Do you think Sunscreen is a scam?

[Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 11:50
Last edited 29/10/2021 - 10:32

I have not seen any black or brown guy getting skin cancer. Melanin is a natural sunscreen. People who live in sunny areas evolved to have more melanin so that it protects them from constant exposure to the sun. Where people from northern latitudes evolved lighter skin so that they can absorb more sunlight. There are people like world-famous surfer Laird Hamilton who stays in sun all the time without any sunscreen and white and is perfectly healthy. Is diet causing skin cancer for some white people, where the skin is their weakest part? I heard the argument that in Australia there is no ozone layer, and it causes skin cancer. Which is completely false. Personally, I never used sunscreen, and I will be in sun a lot of time. What do you think?

Edit: My theory is that people of color getting skin cancer from sun exposure is almost zero. Skin is an organ same as the liver or lungs. Most people in this modern age are eating a Junk diet. Once you screw your body to a point of no return, your body starts to become dysfunctional. After that, some cells will start mutating and your body can no longer repair. Cancer starts forming. It can start in any organ. For example, my Aunt never smoked and was never exposed to passive smoking. But she died of lung cancer. As I told skin is an organ as well and white people's weakest link in the body is their skin because of very little melanin. Cancer can start in their skin. You can also see skin cancer deaths have increased significantly since 1970 in the UK where Sun doesn't shine too bright.

I love science. Science is wrong many times. The most recent blunder is Margarine. A few years back US FDA banned it because it is loaded with trans fat. But years prior to that it was considered as the holy grail for heart disease. And there are well-known blunders like doctors advertising cigarettes.

PS: I am not targeting anyone personally. But some people are assuming they are smart by using expletives. I am just posting my view.

Poll Options

  • 33
    Yes
  • 1208
    No
Health & Beauty Sun Protection Sunscreen

closed Comments

          • Tech5 on 27/10/2021 - 13:57
            +4

            @[Deactivated]: Doesn't prove your point that sunscreen does not prevent sunburn or cancer. The causative relationship between the two have been well established.

            • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:04
              -1

              @Tech5: Sunscreen may prevent sun burns, but will it prevent skin cancer? Ask scrimshaw whether he applied sun screen before getting skin cancer as he mentioned in previous comment he survived skin cancer.

              • Tech5 on 27/10/2021 - 14:13
                +1

                @[Deactivated]: Nothing prevents cancer. Many things reduce the risk of cancer. Read my other post about stochastic effects and learn yourself. You are still using single examples as representative of risks in general.

                • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:47
                  +1

                  @Tech5: Exactly, sunscreen isn't developed to stop you getting cancer but it is a preventative tool when used which lowers your risk %. Also it's helped me not get sunburnt before so idk why OP even posted this thread lol. Troll?

      • FoxJump on 28/10/2021 - 06:37

        Dunno if it's dangerous. All I know is sunburn hurts and sunblock stops it.

  • Bid Sniper on 27/10/2021 - 13:40
    +1

    This is a really a Facebook "discussion"

    • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 13:53

      I am not denying Sun damages skin. But the body can repair itself. In this case, it's continuous and long-term exposure where don't have time to repair. In the end did it caused cancer?

      • Ughhh on 27/10/2021 - 19:24
        +5

        In this case, it's continuous and long-term exposure where don't have time to repair.

        What is it called when the DNA/cells that have been damaged by the sun don't repair to what it should be and start multiplying uncontrollably?

        • ThadtheChad on 28/10/2021 - 00:30

          What is it called when the DNA/cells that have been damaged by the sun don't repair to what it should be and start multiplying uncontrollably?

          Thank you!

  • tap on 27/10/2021 - 13:53

    What

  • RSmith on 27/10/2021 - 13:54
    +1

    Sunscreen is a scam and Parle G is poison. I have read it all.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 13:55

      Yeah I know, you have a great will

      • RSmith on 27/10/2021 - 13:56

        And a great wall… Car that is.

  • dylo on 27/10/2021 - 13:59
    +1

    Lockdown has ended OP , you're allowed outside for some fresh air (just remember to apply Sunscreen)

    • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:01

      I don't apply Sunscreen. I never did. That's my personal opinion

    • RSmith on 27/10/2021 - 14:01
      +1

      If op is either black or brown, he won't be needing it.

  • djones145 on 27/10/2021 - 14:04
    +1

    damn straight it is

    we need you to not use sunscreen
    get skin cancer and have kids so hopefully they will evolve and eventually have more Melanin and get ur kids to Continue to not use Sun screen and evolve to have more Melanin

    come back in 100 years, then we are all good mate

    we will celebrate you as a hero that made non blacks get more Melanin

    that's L for legend and W for winner

  • HangryCakeStore on 27/10/2021 - 14:13
    -1

    Anyone ever stop to think why the ozone hole is close to Aus? and maybe it was caused by an atomic bombs tests

    Crazy theory I know, but that would shift the blame entirely on all those cancer deaths

    • GG57 on 27/10/2021 - 14:21
      +1

      Maybe it was; maybe it wasn't (I'm not a climate scientist).
      I'm not sure how you would explain the holes over the Antarctic and Artic? And nothing specifically over Mururoa Atoll identified?

