaigns like Australia where we get people to take sun exposure seriously.

[@toddavis8151]

Australia also has Peter Evans causing damage to the cause

[@john_titor1]

@@CeliannaNami You Dutch are a weird breed sometimes, lol. Many of you also refute the benefits of wearing helmets while riding bicycles too. Very strange how strong headed the Dutch can be about safety when I would otherwise consider them to be relatively open-minded and educated.

[@kevinyancey958]

Good on you Aussies! If you want to have a darker skin tone, buy a sunless tanner. Dying from skin cancer, while looking your best is just dumb.

[@mrgrumpy888]

People who claim that sunscreen does more harm than good have not been on summer holidays in Greece.

[@Em-hz7tg]

I have 😉

[@nathansimons9881]

They are absolutely ignorant, prime examples of Dunning-Kruger. It would be farcical if they weren't killing people with disinformation.

[@RabbidTribble]

I would love to see you do a video on fluoride. There has been a huge increase in people buying bottled water/toothpaste labelled “fluoride-free.” There’s a huge scary narrative about how we’ve been poisoning ourselves by adding it to the drinking water and using it in toothpaste. As the granddaughter of a dentist, I’m horrified that parents are deliberately giving their kids fluoride-free toothpaste. Would love to see you comment on it.

[@christinec3170]

I would like to see that addressed as well. As I understand it, fluoride is the only thing that can prevent dental carries and actually help rebuild enamel. I'd rather use fluoride toothpaste than pay for expensive dental work down the road.

[@TianXiaoMao]

I chewed fluoride tablets when I was a kid because we had well water.

[@vo1dz_]

extra comment so this can get traction

[@vo1dz_]

more comments lol

[@vo1dz_]

DR MIKE NEEDS TO SEE THIS LMAO

[@carolea1629]

❤❤❤ *THANK YOU! ITS LIKE SAYING WEARING A SEAT BELT COULD CAUSE INJURY DURING A CAR CRASH SO ID RATHER NOT USE IT* 🙄

[@kingzach74]

They can but there are products that can help with that while still wearing a seatbelt. Such as those little pads and covers for seatbelts to help make seat belts more comfortable.

[@BenjaminRegen]

@@carolea1629 I was waiting for my car to be fixed and a guy hobbled in on crutches and with casts on his arm and leg, and with bandages covering his cranium. He told his friend "if I had worn my seatbelt I'd be dead." It made me incredibly angry. Ignorance is an incurable plague.

[@kamo7293]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="245">4:05</a> a common lack of understand ding about skin protection is that sunscreen is prioritised highly, when actually the first defense is cover up, not cream

[@greenLimeila]

Yup! Stay in the shade, use hats and covering clothes

[@mielikkistark7596]

@@greenLimeila problem with shade is that it doesn't work if the ground is reflective, like the sea water for example. If you didn't put any sunscreen, you can still get burned at the beach. Even under a big parasol

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@mielikkistark7596 Doing SOMETHING is better than doing NOTHING, even if you're not doing EVERYTHING.

[@abarbar06]

​@@mielikkistark7596 That's misleading. The light isn't really reflected by sand, it's scattered, and intensity is significantly reduced. But yes, it can still be harmful over long periods without additional protection. It's definitely not as bad as without shade though.

[@nachiketn8032]

Use an umbrella

[@dael7315]

Taking a common misconception/public medical discussion, investigating the science behind it, and discussing both for and against is a really nice format. I would love to see more videos like these! 🙏🏼

[@dael7315]

I know you have spoken on the matter before, but other video ideas could be: Vitamin supplements: necessary or not? Antibiotics: benefits vs side effects? Diet products: better or worse? Acupuncture: actual benefits vs side effects? Birth control: efficiency vs side effects, and why there’s no alternative for men Cancer treatment: why we have found no cure

[@thehomeschoolinglibrarian]

UV clothing and hats are great sun protection and the US needs to get with the program and update its Sun screen laws so we can get better less heavy sunscreen in the US. Bottom line is skin cancer can kill you so protect yourself from the sun.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Get yourself a chapeau, a sombrero, a danged hat!

[@caroledwards1182]

great info, as always. I'm 67, my brother and I grew up in Arizona. He, particularly, spent a lot of time in the sun, hiking, motorcycle riding and water skiing, and almost never wore sunscreen. He died at the age of 53 from melanoma.

