The Ordre des chimistes du Québeche, a regulatory body in Quebec in Canada, recently issued a strong warning against the worrying social media trend. 

By First Check Team

As temperatures rise globally, so does the misinformation about sunscreen on social media platforms. The Ordre des chimistes du Québeche, a regulatory body in Quebec in Canada, tasked with supervising the practice of chemistry and protecting the public, recently issued a strong warning against this worrying trend. 

“Influencers are spreading false and misleading information about sunscreen, claiming that its ingredients are harmful to the skin. These claims, which are devoid of scientific basis, could endanger public health,” read the official statement.

These influencers, while having a large audience and considerable persuasive power, generally do not have the scientific expertise needed to assess chemicals and their safety. “It is crucial that the public turn to reliable and recognized sources of information, including qualified professionals and scientific institutions. The public, for its part, is encouraged to exercise critical thinking when faced with information circulating online,” noted the statement.

Online misinformation about sunscreens is not a new phenomenon. However, the rate at which these false, unscientific narratives are spreading and endangering the health and well-being of countless people is alarming. It’s important to remember that sunscreens cut the risk of skin cancer.

“Sunscreens are developed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredients, whether mineral or chemical, work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV rays. Scientific research demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of these ingredients when used as directed. It is concerning to see pseudo-experts encouraging the population to forgo sunscreen, thereby increasing the risks of skin cancer and other damage caused by UV rays,” said Michel Alsayegh, President of The Ordre des chimistes du Québeche. 

“Sharing unverified information can have significant consequences for public health. The Order calls for responsible use of social media platforms and encourages influencers to seek information from reliable scientific sources before disseminating opinions on health topics for which they have no qualifications,” he further added.

Read More : Fact-check: Sunscreens don’t cause cancer