Her Health: Experts warn against dangerous ‘Anti-SPF’ trend on social media

Creators on TikTok have been suggesting that SPF isn't a necessary step in our skincare routines

However, a recent trend has popped up on TikTok in which people are starting to question whether or not SPF is necessary to use.

#NoSunscreen and #AntiSunscreen have gained millions of views on the app, with various users warning against the supposed dangers of SPF.

For example, many have suggested that eating certain foods with Omega 3 will have the same effect as using suncream:

"Get your essential vitamins, don't be scared of the sun, don't put toxic chemicals on your skin," one user said.

Another wrote ,"Our grandparents never wore sunscreen and they were half as likely to get skin and colon cancer as we are."

People also believe that the chemicals in SPF disrupt hormone levels and can cause breakouts and other complications.

Different types of SPF

SPF can come in two forms - chemical and mineral. Chemical suncream works by absorbing into the skin and then absorbing UV rays.

It converts the UV rays into heat and releases it from the body, which protects our skin from the sun.

However, mineral SPF reflects UV rays instead of absorbing them.

Expert Michelle Ryan told VIP that the "chemical filters used in SPF are highly regulated by the EU and in order to use chemical filters they have to be tested and used at a certain percentage to be safe."

According to Michelle Ryan, most of what people are saying is based on their personal opinion and not science.

The risks

According to the Irish Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. 13,000 cases are diagnosed each year, with nine out of 10 cases caused by UV rays.

"Skin cancer can happen at any age, and the majority of melanoma cases diagnosed are in women in their late 20s and early 30s," Ryan says.

The HSE recommends keeping an eye on your skin and being aware of any changes to moles or freckles.

Wearing SPF and protective clothing is crucial to prevent sun damage, even if it's not particularly sunny.

The harmful TikTok trend is certainly one that needs to be avoided at all costs.

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