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Diseases

Sun or sunscreen—which really harms the skin and heart?

Sources: 12 · Article: 14 213 characters

Nathan S. Bryan claims that sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but not UVA rays, and that some of their ingredients may disrupt hormone function.

  • He also warns that too much sun exposure can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer; severe sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma.
  • Bryan recommends moderation, because both too little and too much sun can be harmful.
  • Jerzy Jaśkowski claims that the sun causes squamous cell carcinoma and warns against sunscreens.

What the authors write

Nathan S. Bryan

Too much sun exposure can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

„The risks of sunlight are from overexposure that can cause skin damage and, in some cases, lead to increased risk of dermal cancers. Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns can raise the risk of developing melanoma.”The risks of sunlight are from overexposure that can cause skin damage and, in some cases, lead to increased risk of dermal cancers. Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns can raise the risk of developing melanoma.
Sun Light or Sunscreen? The Decision Could Affect Your Health
Nathan S. Bryan

Long-term exposure is mainly linked to two types of skin cancer, while severe sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma.

„Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns can raise the risk of developing melanoma. The lists of benefits are more numerous that the potential risks. However, sunlight exposure has been demonized over the past few decades and we are trained by the media and companies that sell sunscreen that we should always use sunscreen when going outside.”Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns can raise the risk of developing melanoma. The lists of benefits are more numerous that the potential risks. However, sunlight exposure has been demonized over the past few decades and we are trained by the media and companies that sell sunscreen that we should always use sunscreen when going outside.
Sun Light or Sunscreen? The Decision Could Affect Your Health
Nathan S. Bryan

Nathan S. Bryan recommends moderation, because both too little and too much sun exposure can be harmful.

„So how do we manage sun exposure and balance the health risks of sunburn vs the health benefits of sunlight exposure? This is no different than any other health modality, it comes down to everything in moderation. Too little can be bad, and too much can be bad.”So how do we manage sun exposure and balance the health risks of sunburn vs the health benefits of sunlight exposure? This is no different than any other health modality, it comes down to everything in moderation. Too little can be bad, and too much can be bad.
Sunlight vs. Sunscreen: The Benefits of Sun Exposure and Why You Should Reconsider Sunblock
Nathan S. Bryan

Nathan S. Bryan claims that sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but not UVA rays, and that some of their ingredients may disrupt hormone function.

„Sunscreens contain chemicals that shield users from the UVB rays that cause sunburn but not the UVA rays that cause skin cancer. Even today, SPF ratings refer only to UVB rays, so many users may be absorbing far more UVA radiation than they realize. Meanwhile, many common sunscreen ingredients have been found to be hormone disruptors that can be detected in users’ blood and breast milk.”Sunscreens contain chemicals that shield users from the UVB rays that cause sunburn but not the UVA rays that cause skin cancer. Even today, SPF ratings refer only to UVB rays, so many users may be absorbing far more UVA radiation than they realize. Meanwhile, many common sunscreen ingredients have been found to be hormone disruptors that can be detected in users’ blood and breast milk.
Sunlight vs. Sunscreen: The Benefits of Sun Exposure and Why You Should Reconsider Sunblock
Nathan S. Bryan

Nathan S. Bryan claims that sunscreen use has increased, as has the incidence of skin cancer, but this does not directly prove that one causes the other.

„The data clearly show that although sunscreen use has increased since the 1930s the incidence and prevalence of skin cancer is on the rise. Does this sound similar to the increased adoption of yearly breast mammograms and the increased incidence of breast cancer?”The data clearly show that although sunscreen use has increased since the 1930s the incidence and prevalence of skin cancer is on the rise. Does this sound similar to the increased adoption of yearly breast mammograms and the increased incidence of breast cancer?
Sun Light or Sunscreen? The Decision Could Affect Your Health
Jerzy Jaśkowski

Jerzy Jaśkowski claims that solar radiation causes squamous cell carcinoma, but that no studies confirm a link between it and melanoma.

„It is true that marketing specialists have changed their approach and now frighten people with melanoma rather than ordinary cancer, even though there are no studies confirming a link between solar radiation and melanoma. Solar radiation causes only squamous cell carcinoma, which is easy to treat.”Co prawda specjaliści od marketingu zmienili zasadę i straszą obecnie czerniakiem, a nie zwykłym rakiem, chociaż nie ma żadnych badań potwierdzających związek promieniowania słonecznego z czerniakiem. Promieniowanie słoneczne powoduje tylko raka płaskonabłonkowego, który jest łatwy do leczenia.
Słoneczny dar natury - witamina D3
Jerzy Jaśkowski

Jerzy Jaśkowski warns that sunscreens may cause cancer and claims that olive oil is better.