[@JackieWarner13]

As an Aussie who also has a dad born in the early 60s & grew up not wearing sunscreen in 60s-80s that gets skin cancers cut out every couple years I'd rather wear sunscreen than not at all. SPF 15 is a thing?! I don't even think sunscreens that low are avaliable in Australia it's all SPF 30 & 50 at least.

[@watsonwrote]

I have a facial lotion that's SPF 15. I guess some lotions add a bit of sun protection in the US, but it's not marketed as the main purpose of the product

[@wtfvenusss]

maybe its just me but the body sunscreens i can find in the store are always 15-40 spf and i can never find a much higher than that. since my skin is dark i was told that i didn’t nEED sunscreen as a kid anyway. id play in the 102° heat all the time after school and come in unscathed :/ so now i’m realized how important it is and ill settle 15 spf, its at least something .

[@Grassdia]

In the uk and Ireland 15 is the most common cos the sun ain’t out that much

[@JackieWarner13]

@@Grassdia of course places with less sun/hot temps have less SPFs I'm just so used to 40°c summers I guess 😂😂

[@seamsprettygood]

Here in Indonesia we have a lot with SPF 15. But we are recommended to put another SPF 30-50 lotion on top of that to ensure protection.

[@historylover8815]

My problem with chemical sunscreen actually has nothing to do with these so-called “health claims” on TikTok. My eczema just has a bad reaction to whatever is in them. So I use mineral sunscreen and clothing to protect myself because the sun is harsh. I’ve never had a sunburn even without being able to use chemical sunscreen. Sun protection is important people. Please keep yourself safe.

[@Elisheval]

I've used Mineral sunscreen on my daughter's eczema and it causes breakouts. The chemical ones (I buy the stuff they make for babies) don't cause reactions. So annoying.

[@zendoka3344]

Anyone remember "you are not a chicken in a pot!" I love how Doctor mike addresses these issues/claims. it has such a nice flow and its really easy to understand and formulate opinions on the subject. edit: I wonder if the lack of exposure to the sun even if it is in small amounts eventually creates a greater sensitivity to it... kind of like how if we are more exposed to the environment as kids we build a greater base immunity in a way.

[@christinepoppy3277]

If you develop a tan, you might not burn as easily, but you’re still getting sun damage, and the tan itself is a skin injury

[@hero303-gameplayindonesia8]

Your body's ability to tan actually worsens the more you are exposed to the sun because of the DNA damage in skin cells that impair your body's ability to produce melanin

[@hero303-gameplayindonesia8]

Your body's ability to tan actually worsens the more you're exposed to the sun, because the DNA damage in skin cells impairs your body's ability to produce melanin.

[@hero303-gameplayindonesia8]

Your body's ability to tan actually worsens the more you're exposed to the sun, because the DNA damage impairs your body's ability to produce melanin.

[@hero303-gameplayindonesia8]

Your body's ability to tan actually worsens the more you're exposed to the sun, because of the DNA damage.

[@johanlahti84]

Before I watch it. My guess is that the only thing that could be negative, is it could give you a false sense of security. If not reapplied often the protection wears off pretty fast.

[@Emmuzka]

This should be brought up more! It's easy to put on too little or forget to reapply. Sunscreens can be also quite pricy so people can be stringy with it or use leftovers from previous summer, which is not recommended.

[@AbsolutelyBaseball]

bro doctor mike you are the goat of doctors

[@DaDragon8tor]

He really is

[@thetruthhurtsu]

Even Dr.Pepper? 😂

[@Xplr_editor22]

@@thetruthhurtsu no one over takes Dr.pepper 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Grassdia]

@@Xplr_editor22too spicy

[@ItisJasmine27]

😂

[@SOCgirl1231]

My dad grew up during a time when very little was known about sun protection and so he got sunburnt frequently as a child/young adult. He's now paying for it in his 50's and 60's and has to get skin cancers burned off 3-4+ times a year and it is not fun. My uncle (his brother) just got all of his skin cancers burned off at once and he's barely left the house for weeks as he is too embarrassed to go out in public because his skin is so red.

[@LSG101097]

My parents didn't care about it either. Nither they care about now and happily getting sunbaths in their 60s. Looking much more better then people their age 🙄 It just depends on where you live on the planet,l and your genetics, that's it.