    • scrimshaw on 27/10/2021 - 14:27
      +2

      the high rate of cancers in NZ and Australia is more to do with human migration patterns and not entirely the fault of the ozone hole

      Most Australians (and Kiwis) have the wrong type of skin for their environment. Basically, through migration, our two countries have been populated by many people with fair skin whose ancestors come from much less sunny climates.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:36
        +1

        Did you use sunscreen before getting skin cancer?

        • scrimshaw on 27/10/2021 - 14:43
          +2

          Will my answer help you in continuing your cancer research and contribute to humanity's scientific knowledge? Or should I just get back to work and tackle more pressing issues, like editing deals and moderating content to make Ozbargain more useful for our visitors? hmmm.

          • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:44

            @scrimshaw: Can do both

  • MessyG on 27/10/2021 - 14:37
    +6

    I need to bleach my eyeballs after reading this. Is this like a Z-grade troll?

    Darker skinned people absolutely get melanoma and DIE from it because it's often missed, thanks to assumptions like this.

    I can't believe I am even posting this for you because I figure most people can do a basic damn google search, but here is a basic primer for you.

    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/melanoma

    • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:42
      -6

      Have you met anyone with darker skin getting skin cancer due to Sun exposure? I don't trust these agencies as they are sponsored by drug companies

      • lolz112 on 27/10/2021 - 15:05
        +3

        I've never met a nazi, doesn't mean they've never existed. Actually let's not go down that rabbit hole.

      • MessyG on 27/10/2021 - 20:40

        Jesus wept do you realise that no drug company makes money off someone preventing melanoma by wearing a hat and sunscreen?! Everything on that website is in the textbooks too, AND most of the sponsors aren't drug companies anyway, there's one or two but hardly overwhelmingly so. Dermnet is a trusted resource for the medical community.

        And since you're still clearly unable to use Google, here are pictures of melanoma in dark skin.

        https://www.google.com/search?q=melanoma+in+black+skin&clien…

        But you know what? Because you're so clearly disconnected from the community, and humans to the point where you'll disbelieve that the sky is blue given half a chance, you go and do what you want. Because if there's one thing I've learned from being a healthcare worker is that you can't change people. So you want to go test your theory, you go right ahead. Sure you'll be forking over thousands to drug companies as a result, than if you'd just put on a hat and sunnies, but you clearly know better than an entire profession so you just go do you and try it out. See what happens. Find out the hard way what happens when you don't take care of yourself. No one here will change your mind.

    • RSmith on 27/10/2021 - 14:46
      +1

      I can't believe I am even posting this for you

      No point doing this MissG. The OP will deny/discredit any links as they don't fit his agenda.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:42
    +6

    OP is probably the guy who thinks 5G causes covid.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:47
      -2

      No you are the one who thinks conventional wisdom can't be questioned

      • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 14:53
        +2

        You have no links to academic research or independent studies? Right now, your credibility to question is rather low and based on wild guesses. Do you also believe Solariums are safe to use?

        • [Deactivated] on 27/10/2021 - 15:02

          I've heard first time about Solariums in my life. So no clue.

      • MessyG on 27/10/2021 - 20:43

        Conventional medical wisdom is brought about by decades of hard work and research. Questioning it involves more hard work and research, not the absence of any knowledge whatsoever masquerading as "questioning wisdom".

  • Ciderfizz44 on 27/10/2021 - 14:45
    +1

    OP is that you?

  • jetblack on 27/10/2021 - 14:47
    +4

    Who knew Pete Evans was an OzBargainer?!

  • Topdog on 27/10/2021 - 14:49

    LOL @ is sunscreen a scam.

  • freshofftheplane on 27/10/2021 - 14:49
    +1

    Troll.

    I hope.

  • mooney on 27/10/2021 - 14:54
    +1

    Sigh..

    Ok OP… here is an answer from a NON PROFIT organisation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protec…

    Sun cream reduces your risk of cancer. Done.

    Now I highly doubt you will get a more informed answer from a rag tag bunch of bargain hunters than the link above (or many other links you could easily google)

    IF however you still think you have unearthed a global conspiracy to sell suntan lotion to sheeple, good for you. I will leave you to weigh up whether spending $50 a year on sun cream is worth it vs risk of developing skin cancer.

    Side note… why do you think solariums were banned? https://www.sunsmart.com.au/uv-radiation/solariums-and-tanni…

  • Vampyr on 27/10/2021 - 15:29

    You are talking about natural selection.