„As early as 1990, people were warned not to use suntan lotions, especially on children, because they could cause cancer. The filters they contain are a fiction—rubbing on ordinary olive oil gives much better results and is not harmful. People also began talking about the ozone hole and saying that we needed to wear sunglasses with a special filter, because otherwise radiation could harm our eyes.”Już w 1990 roku informowano, aby nie stosować kremów do opalania, zwłaszcza u dzieci, bo mogą one powodować raka. Zawarte w nich fi ltry to fi kcja – posmarowanie się zwykłą oliwką daje znacznie lepsze efekty i nie jest szkodliwe. Zaczęto opowiadać też o dziurze ozonowej i informować, że trzeba nosić okulary przeciwsłoneczne ze specjalnym fi ltrem, bo inaczej promieniowanie może być szkodliwe dla naszych oczu.
Choroby jatrogenne
Jerzy Jaśkowski

Jerzy Jaśkowski encourages people to get sun exposure, claiming that it helps the body produce vitamin D3 and dismissing warnings about cancer.

„Like it or not, we therefore have to sunbathe and ignore reports that the sun causes cancer. Women who want to become pregnant or are pregnant in particular should have a vitamin D3 level of at least 100–120 ng. It is worth having these women get blood counts, iron, and 25 OHD tested every month (because of fetal growth).”Chcąc nie chcąc musimy się więc opalać i nie słuchać doniesień, że słońce powoduje raka. Szczególnie kobiety chcące zajść w ciążę lub będące w ciąży powinny posiadać poziom witaminy D3 w ilości co najmniej 100 – 120 ng. Warto, aby te kobiety wykonywały badania: morfologię, żelazo i 25 OHD co miesiąc (w związku ze wzrostem płodu).
Słoneczny dar natury - witamina D3
Jan Jaśkowski

Jan Jaśkowski says that under certain conditions, sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D3.

„For the body to reach an optimal vitamin D3 concentration of 60–80 ng/ml in the blood on its own through sun exposure, the following conditions must be met: At least 50% of the skin’s surface is exposed to the sun, for at least 20 minutes, between 11:00 and 13:00, on a sunny summer day.”Aby organizm mógł samodzielnie osiągnąć optymalne stężenie 60–80 ng/ml witaminy D3 we krwi za pomocą ekspozycji na słońce, musimy spełnić następujące warunki: wystawiamy na słońce co najmniej 50% powierzchni skóry, przez minimum 20 minut, w godzinach 11:00–13:00, w letni, słoneczny dzień.
Jaka dawka witaminy D3 jest bezpieczna? — Zdrowe Porady
Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański claims that some plant extracts may protect the skin from UV rays.

„They also improve blood and lymph circulation in the skin, which is beneficial. Catechins and phenolic acids from caffeine-containing raw materials also inhibit melanogenesis, which may prevent skin discoloration. Extracts from guarana, cola, mate, and tea protect the skin from UV rays.”Poprawiają również krążenie krwi i limfy w skórze, co jest korzystne. Katechiny i fenolokwasy z surowców kofeinowych hamują też procesy melanogenezy, przez co mogą zapobiegać powstawaniu przebarwień na skórze. Wyciagi z guarany, cola, mate i herbaty chronią skórę przez promieniami UV.
Semen Colae i kofeina w lekach i suplementach

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 1.

A review found mixed results on sunlight exposure and mortality; many studies linked it to higher mortality from skin cancer.

Aim of the study: Current sun safety advice focuses on minimizing exposure to sunlight, due to the relationship between ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. However, sunlight also has beneficial effects, and there are calls for guidance to reflect these alongside the harmful effects. To examine the net effect of harmful and beneficial aspects, we aimed to determine the association between sunlight exposure and all-cause mortality.

Results: The search identified 73 eligible articles, with 55 included in the narrative synthesis. Methods of measuring sunlight exposure comprised radiation, proxy measures of radiation (e.g., latitude) and behaviour associated with sunlight exposure. The evidence was mixed. While most studies of skin cancer mortality found a higher risk associated with more exposure to sunlight, many studies of other cancers reported lower associated risk. Evidence for all-cause mortality was mixed, as were findings for cardiovascular mortality. Results were subject to high risk of bias, largely due to the likelihood of uncontrolled confounding and the use of indirect measures of sunlight exposure. There were insufficient data regarding any differential effects of sunlight on mortality for those of different skin types/colours or ethnicity.

The effects of sunlight exposure on mortality: a systematic review of epidemiological studies. · NIHR Open Res 2025
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Evidence Synthesis Programme
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review of the evidence indicates that UV radiation causes most skin cancers in people with fair skin and recommends sun protection.

