Anti-Sunscreen TikTok Is Convincing Young People

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On July 6, 2026

‘Tis the season for sunscreen misinformation.

The trend of influencers questioning the use of sunscreen and extolling the powers of the sun (and a good tan) is heating up again. They’re seeking out high-UV index days and lathering up in tanning oil. As millennials and Gen Xers, all we can say is, “I think I’ve seen this film before.” And no, we didn’t like the ending — considering that prolonged sun exposure increases your risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging.

While we try not to blame everything on social media around here, there’s no question that #SummerTok has a hand in this trend. In fact, sunscreen videos that contain false information are more popular than you might realize, a recent study found. The misinformation in those videos include everything from unprotected sun exposure being beneficial to sunscreen itself being a carcinogen, disrupting hormones, or containing harmful microplastics. We’ve even come back to that old legend of the “healthy base tan” (which, no, is still not a thing).

The kicker? A majority of TikTok videos about sunscreen actually encourage you to use it. But they don’t get nearly as much engagement as the ones that tell you not to.

We’re now reaping the consequences of those seeds of misinformation. Among Gen Z-ers aged 16 to 29, one-third received a D or F on the American Academy of Dermatology’s sun safety quiz this year. A majority (64 percent) of Gen Zers surveyed said they’d encountered sun misinformation online.

It makes for some interesting myth-busting conversations in doctors’ offices, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, FAAD, of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. “When a young patient comes in with incorrect information about sunscreen, I try to approach them with curiosity to open a conversation rather than create a debate,” Dr. Shah tells SheKnows.

Some of the common myths she hears?

“Sunscreen is toxic.” It’s not. Sunscreen products in the US and abroad are regulated and reviewed for safety.
“People with darker skin don’t need sunscreen.” Not quite, Dr. Shah says. “People with darker skin tones have more natural protection from UV radiation, but they can still experience sun damage and develop skin cancer.”
“Natural oils provide enough sun protection.” Coconut oil, olive oil, or other DIY alternatives don’t provide reliable, broad spectrum UV protection.
“Sunscreen prevents you from getting vitamin D.” You can still maintain health vitamin D levels while using sunscreen, Dr. Shah says, and a 2019 review of the research on this topic concluded that “concerns about vitamin D should not negate skin cancer prevention advice.”
“I don’t have to worry about skin cancer because I’m young.” The hard truth is that damage from UV rays accumulates over time. Your skin is keeping score even during childhood and adolescence; in fact, sun exposure during this time is linked to many skin cancers, Dr. Shah says.

It’s not like skipping sunscreen for tanning is a new trend — far from it. It’s just that this generation of teens is getting their anti-sunscreen propaganda from the shiny new (and very addictive) source of social media, a black box parents really can’t penetrate. So how do you counteract it?

Dr. Shah likes to start by listening and truly understanding why a teen is anti-sunscreen. “It’s important for me to understand their concerns,” she explains, “so I can provide evidence-based information and correct misconceptions without making them feel dismissed.” Her key talking points (which you can absolutely steal) include:

Sunscreen helps prevent skin aging, like wrinkles and sunspots. Gen Z loves their skincare, so this one should resonate.
A tan isn’t a sign of healthy skin. “In reality,” Dr. Shah says, ” a tan is evidence that UV radiation has damaged the skin.” It’s just paving the way for premature aging and skin cancer.
Everyone needs sun protection. Sunscreen isn’t just for the fair-skinned among us. Risk levels may vary, Dr. Shah says, but “no one is completely protected from the effects of the sun.”
“Natural” doesn’t mean safer. “Many social media posts promote oils or homemade products as sunscreen alternatives,” Dr. Shah notes. “Patients should know that products marketed as natural are not necessarily proven to provide reliable UV protection.”
Sunscreen is only one part of it. Sun protection goes far beyond the creams you can rub into your skin. Pair it with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and time in the shade.

It’s also always good to remind teens that sunscreen needs to be reapplied, especially after swimming, sweating, towel-drying, or being outdoors for a long time.

And if all of that sounds like a lot to your sun-loving kid, we get it. Maybe it’s hard to get them to reapply when they’re out jumping in the waves, or to wear a shirt with sleeves when the temperature cranks up above 90. We’re realistic over here! But all of that gets even harder when your teen is prioritizing the words of TikTokers over the advice of their dermatologist — or their mom.

So start by educating yourself on sun safety (the above list is a good start) and modeling those habits yourself. Then, when you talk to your teen about it, “keep the conversation nonjudgmental,” Dr. Shah says. Hear them out, then present your case and highlight the things they’ll care about, whether it’s premature aging or the pain of dealing with sunburn. Hand them a bottle of SPF while you’re at it and remind them they can’t believe everything they hear on TikTok — an evergreen tip if we’ve ever heard one.