Influencers Aren't Dermatologists: Spotting Skin-Health Misinformation
Social influencers aren't dermatologists; here is how to spot skin-health misinformation and what the actual evidence says about UV and skin cancer.
In an August 2025 article, The Skin Cancer Foundation cited that UV radiation causes about 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas while debunking viral influencer claims that sunscreen is harmful.
The Skin Cancer Foundation cautions that influencers without dermatologic training are amplifying misinformation, and reiterates that the overwhelming majority of skin cancers are linked to UV exposure.
Questions we get a lot
How much skin cancer is caused by UV exposure?
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that UV radiation causes about 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and roughly 86% of melanomas. That makes UV protection one of the most impactful prevention steps available.
Is sunscreen harmful, like some influencers claim?
The Skin Cancer Foundation directly debunked viral influencer claims that sunscreen is harmful. The far better documented harm comes from unprotected UV exposure, which drives the vast majority of skin cancers.
How can I spot skin-health misinformation online?
Check whether the claim aligns with major medical bodies, look for cited evidence rather than personal anecdotes, and be wary of content that frames a proven protective measure as secretly dangerous. The Skin Cancer Foundation's article walks through this dynamic with influencer content.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'How do I tell which skincare accounts actually know what they're talking about versus people just chasing views with scary sunscreen takes?'