[@User826r37]

​@@LSG101097I mean it is unfair to say all people throughout history had unhealthy skin till just 80 years ago

[@jodiewhiteside4194]

I have a suncream allergy but even I use suncream. I just avoid the chemical I'm allergic to. Rather not get skin cancer, I'm pale enough to be at kinda high risk

[@emilymartin8188]

Same. I stay out of the sun as much as possible… even the mineral screens give me a rash.. styrene and acrylates

[@SharkoKing931]

As someone who is allergic to chemical sunscreen and have to use the Expensive mineral sunscreen (it’s three times as expensive as the chemical one where I live)or I’ll turn into a tomato I find this video as an absolute win

[@annasolovyeva1013]

Look up for Russian made ones if they're exported. Cheap sunscreen here is mineral

[@maryford3243]

My son is allergic to most chemicals in sunscreen. We get zinc oxide sunscreen.

[@mimalinrano9275]

What mineral sunscreen do you use ?

[@SharkoKing931]

@@mimalinrano9275 The one I use is NIVEA Sunscreen

[@Espritlumiere]

You might have better luck with newer generation filters such as those found in Australian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese sunscreens.

[@J-_-]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="363">6:03</a> I think one of the best questions that arose from this, in my mind at least, is why the FDA didn't do this kind of research IN THE FIRST PLACE.

[@carlclark3167]

They're chronically under-funded for their mission. Until we provide the resources they need, we shouldn't be surprised that they don't accomplish what we want.

[@Lau3464l]

The FDA themselves don’t do clinical trials, they’re intended to be an unbiased evaluator that takes a look at the research other people do and make decisions on policy based on that research

[@Woll1ezz]

Dr. Mike, I've been so into your videos lately, like you're literally the only person I watch often now.

[@jenw369]

As someone from NZ, where the sun’s uv rays can be worse than anywhere else on the planet (including Australia) this whole idea frustrates me. Sunblock saves lives. It’s not even a question.

[@Joe-vc2cc]

Watching Dr. Mike as I get ready for church has become my tradition.

[@1CaptainLaw]

Bro I’m literally getting ready for church right now.

[@Joshpods]

Amen 🙌🙌

[@TheHeck17]

Have a good time at Church

[@emmagrace6396]

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Also, I do the same lol

[@vickikendricks1605]

Amen 😊 On my way to church now.

[@nadiaabreu4393]

Thanks for the information. As someone with a bunch of allergies, I have to be extra care with products. Sometimes, I just avoid most of the products.

[@grammyet]

It is crazy how people are scared of sunscreen but yet they will suck back gallons of diet pop and eat processed food laced with chemicals.

[@DarkForce2024]

Reminds me of the person who goes to McDonalds and orders a super sized meal, then says "oh, but a diet coke". At that point, just get the regular coke (unless your diabetic). McDonalds isn't good for you, we know that, but if it's just a once in a blue moon it (probably) won't kill you.

[@schloughed]

Everything is a chemical.

[@SillagorillaSkates]

Yes! Artificial sweetener is killing people

[@SillagorillaSkates]

Also Pop? Live around the great lakes?

[@nl_kripp]

I know people who will happily do cocaine, but won't use sunscreen as apparently it's bad for them. I swear I'm not making this up.

[@spinx673]

Being from the middle east and hearing claims that sunscreen does more harm then good is INSANE to me. I'm so glad my mom was smart and always made me put on sunscreen

[@Jay_and_Meeka]

Currently battling Melanoma now, and I laugh when I read people comment that I should *avoid* sunscreen because apparently wearing it is what caused it lmao.

[@user-uh2wh6di9f]

Have you always worn sunscreen faithfully?

[@Jay_and_Meeka]

@@user-uh2wh6di9f Nope. Got a couple nasty burns. I've learned my lesson.

[@user-uh2wh6di9f]

@@Jay_and_Meeka I don’t wear sunscreen, it always gets in my eyes and burns, completely ruins my day. I do exercise and drink lots of water and I’m pretty healthy. I think everybody is different and people need to find out what works for them of course, will never know if the chemicals are harmful or not until we’re dead. Can’t trust the FDA.

[@blondeenotsomuch]

I hope treatment is effective and long lasting for you. It is scary stuff.

