Do sunscreens work?

In recent years, sunscreen has been criticized for being oversold on its ability to protect our skin from ultraviolet radiation. The chief concern is that while sunscreens do protect against UVB, many allow UVA to freely penetrate the skin. However, while not a fault of sunscreen itself, a compounding concern is that the widespread perception that sunscreen is an armor against the sun lulls people into believing that they can spend as long as they want in the sun.

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Do sunscreens work?

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Agree

Experts In Health

US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Government Department

Mostly Agree

[Yes, but] recent research suggests that sunscreen, by itself, is not an adequate strategy for UV protection. Many people use sunscreens if they intend to stay out in the sun for a long period of time, and they reduce the use of other forms of sun protection (e.g., clothing or hats). They thereby receive the same or even a higher amount of UV exposure than they would have obtained during a shorter stay with no sunscreen.

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01 Dec 2004 Source

Disagree

Experts In Health

Frank Garland Professor of Medicine

Mostly Disagree

Sunscreens suppress natural warnings of overexposure to the sun and allow excessive exposure to wavelengths of sunlight which they do not block. Because sunscreens create a false sense of security, more effective measures to reduce sunlight exposure, such as limiting time spent in the sun or use of hats and clothing, may be ignored.

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01 Apr 1992 Source

Rober J. Davis Medical Journalist

Mostly Disagree

[Sunscreen] has been shown to protect against sunburn and squamous cell (cancer). But there isn't conclusive evidence it will protect against melanoma. ... The way sunscreen should be explained to consumers is as a second line of defense (against skin cancer) after taking steps to minimize your time in the sun, especially during peak hours, and to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing.

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01 May 2009 Source

Experts In Science

Scientific American Magazine

Mostly Disagree

Yet while most sunscreens block out at least some UVB radiation, many don’t screen UVA rays at all, making their use risky. According to the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), by far most of the commercially available sunscreens do not provide adequate protection against the sun’s harmful UV radiation and may also contain chemicals with questionable safety records.

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22 Jul 2008 Source

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