Don't be fooled by TikTok: Sunscreen is essential for preventing skin cancer

Sunscreen is an essential barrier between the UV rays from the sun and your skin, so why wouldn't you take the time to lather up before exposing your bare skin to the harmful radiation?

Because TikTok tells us to ditch the sunscreen and go “au naturel” this summer.

According to Dexerto.com, influential content creators are advocating for the no sunscreen cause because they claim that the product could contain chemicals that damage skin or lead to cancer.

The irony is, the influencers' concerns are actually the potential side effects if sunscreen is not applied during days with high UV.

The American Cancer Society website explains that basal cell and squamous cell cancers occur on sun-exposed parts of the body and both cancers are linked to UV ray exposure.

Influencers have garnered millions of views by spreading the “sunscreen bad” message.

“Free skin cancer screening near me” and “How do I know if I have skin cancer” searches rose by 400% and 250%, respectively, according to Dexerto.com.

Glam, a Static Media beauty, lifestyle and fashion site, noted that Google searches for “Does sunscreen cause cancer" surged by 160%.

Dr. Mariano Busso, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in Beverly Hill, does not recommend listening to the influencers and content creators.

He said “seeking health and medical advice from content creators is not a sound way of ascertaining accurate and reliable information and, in fact, can be dangerous."

Busso goes on to say not using sunscreen increases the odds of sun cancer and ages skin at a higher rate.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Sunscreen safety: Don't fall for social media hype, protect your skin