[@Jay_and_Meeka]

@@blondeenotsomuch Thanks. Appreciate it.

[@missdragon5892]

As an Australian the idea that sunblock is bad for you is insane. Skin cancer is so common here.

[@Wandering1515]

Mum: put some sunscreen on it keeps you safe 3yr old me: THE TOXIC CHEMICALS ARE HIDING WITHIN

[@wtfvenusss]

🤣🤣😭

[@John-Smith02]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="222">3:42</a> 3 types of UV rays. UV C is the third one. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="479">7:59</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="490">8:10</a> Glad he mentioned SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum. That's what should be the minimum requirement when looking for sunscreen. If you want it to be safer for the environment, go with mineral sunscreen.

[@computerfreak696]

You are right, but uv-c gets filtered out by the ozone later and therefore does not reach the earth.

[@Diphyidae]

If you are going swimming on a coral reef, please please use mineral/physical sunscreens over chemical sunscreens. Also long sleeve quality sun shirts will keep you cooler than a tank top so don't turn sun shirts down saying it is "too hot" to wear one. I was able to safely spend 8+ hours on a tidal flat doing research in australian summers (35-40°C weather) thanks to my long sleeve collared sun shirt, polarized sunglasses, and large amounts of physical sunscreens for the areas that were not covered up.

[@feliciascorner9795]

I had many kids at summer camp fight me on using sunscreen. Most claimed that they didnt burn. Those kids didnt know that the main reason to wear sunscreen, is to prevent skin camcer. Big teaching moment for those kids. Didn't have to fight them anymore. The group of kids all recognized cancer as a bad and scary thing and preventing it was important to them. We even got compliments from parents because they were fighting their kids less about sunscreen and the kids educated them anout preventing skin cancer.

[@11._Jellyfish_.11]

I don't really care what's in them as long as it's. 1 affective 2 doesn't cause any allergic reactions I don't wanna get skin cancer 🔥🔥

[@sarathomas8499]

You really should make sure though that the ingredients INSIDE the sunscreen don't give you cancer.

[@catherinechase9517]

My mom has recently been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. We’re still waiting to hear back from the plastic surgeon’s office for scheduling an appointment. I know skin cancer is supposed to be very treatable, but I am scared for my mom as she hasn’t led the healthiest life and I worry about it becoming more complicated. Any literature you can recommend on this type of skin cancer would be appreciated 🙏🏻

[@rayh.8456]

Labmuffin is a really goof source for in depth information on sunscreen formulation if you haven't seen her videos. I believe she mentioned that the reef safe sunscreen concern has been blown out of proportion by marketers, and that zinc oxide is actually worse for reefs than chemical actives. Either way there are much more important factors at play than the small amount of sunscreen from beachgoers.

[@Espritlumiere]

I was thinking this too. I love Dr Mike but he still perpetuated some common misconceptions about sunscreen like how organic/mineral sunscreens "physically block" UV when we know that's not the case. I need Michelle to fact check this video 😅

[@VickyPrinzessin427]

In the US there are bad chemicals in literally every product ever... You guys really should get some regulations

[@HariSeldon913]

We've got regulators and 98% of their income is under the table.

[@byuftbl]

We have regulations. You can only have certain amounts of “chemicals” in things which are safe in small amounts. Take arsenic for example. It’s naturally in the air, but not in amounts that are harmful. So you won’t die from a tiny amount of exposure. However, if you take a lot of arsenic, you WILL die. The thing we need is bans of some artificial ingredients that aren’t necessary such as dyes like red 40, and possibly high fructose corn syrup.

[@y_strikes2770]

​@@byuftbl your regulations are weaker compared to other 1st world countries.

[@sherryg1838]

@@y_strikes2770No, they aren’t. That’s a common misconception.

[@sherryg1838]

That’s a common internet myth. The US bans some ingredients that are allowed in other countries.

[@VeronicaGarcia-hf7jb]

Skin cancer runs in my family, so for me, the benefits of wearing sunscreen far out-weigh any possible risks. But honestly, I think that goes for everyone. Thank you for giving such a clear explanation!

