Sunscreen, Sunlight & Skin Health: Has the Conversation Changed?
- Bree M
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
Some recent observational studies have found that people who use sunscreen regularly have higher rates of skin cancer compared with people using sunscreen less often. That can be cause for confusion as it appears to counter everything we’ve ever been taught.
As with many health topics, the best approach is nuanced and deserves discussion.
Being passionate about health and skin health —not just appearance—I think it's important to look at the latest evidence with an open mind, while avoiding fear or extremes.
What do the studies show?
Sunscreen itself has not been shown to increase skin cancer risk. Instead, the relationship is likely influenced by many factors.
One of the most interesting developments is new research looking at vitamin D.
A large Australian clinical trial (the Sun-D Trial) found that participants instructed to apply SPF50+ sunscreen routinely for a year had significantly lower vitamin D levels and were more likely to become vitamin D deficient than those using sunscreen at their discretion.
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis reached a similar conclusion.
Why might sunscreen users sometimes appear to have more skin cancer?
There are several possible explanations.
1. The people at highest risk are the people most likely to wear sunscreen
Fair-skinned people, those with a history of skin cancer, outdoor workers, surfers, sailors and people who spend lots of time outdoors are naturally more likely to wear sunscreen.
In other words, they're already receiving much higher lifetime UV exposure than the average person.
2. Sunscreen can create a false sense of security
People wearing sunscreen may stay outside much longer than they otherwise would because they feel protected.
SPF is not an unlimited licence to stay in the sun. Even high-SPF sunscreen gradually wears off through sweating, swimming, rubbing, inadequate application and simply the passage of time.
3. Vitamin D may play a larger role than we realised
Vitamin D isn't just important for healthy bones. It's involved in immune regulation, inflammation, normal cell growth and many mechanisms involved in detecting and removing abnormal cells.
Emerging research suggests that consistently blocking UV exposure with very diligent sunscreen use may reduce vitamin D production enough to increase the risk of deficiency in some people which may lower the immune response and impair natural cancer suppression.
4. Questions remain about some chemical UV filters
Modern Australian sunscreen ingredients are well regulated, although the recent recall of numerous brands (including my favourite Aspect Tinted SPF) showed that standards can slip in production.
However, some chemical UV filters—particularly oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and homosalate—have attracted attention because they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and have shown endocrine-disrupting activity in laboratory studies. Regulatory authorities continue to review their safety and permitted concentrations.
This is one reason many practitioners (myself included) prefer mineral sunscreens as the first choice whenever practical.
So what does this mean for those of us living in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest UV indexes in the world. That means we need to be sensible. I don't believe the answer is to avoid the sun completely or to intentionally bake in the middle of summer without protection. Instead, the healthiest approach is to respect both the benefits and the risks of sunlight.
My practical approach to healthy sun exposure
☀️ Cover up first
If you're going to be outside during peak UV times, protective clothing is fantastic.
Wide-brimmed hats and lightweight natural fibres such as linen or cotton provide excellent protection without relying solely on sunscreen, particularly for the body.
☀️ Choose mineral sunscreen where possible
When sunscreen is needed, I generally recommend mineral (physical) sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
These sit on the skin's surface and reflect or scatter UV light, as opposed to chemical filters which absorb the UV energy and into the molecule. I personally feel that for melasma prone skin especially, I’d rather the UV heat be deflected rather than held on the skin surface.
They're also usually better tolerated by sensitive or post-treatment skin.
☀️ Reserve chemical sunscreens for when they're most useful
Chemical sunscreens certainly have a place.
If you're swimming, hiking, playing sport or expecting prolonged sun exposure where frequent reapplication isn't practical, they may be an appropriate option because many formulations feel lighter and are generally water resistant for 4hrs, double compared to mineral.
For high-exposure days, they can be a very useful tool.
☀️ Don't forget your Vitamin D
Consider having your vitamin D levels checked periodically —especially if you work indoors, wear sunscreen every day or avoid the sun.
Aim to obtain regular gentle morning or late afternoon sun exposure when appropriate for your skin type and consider supplementation if your levels are low.
☀️ Build healthy sun tolerance gradually
Our skin isn't designed to live in complete darkness.
Gentle, progressive exposure outside peak UV periods may allow the skin to adapt naturally over time while avoiding burns. The key word is gentle. If your skin begins turning pink or feels like it is burning, hop out of the sun immediately. Sunburn is never the goal.
One important exception…
If you've recently had a professional skin treatment such as:
chemical peels
microneedling
microchanneling
laser
IPL
plasma fibroblast treatment
or other resurfacing procedures,
then protecting your skin from UV exposure during healing is absolutely essential.
Freshly treated skin is significantly more vulnerable to pigmentation, inflammation and damage. During this healing phase, diligent sun protection is non-negotiable.
Wrapping it up
For me, both sunlight and sunscreen are essential.
✔ Enjoy sensible amounts of gentle sunlight.
✔ Avoid burning.
✔ Cover up during peak UV.
✔ Choose mineral sunscreen whenever practical.
✔ Use stronger sun protection when prolonged exposure is unavoidable.
✔ Keep an eye on your vitamin D.
Health rarely comes from extremes—and sunlight is no exception.
For a beautiful everyday mineral sunscreen, my current recommendation is the Pro Paira Reflekta Physical Fluid SPF50+.
For a hybrid of chemical filters and mineral tint, my recommendation for extended sunny activities is the Pro Paira Tinted Sunscreen Very High Protection SPF50+.
Comments