Aim of the study: Cancers of the skin are the most commonly occurring cancers in humans. In fair-skinned populations, up to 95% of keratinocyte skin cancers and 70-95% of cutaneous melanomas are caused by ultraviolet radiation and are thus theoretically preventable.

Results: Intentional exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation for the purpose of sunbathing and tanning is considered an unhealthy behaviour and should be avoided. Similarly, use of solaria and other artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation to encourage tanning should be strongly discouraged, through regulation if necessary. Primary prevention of skin cancer has a positive return on investment. We encourage policymakers to communicate these messages to the general public and promote their wider implementation.

Skin cancers are the most frequent cancers in fair-skinned populations, but we can prevent them. · Eur J Cancer 2024
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review indicates that regular sunscreen use is not associated with vitamin D deficiency, and that vitamin D can be obtained through diet or supplements.

Aim of the study: Investigations have revealed that vitamin D plays an important role in many areas of health and disease. Questions over whether sun avoidance and sunscreen use will decrease vitamin D levels may concern clinicians when counseling patients at risk for vitamin D insufficiency.

Results: Review of the literature indicates that adequate vitamin D intake is associated with decreased risk of falls and bone fractures in the elderly, breast and gastrointestinal cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, and possibly all cause mortality, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. While skin type does affect vitamin D levels, regular use of sunscreen is not associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Adequate intake of vitamin D is important for maintenance of good health, and may be achieved through diet and oral supplementation. Intentional or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light should not be used as a means of obtaining vitamin D.

Vitamin D in health and disease. · Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2010
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review indicates that normal sunscreen use did not reduce vitamin D synthesis, and recommends getting vitamin D from food or supplements rather than through prolonged UV exposure.

Aim of the study: The topic of vitamin D is at the forefront of discussions due to evidence suggesting its role in extra-skeletal health. It is already established that vitamin D plays a key role in skeletal health in young and elderly adults.

Results: Normal usage of sunscreen by adults has not shown to decrease cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. Recommended Daily Allowance for vitamin D, released in 2010, was based on studies examining skeletal effects of this vitamin. Oral intake with vitamin d-enriched foods or vitamin D supplements is recommended over prolonged ultraviolet exposure to maintain proper serum levels. Patients should not be discouraged from normal usage of sunscreens due to their well-established photoprotective effects.

Photoprotection and vitamin D: a review. · Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2014
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review indicates that daily sunscreen use reduces actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in high-risk groups.

Aim of the study: Background: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide. Although photoprotection is the cornerstone of skin cancer prevention, evidence regarding the role of other radiations different from the ultraviolet radiation and the efficacy of sunscreens, oral supplements, DNA-repair enzymes, and antioxidants continues to evolve.

Results: Topical and especially oral nicotinamide demonstrate chemopreventive potential in immunocompetent patients. Vulnerable populations-including transplant recipients, XP patients, individuals with albinism, and outdoor workers-require tailored photoprotection strategies with demonstrated benefit. Conclusions: Photoprotection extends far beyond UV filters, encompassing biological ingredients, antioxidants, oral supplements, and broad-spectrum strategies that target the full exposome. Comprehensive, behaviour-based photoprotection programmes are essential for high-risk groups.

Photoprotection for Skin Cancer: What's New. · Cancers (Basel) 2026
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Aragon Research Group B59-23D Photobiology and Dermatology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III MINECO and Feder Funds
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Perspectives and opinion materials

The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„The way to take advantage of the sun as a source of vitamin D is to expose as much of the body as possible without sunscreen near solar noon, the time when one's shadow is shorter than one's height, for 10-30 minutes depending on skin pigmentation, being careful not to turn pink or red or burn. African-Americans should consider taking 3000 International Units (IU) per day while White-Americans should consider taking 2000 IU/day. The current dietary guideline, approximately 400 IU/day, was based on the amount of vitamin D in a spoonful of cod liver oil, which prevented rickets. There are few adverse effects of vitamin D.”The way to take advantage of the sun as a source of vitamin D is to expose as much of the body as possible without sunscreen near solar noon, the time when one's shadow is shorter than one's height, for 10-30 minutes depending on skin pigmentation, being careful not to turn pink or red or burn. African-Americans should consider taking 3000 International Units (IU) per day while White-Americans should consider taking 2000 IU/day. The current dietary guideline, approximately 400 IU/day, was based on the amount of vitamin D in a spoonful of cod liver oil, which prevented rickets. There are few adverse effects of vitamin D.
Official Recommended Intake for Vitamin D is Too Low

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