[@matthewjalovick]

I actually really appreciated this video. I’ll be honest, I went into it expecting a complete dismissal of the “anti-sunscreen” crowd… what I got was a reasonable take on the concerns and worries they have while acknowledging that, obviously, avoiding/preventing sun overexposure is important. I live in Georgia (the state) and go out shirtless in the sun for about 20 minutes 3-4 days of the week. I do 10-15 on each side and flip. Then I go back in :) if I’m going to be out for any longer I wear sunscreen. Like what has been said for thousands of years, moderation is key.

[@Emmuzka]

What are you seeking with the sun baths? Vitamin D? Something else?

[@HL-uw7fk]

It’s okay if you do it before 10 or after 5PM, otherwise high UV is not healthy

[@DavidSinanan]

Yet again Doc. You've made a well presented, well researched, knowledgeable video on a controversial topic; in a highly diplomatic way, while still maintain your position. Good job. That was very informative. While I personally am the kind of nerd to loves technical details, you made the technical details not boring. Which is skill.

[@Blazeyate]

I dont wear sunscreen AND I dont go outside! Im set 🎉!

[@journeylvr]

Do you have windows in your house?

[@aleeza568]

windows, windows, windows, windows oh and did I mention windows?

[@cheeseboyt8672]

You guys getting sunburned from your windows?

[@Blazeyate]

@@aleeza568 your getting sunburn from you windows?! Oh lord

[@aleeza568]

@@Blazeyate it's not just about being sun burnt it's about being exposed to UV rays that can in time be harmful too, your windows and any possible source that lets in natural light can affect you. It's about 50 percent. BUT BUT if u lock yourself in a basement with no windows you are actually set!

[@rajasimukherjee1542]

Hi Doctor Mike, I’ve been watching your videos for a while (years), and really admire your integrity, kindness, personality and ofc the fact that you’re a doctor. Recently, in my country India there has been a (r)ape and (m)urder case of a resident female doctor ON SITE in Kolkata. It is being speculated that a LOT of POWERFUL people are involved INCLUDING the STATE Govt. itself! We really need the world to come together to advocate for healthcare staff safety, safety of all women and for people to be held accountable for their heinous crimes. PLEASE PLEASE even a small KZbin short and an Instagram story from you regarding this case would mean the world for us women in India and for all doctors, nurses and all healthcare providers around the world. You can also watch Stephanie Soo’s Rotten Mango video about the entire case for further clarification and information. 🙏🏼

[@feroxsayshello518]

Sitting here right now watching this with 2nd degree sunburn on my lips, and I can say that I wish I had been able to find a sun product for my lips. To say that the sun is harmless is completely ridiculous! I wish I could upload a picture for this video to show just how incredibly damaging the sun can be to help people understand why it's so important to take whatever precautions you can BEFORE the damage is done. I'm here in Florida and I'm used to the sun but it only took a couple hours on the beach to destroy my skin tissue. Insane to think there are folks who don't think the sun can be dangerous. I would actually love to see a video about how to prevent lip burns!

[@sandramatras8345]

Lipbalm with SPF. It's a thing.

[@rianmilit]

I'm from Europe, and we have SPF lipbalms, try to search for some online

[@salviadenote6935]

This is making me feel really great about buying UV blocking arm sleeves, a gaiter mask, and a pair of driving gloves. I’m just commenting to boost the video which is 💯

[@iamawesome829]

I see a lot of Australians commenting their experience and I feel for them. I wanna offer a different perspective, as I am from Benin (a country in Africa) no one in my family wears sunscreen and we live in the sun all year round. Skin cancer has never affected my family. When in the USA and wearing sunscreen, my skin is more sensitive and I develop acne and sometimes rashes but when I spend hours in the sun without sunscreen, I don’t burn. I actually have never once gotten a sunburn in my life. So it’s not to say that my experience trumps all the research but I do believe skin tone and family history plays a huge part in if sun exposure is dangerous or not.

[@jayvanan4944]

Darker skin helps preventing the Sun rays damage

[@rianmilit]

Yep, dark skin, or increased melanin, is an evolutionary mechanism to protect the body from sun damage.

[@ACB2000]

Thank you for this video! My family is SPLIT right down the middle on this topic, and it drives me nuts!! Best info EVER!🎉

[@sirius_solaris]

Time to see what new horrifying discoveries have been found regarding basic everyday items!!!!

[@Hyde_And_Go_Seek]

yippee!

