Instagram user Dr Deepa Suhag posted a reel claiming that a stronger sunscreen raises the chances of getting skin cancer.
She states that sunscreen ‘actually blocks vitamin D’ and questions why skin cancer rates keep rising despite growing sunscreen sales.
In her caption, she writes that “Vitamin D deficiency is rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of skin cancer” and urges viewers to ‘let your skin get enough sun.’She links this reflection to vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, skin cancer and osteoporosis.
She said, “Claiming that sunscreen itself causes vitamin D deficiency, which then leads to cancer, is scientifically incorrect.”Does sunscreen raise or lower cancer risk?
Vitamin D only helps your body absorb calcium.”She addressed the UVB-blocking claim, too.
She states that UVB rays fall on the skin and act on a type of cholesterol present there. She claims these rays break down that cholesterol and convert it into vitamin D, which then converts into calcium.
Instagram user Dr Deepa Suhag posted a reel claiming that a stronger sunscreen raises the chances of getting skin cancer.
She states that sunscreen ‘actually blocks vitamin D’ and questions why skin cancer rates keep rising despite growing sunscreen sales.
She states that Indian skin contains more melanin and requires less protection. She claims sunscreen stops the skin from signalling overexposure, and sunscreen chemicals enter the bloodstream.
In her caption, she writes that “Vitamin D deficiency is rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of skin cancer” and urges viewers to ‘let your skin get enough sun.’
She links this reflection to vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, skin cancer and osteoporosis. She adds, “The darker your skin is, the greater your requirement for sun exposure.”
She states that a sunscreen, blocking both UVA and UVB rays, stops UVB from penetrating the skin. The rays get reflected instead.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading. Sunscreen does not block UV radiation fully. Studies link low vitamin D levels in Indians to diet, indoor habits and pollution, not sunscreen use. Sunscreen use lowers the risk of skin cancer.
What did Dr Karishni say about sunscreen and vitamin D?
We contacted a dermatologist at Hyderabad-based SkinVive Clinic, Dr C Karishni, to verify these claims.
Dr Karishni told NewsMeter, “It’s not possible to develop vitamin D deficiency simply by using sunscreen because sunscreen does not completely block ultraviolet (UV) radiation.”
She added, “Depending on its SPF and formulation, it only partially blocks UVA and UVB rays. It does not provide 100 per cent protection against UV radiation.”
She stated that vitamin D also comes from dietary sources. She said, “Claiming that sunscreen itself causes vitamin D deficiency, which then leads to cancer, is scientifically incorrect.”
Does sunscreen raise or lower cancer risk?
Dr Karishni stated that sunscreen prevents several types of skin cancer. She said, “It is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of melanoma and other sun-induced skin cancers.”
She pointed to an additional risk group. She said, “It is also an important preventive measure for people with certain genetic photosensitive disorders, in whom sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer.”
She concluded, “People also do not apply sunscreen over their entire body all the time, and no sunscreen blocks 100 per cent of UVB radiation. These kinds of claims are simply creating unnecessary hype and fear around sunscreen.”
What do other dermatologists say?
Dermatologists Dr Shivangi Rana and Dr Anmol Sodhi addressed these claims in their own video responses to the viral reels.
Dr Rana stated, “Vitamin D does not get converted into calcium. Vitamin D only helps your body absorb calcium.”
She addressed the UVB-blocking claim, too. She said, “There is no sunscreen that blocks 100 per cent of UVB rays.” She added that most people apply sunscreen only to their faces and skip their bodies, stating, “Around 90 per cent of people don’t use sunscreen on their bodies at all.”
She cited deficiency data to counter the claim. She said, “Currently, 76 per cent of Indians are vitamin D deficient. I’m sure at least half of those people have never used sunscreen.”
She questioned the calcium link. She asked, “If calcium deficiency really caused skin cancer, don’t you think our population would be much more under control?”
Dr Sodhi responded to the melanin claim in his video. He said, “As Indians, we are definitely blessed. We have more melanin, which gives us some natural protection.” He added, “However, skin ageing and pigmentation still occur.”
