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Two anti-sunscreen claims you can forget about

Two anti-sunscreen claims you can forget about

Let’s clear this up once and for all

Sunscreen gets a bad rap in some corners of the internet.

It’s been blamed for everything from blocking vitamin D to messing with your hormones.

But when you strip away the noise and look at the science, the truth is pretty simple:
Sunscreen is safe. And it works.

Let’s bust two of the most common myths—backed by real research, not social media guesswork.

Claim 1: “Sunscreen blocks vitamin D”

This one sounds logical:
Sunscreen blocks UVB. UVB helps your skin make vitamin D.
So surely sunscreen blocks vitamin D?

Well, no. That’s not what the science says.

Let’s talk about a study that gets quoted a lot—a Swedish observational study from 2016. It found that women who avoided the sun had higher all-cause mortality than those who didn’t.

The internet took this and ran with it: “See? The sun is good for you! Sunscreen’s bad!”

But here’s what that study didn’t explain:

  • It was observational, not experimental. It showed correlation, not causation.
  • It only looked at Swedish women—not the general population.
  • It didn’t account for things like outdoor exercise, diet, supplement use or overall health.

So what’s really going on?

  • Most people don’t use enough sunscreen to fully block UVB.
  • You make vitamin D at much lower UV levels than it takes to burn.
  • Real-world research shows sunscreen doesn’t cause vitamin D deficiency.

As Professor Antony Young (St John’s Institute of Dermatology) explains:

“Sunscreens may reduce vitamin D synthesis, but regular sub-erythemal solar exposure—with or without sunscreen—is likely to be sufficient to maintain optimal vitamin D status.”

If you’re concerned about vitamin D, speak to your GP or consider a supplement. But don’t bin the sunscreen (unless it’s expired).

Claim 2: “Chemical sunscreens disrupt your hormones”

This one sounds scary—but it doesn’t hold up.

It’s based on lab studies where animals were force-fed massive doses of UV filters like oxybenzone. That’s nothing like applying sunscreen to your skin.

Here’s what matters:

  • In the EU and UK, sunscreen actives are strictly regulated.
  • No hormone disruption has ever been proven in humans using normal amounts.
  • Dermatologists and toxicologists agree: the current filters are safe.

Even the “chemical vs mineral” debate is flawed. As Prof Young says:

“The terms ‘chemical’ and ‘physical’ sunscreens are misleading. Inorganic filters like zinc oxide absorb UV radiation more than they reflect it. All UV filters are chemicals.”

And just so you know: At LifeJacket, we don’t use oxybenzone. Our SPF 50+ products use modern, high-performing, EU-approved filters that are:

  • Broad-spectrum
  • Non-greasy
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Sweat and water-resistant
  • Built for real life

What we should be worried about

While we’re busy second-guessing sunscreen, UV radiation is doing real, long-term damage. Here’s what the science says:

  • UV is a proven human carcinogen
  • Up to 90% of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure
  • UVA makes up 95% of the UV we’re exposed to—and it penetrates glass and clouds
  • Three sunburns in your life can double your risk of melanoma
  • Up to 85% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV

What you can do instead of worrying

✅ Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+
✅ Apply it every day, not just on holiday
✅ Reapply every two hours or after sweating/swimming
✅ Wear UPF 50+ clothing if you’re outside for hours
✅ Do regular skin checks – or use our partner Map My Mole

Final word

We get it—there’s a lot of confusion out there. But the science is clear:

  • Sunscreen is safe
  • It doesn’t mess with your hormones
  • It doesn’t block vitamin D
  • It does help prevent skin cancer

So don’t fall for the noise. Wear the gear. Use the SPF. Take life outside—and protect your skin while you do it.

Sources and further reading:
(1) Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, 2010
(2) Pleasance ED, Cheetham RK, Stephens PJ, et al. A comprehensive catalogue of somatic mutations from a human cancer genome. Nature 2009; 463:191-196
(3) Pfahlberg A, Kölmel KF, Gefeller O. Timing of excessive ultraviolet radiation and melanoma: epidemiology does not support the existence of a critical period of high susceptibility to solar ultraviolet radiation-induced melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2001; 144:3:471-475
(4) Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol 2011 Jan 20; 29(3):257-63. Epub 2010 Dec 6