[@Xplr_editor22]

Woo hoo

[@parabolianisandinista2457]

Polyester underwear and sperm count/quality. Google it

[@danelykins4409]

My father got skin cancer from Sun exposure and I personally got severe second degree burns from not using sunscreen. It's insane that people actually think sunscreen is a bad thing

[@GneissShorts]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="111">1:51</a> so I can still eat it safely?

[@karlamarx5954]

😂

[@CatMasseurWithoutBorder]

As a person who incorrectly thought sunscreen as cosmetic, I realized that our world is basically a better version of a scorch land after this video.

[@billwhite515]

Yes the FDA asks companies to do more research but how much money is pushed to let things thru the cracks? Ex: asbestos, thalidomide, Monsanto weed killers or things like again prescription drugs that make things worse even in countries without dtca? Pinto regulated thru the government and still people died, lead in paints or gasoline not so much anymore but how many lobbyists does it take to get something known to cause problems to get pushed along?

[@molliedawes4808]

This is a video i’ve been waiting for! Thank you for giving us unbiased information on sunscreen!

[@jakeroege]

Cue the reaction video from LabMuffin :) good message, but some details are incorrect especially around reef-safe claims and how mineral sunscreens work 🤷‍♂️

[@Espritlumiere]

Agreed. Hopefully she does a fact checking video.

[@summerrowsell4180]

From a young age in New Zealand, we are taught to always wear sunscreen, especially in summer. We even had rules where if you didn't have your hat on at lunchtime, you would have to stay in the shade or inside because of the hole in the Ozone layer. If I'm outside in summertime without sunscreen on, I'll be burnt in less than an hour, especially at the beach. I actually think Kiwis need to be more cautious of UV rays and sun damage. In every household you go to, there will always be aloe vera gel in the fridge because of the normality of sunburns here.

[@jonathandoreck7467]

When I was in Japan at the beach, the Japanese would always protect themselves from the sun with clothing ,umbrellas, and such. That's why, in my honest opinion, they have beautiful skin and very little skin damage, and they always look so young. Not to mention their diet is also good, that's why they also have a longer life expectancy, unlike here in the US. In the US, we have a tanning culture very bad. Maybe we should take note just saying.

[@kevinyancey958]

Water can reflect a large amount of UV rays, so sunscreen is always better than hats and umbrellas at the beach. And you have to reapply often when you're sweating or playing in water.

[@AddisonSeevers-ug7tz]

you have encouraged me to stay healthy I was so unhealthy before watching you and I have a good feeling that your one of the reasons that I have taken better care of myself thank you doctor mike!

[@ballblaster2000]

Love the upfront honesty.

[@charleslee3676]

If you live in or near a city you are breathing in load of chemicals everyday. Particles from the tires and break pads of vehicles are always shooting off into the air.

[@lool8421]

honestly even reducing the amount of UV radiation by like 50% already makes a big difference like you don't even have to completely avoid sunlight, just don't receive too much of it so your body can reliably outheal any damage, but that already has lots of other factors like your overall lifestyle and other illnesses you're going through

[@hilary2982]

My college roommate had albinism. Course she was a sports medicine major and outside on the field all the time. Her dermatologist advised her to use sunscreen from the EU or Japan if possible. I literally filled an entire suitcase full of sunscreen for her when I visited family in France. Thankfully it's much easier to order it online nowadays.

[@emeryking1739]

A lot of sunscreens are rough for me. I have sensory issues with touch. Luckily I live in the UK where the sun isn't so much of a risk, but I still at the very least use a lotion with SPF 30. I've never heard of sun shirts before though. Definitely something for me to look into!

[@maddie107]

How do you find the aerosol spray mists compare? I have to use a factor 50 on my face after a low grade skin cancer removal (basal cell carcinoma) but don’t particularly like the stickiness of conventional sun tan lotion but have found the aerosol sprays to feel nicer. Ambre Solare sensitive advance my current favourite.

