Why this myth is dangerous – and what really protects

With the professional support of Dr. Thomas Cierpka, specialist in general medicine and sports medicine

A dangerous myth is currently circulating on social media: that sunscreen causes skin cancer. However, the exact opposite is true. According to the Oncology Guidelines Program, sunscreens are among the most important protective measures against skin cancer. as numerous medical studies and professional societies have been emphasizing for years.

Nevertheless, uncertainty prevails – triggered by half-truths, isolated debates about filters, and sensationalist headlines. We therefore want to clarify: Where do these rumors come from? What's true – and what isn't? And what does modern sun protection look like today?

"The skin never forgets - sun protection is and remains the crucial aspect of prevention."
– Dr. Thomas Cierpka, Specialist in General Medicine, Sports Medicine

The facts: UV radiation is the main cause

According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, the intensity of UV radiation varies depending on latitude, season, and time of day. It is particularly high near the equator, in summer, and at midday. Weather also plays a role: Dense clouds can block up to 90% of UV radiation, while light cloud cover or fog can even intensify the radiation.

According to the German Cancer Aid, UV radiation is the most significant cause of skin cancer. In Germany, approximately 372,000 people develop skin cancer every year. Many cases could be prevented if consistent sun protection were part of everyday life.

What sunscreen really does – and what it doesn't

Modern sunscreens contain UVA and UVB filters that absorb or reflect sunlight. Some older chemical filters – such as oxybenzone or octocrylene – have occasionally been criticized. However, in the EU, all filters are rigorously tested for skin compatibility, hormonal effects, and safety.

"The guidelines are being reviewed more meticulously than ever before."
– Dr. Thomas Cierpka, Specialist in General Medicine, Sports Medicine

That's why at newkee we consciously focus on a new generation of sun protection:

✅ Modern chemical filters – without octocrylene or oxybenzone
✅ SPF 50 or 50+ – for maximum protection
✅ Vegan, microplastic-free, fragrance-free & paraben-free
✅ Dermatologically tested – suitable for sensitive skin

Why skin cancer is still increasing

The increase in skin cancer cases is not due to sunscreen , but to:

• More outdoor activities & UV exposure
• Tanning ideals – often without protection
• Increasing life expectancy : Skin cancer usually occurs in old age.
• Improved diagnostics – more cases are detected earlier.

Protect yourself properly – here's how

Sunscreen alone is not enough – but it is a key component. Important:

☀️ Use daily – even on cloudy days or in the shade
☀️ Use sufficient dosage – approx. 2 mg/cm² (3–4 tablespoons for the body)
☀️ Reapply cream every 2 hours , especially after swimming or sweating.
☀️ Use SPF 50 or 50+ , especially if you have fair or sensitive skin.

"For the top athletes I coach, this is a matter of course."
Dr. Thomas Cierpka, specialist in general medicine, sports medicine

Conclusion: Sun protection is a must, not an option.

Anyone who claims sunscreen is dangerous is ignoring current scientific knowledge – and, in the worst case, endangering their own health. Sunscreen protects against skin cancer, not the other way around . The key is to use modern, skin-friendly formulations – which are readily available today.

Our recommendation: Don't rely on myths. Rely on facts.
And: On your sunscreen – for example, our newkee daily sunscreen 50+.

Sources:

Federal Office for Radiation Protection. (2025). Introduction to UV Protection . Retrieved on July 10, 2025, from https://www.bfs.de/DE/themen/opt/uv/einfuehrung/einfuehrung_node.html
German Cancer Aid. (n.d.). Skin cancer . Retrieved on July 10, 2025 from https://www.krebshilfe.de/informieren/ueber-krebs/krebsarten/hautkrebs/
Guidelines Program Oncology (German Cancer Society, German Cancer Aid, AWMF): S3 Guideline Prevention of Skin Cancer, Short Version 2.1, 2021, AWMF Registration Number: 032/052OL, https://www.leitlinienprogrammonkologie.de/leitlinien/hautkrebs-praevention/ (accessed on: 10.07.2025)
Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and NonFood Products (SCCNFP). (2001.). Opinion on the evaluation of potentially estrogenic effects of UV filters . European Commission. Retrieved on July 10, 2025, from https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/opinions/sccnfp_opinions_97_04/sccp_out145_en.htm
Zhou, L., Zhong, Y., Han, L., Xie, Y., & Wan, M. (2025). Global, regional, and national trends in the burden of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer: insights from the global burden of disease study 1990–2021 . Scientific Reports, 15 , Article 5996.