[@nixi-bixi]

​@@maddie107you should check out @labmuffinbeautyscience aka Michelle Wong's video on the different types of sunscreen (lotion/stick/spray etc) cuz spray ended up being the WORST delivery method. She's even done an updated video specifically on spray sunscreen showing HOW BLOODY MUCH you need for it to work and you still have to rub it in with your hands! She's a PhD cosmetic chemist so knows her stuff and Australian and they are seriously affected by skin cancer, 2/3 people are affected there thanks to the former hole in the ozone layer

[@fuyukiakaha476]

Look for UPF rated clothing. My favourite brands are Coolibar and Solbari. Solbari is my favourite (Australian brand) and they have really nice hats as well as cute clothing 😊

[@svettnabb]

As a European, we have very strict regulation of contents of sun screen, we are recommended not to buy sun screen outside of the EU due to what we consider is dangerous levels of unwanted content.

[@addiewithapen]

as someone with albinism, the risk of skin cancer is very real. i would rather wear sunscreen and have to supplement vitamin D elsewhere than develop melanoma. also-blue lizard is the best brand ive ever tried.

[@dustytakitoes9538]

Im loving Doctor mike being active on KZbin more than ever!🙌

[@TheSerpentDK]

There are some sunscreens that have dangerous chemicals, but they aren’t sold in the EU, but there are a lot that have no dangerous chemicals in them and are recommended

[@Nathan119]

As a 16 year old who used to have eczema I have always been careful about my sunscreen choice.

[@adritisengupta]

The introduction, somehow, is enough to convince me that whatever Mikhail is telling, is definitely TRUE

[@danieladmiraal9371]

I've gotten 2nd degree burns from fire on my hands and lower arms. If I don't use sunscreen it gets burned badly within 15 minutes in fair sunlight with strong sunscreen it takes a bit over 45 minutes. I usually use cycling sleeves to cover them if I'm hiking but if i just go outside near my house sunscreen is a must.

[@PapiWilson_]

Can you do one for Coke Zero? Everyone is saying that you can get cancer from it.

"Everyone". Never heard of that one. Just that it supposedly is a very very "acidic acid"… when it's less so than the stuff we carry around in our stomach, where, you know, that Coke lands.

[@stella.r2708]

Oxygen is carcinogenic, wanna stop breathing?

[@victorlinares4137]

It's the artificial sweeteners that are suspected to be carcinogenic by some people. They actually make me dizzy so i stay away from those

[@byuftbl]

There has been research into it, anything completely artificial could potentially be harmful, but there’s also amounts theory….like a Diet Coke every now and then isn’t going to give you cancer, but having several diet cokes a day *could* potentially. The research I believe is still being done and there a controversy as to whether it’s harmful or not.

[@DarkForce2024]

@@victorlinares4137 They do the same to my mom, even in small quantities. Even makes her vision blurry. Kinda scary.

[@natem9080]

I had a professor that talked about the buildup of toxins with a metaphor of a bucket of water. Most things we are exposed to are "so small they won't harm us", but that contributes a few drops to the bucket. Like the quote in the video, the chronic exposure over many years could certainly contribute to harmful health effects.

[@Boglwogle]

Mike you definitely need to react to band of brothers injuries

[@archanag.5757]

Cool to see my grandpa Mike get a feature on a Dr. Mike video 😁😎

[@rage_of_aquarius]

Zinc, y'all. Go reef safe, better for you and better for the world. Also it doesn't feel as nasty and greasy. Can still be non-comedogenic. Some tribes have also used mud, though, which works too.

[@uncleFester0999]

You are the reason I get up every day to go to school so I can graduate and become a doctor

[@cupidre1]

HI DOCTOR MIKE I SAW U IN NEW YORK A FEW YEARS AGO

[@CheckerOmo]

It’s always a good day when Dr. Mike uploads.

[@nyxsphynx]

Ayyy! It's Mike!

[@yassygaming2417]

Ayy

[@BrisaRuiva]

I only wear sunscreen on my face daily 😅. But I don’t have much sun exposure on my daily life, since I stay mostly indoors. I only take direct sun for a few minutes daily to get my vitamin D.

[@SnowyBVROfficial]

MOOOOM!!! DR MIKE POSTED!!!

[@a.schmidt3096]

I really appreciate this nuanced analysis especially putting the risks v benefits into clear perspective. I hope this helps people who have gotten caught up in all of the crazy misinformation out there

[@kamo7293]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="304">5:04</a> as a South Asian living in England... I know I'm not getting g enough vitamin d... my skins too dark for this country😂

[@beatriceengman4916]

When returning from an island tour, the wind on the way back was so bad we had to take down the cloth protecting us from the sun. All we had were bikinis and towels and even though we were hiding under them and had put 50+ sunscreen on, we got burnt because of the water reflecting the sun and the sun was just BURNING. If we hadn't had that sunscreen, I don't know how we would have looked. Never skip applying AND REAPPLYING sunscreen!

[@Xamerax]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="405">6:45</a> dr mike, pls have a collab with labmuffinscience. She has videos on zink sunscreen and how ineffective it is.

[@jenanne31]

Thank you for your science-based, factual info, Doctor Mike. We have way too much misinformation online and we need your common sense approach to help us sort fact from fiction. Thanks!

[@ginny6485]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="66">1:06</a> Incorrect. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens mostly absorb UV rays.

[@joshuagaughan2902]

State a source. Don't just say things at random whether they are true or not. Nobody knows if you know what you're talking about.

[@Espritlumiere]

​@@joshuagaughan2902 you have google. Dr Michelle Wong of Lab Muffin Beauty Science has a tonne of videos and articles on sunscreen, I highly recommend checking out her info 😊

[@nuala562]

i learnt cpr when I was younger than 12 it’s truly a life skill that everyone should learn

[@shannon8254]

Mike, I have been using store bought sunscreen with toxic chemicals for 21 years. My skin is still fine.

[@user-ri3ui4bd3v]

I love how people freak out about sunscreen which is really moisturizer with UV filters. a lot of moisturizers have those same UV filters as preservatives and no one gives a damn

[@DBArtsCreators]

From my own experiences and this video, my takeaway is: * If you aren't going to the beach, use the anti-sun clothing first and foremost. It's more convenient, more pleasant than putting stuff on your skin, and (if the clothing options in the Middle East are anything to go by) can be a lot more comfortable (keeping you cool and probably looking better too). * If you can, avoid being outside or near windows when the sun is at it's strongest (from around 10am to 2pm, or 9am to 3pm if you want to be extra careful). Take care of your activities within the 4pm to 8am time window whenever you can. (Enjoy the sunrise, sunset & moonlight peoples!) * If you can, buy/import your sunscreen from other countries * If you do need sunscreen, go for the mineral ones because they are definitely safer than the chemical ones. And make sure to apply it correctly!

[@ignorasmus]

I grew up in India. I had never really heard of sunscreen or skin cancer until I immigrated to Europe in my late twenties. I always thought the white cricket players were being silly when they played with some kind white stuff spread all over their faces when playing in India. So greatful towards all my ancestors who toiled the fields all day - generation after generation, to give me a healthy dose of melanin in my skin. (I understand that I am not immune to skin cancer totally, but I don't think it is anywhere in the top twenty things I need to worry about, for my health in general.)

[@toseltreps1101]

Melanin = Vitamin D deficiency

[@kingzach74]

Not true. Sun damage leads to cancer period. Indian doctors likely assume one of their Gods was responsible for the deaths of people who got skin cancer. Maybe they didn't pray long enough or hard enough to Vishnu or Shiba (in doctor's minds). So many people from India also don't bother with bathing(or showering), using Anti-Perspirent or so many other hygiene products. Add onto the fact that probably most people in India also don't have air conditioning, wear clothing that covers most of their bodies (especially women), and likely the reason why sunscreen is never used is that they keep much of their bodies covered when in the sun. Regardless, ignoring the damage your skin receives from the sun is deadly and if you're not covered up with a lot of fabric, you should use some form of sunscreen.

[@AlexBesogonov]

India is well away from the ozone-depleted layers. So it doesn't get nearly the same amount of UV-C that Australia does.

[@NoMiddleName2]

I think most common sense people that argue for not using sun lotion (including myself), are not fools who think that extreme sun exposure is harmful. The truth is that the healthiest risk-free thing you can do is just limit your sun exposure. Go out enough to get good exposure for vitamin D production but just make sure your skin gets enough shade that you aren’t burning. Sit under an umbrella for in the shade to keep your skin safe. For me it’s just common sense that you rubbing chemicals on your body is going to cause some unknown complications. The research clearly shows there is potential for some side effects but it is not all conclusive and more needs to be done - so why risk it?

[@NoMiddleName2]

Obviously there are exceptions for people who are forced to be out in the sun a lot for work or other reasons, then sunscreen is better than sizzling yourself