    If you provide food to a giraffe from when it is a baby, it will still grow a long neck.

    For society to become accustomed to the sun without sunscreen us whities will need to die out.

    Playing the long game. I'm not against it.

  • AJW on 27/10/2021 - 15:40

    On Laird Hamilton's facebook, he asks which sunscreen he should use because his wife keeps reminding him he should use it:
    https://www.facebook.com/LairdLife/photos/gabrielle-reece-ha…

    Where does it say he never uses sunscreen? It appears he is picky when choosing one, but understands that sunscreen is needed…..

  • Miss B on 27/10/2021 - 16:03
    +1

    I wear sunscreen I don't get burnt. If I miss somewhere and don't cover with clothes or sunscreen I get burnt. Call it what you will. My father and uncle are the same, they had to get skin cancer removed because they didn't always use sunscreen. My parents always made me wear sunscreen so I should be fine.

    If you don't like science or medicine feel free to disregard both, but keep in mind that advances in both are why the average life expectancy has been extended.

  • Gordon61B on 27/10/2021 - 16:17
    +2

    Do some personal experiments. Work it out for yourself. Y'know, use sunscreen to write "I'm a goose" on your stomach and lie in the sun for a few hours. See if you glow in the dark where the sunscreen wasn't.

  • nandystam on 27/10/2021 - 16:23
    +8

    SlavOz one day, peeltheonion the next.

    We need a higher max neg vote per day.

    • jv on 27/10/2021 - 17:34
      +4

      Have you noticed they are never online at the same time…

  • murp0274 on 27/10/2021 - 16:36
    +2

    guysss this is obs a troll post. Ignore and move on

  • CocaKoala on 27/10/2021 - 16:54
    +3

    Sunscreen actually amplifies the signals from the nanobots injected via covid vaccine and it all gets sent to to Bill Gates using 5G. This is what is actually happening while your Windows PC is updating.

    Also, the ocean is actually full of unicorn milk and sharks are just dogs with serrated teeth. Just ask Alex Jones.

  • Inflow on 27/10/2021 - 16:59

    What's 9 + 10…. 21

    • SF3 on 27/10/2021 - 22:36

      42

  • Griffindinho on 27/10/2021 - 17:01

    My skin has very low melanin (very fair white skin), since my ancestors came from Northern Europe.

    So yes when the UV is over 3-4 I need sunscreen on

  • GoldenDragon888 on 27/10/2021 - 17:07

    Taught at a school with a large African population. Lots of Sudanese, Nigerians.

    Still remember when we went on camp to Broken hill and one our kids saying he didn't need to put on sunscreen because he was black. Lol. My reply was It doesn't mean you cant get sunburnt it just means you won't see it like on the white kids.

    He was in so much pain on the third day.

  • kanmen on 27/10/2021 - 17:07
    +1

    Sunscreen has more benefits than just preventing skin cancer. As a brown person in their 20's the main reason I wear sunscreen is to prevent the early signs of ageing. It seems in general brown/black people have better skin due to the climates our bodies have been used to, but being in a drier and more harsh climate such as in Australia is pretty harsh on any skin. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best things you can to do prevent ageing in your skin.

    By all means skip the sunscreen, just be ready to look like a wrinkly 90 year old when you're 40.

    • Brianqpr on 27/10/2021 - 20:42

      A good point. Have a look at a lot of over 60s in this country who grew up when protecting your skin from the sun wasn't really a thing. Lots of leathery skin around.

      • Griffindinho on 28/10/2021 - 09:09

        Most aussies spend too much time exposed in the sun.

  • May4th on 27/10/2021 - 17:31
    +2

    My skin, my choice? Thank god skin cancers arent contagious so we can let Darwinism take its course

  • defectr on 27/10/2021 - 17:35

    Why don't you do some field research for us and report back?

  • funnysht on 27/10/2021 - 17:49

    Are you also anti vaxx?

  • bmxr on 27/10/2021 - 17:57

    With all this talk about sunscreen, has anyone got a deal on sunscreen?

    I like the aerosol spray on ones, rather than the lotion as it allows me to do my own back!

  • donkeydoc on 27/10/2021 - 18:29

    I rarely use sunscreen but i tan fairly dark and work outside most of the time, my wife burns quickly, sunscreen helps of course!

  • bargaino on 27/10/2021 - 18:30
    +1

    Lung cancer is also a scam, a myth invented by Big Chewing Gum.

  • Brianqpr on 27/10/2021 - 18:56
    +1

    As a pale skinned person, there is very much a difference between me being outside in summer without it and with it. It is most certainly not a scam.

    I recall one day some years back where I was lined up for event tickets for hours during a warm day. I'd put sunscreen on so was ok. By the evening many others in the line were quite badly sunburnt.

    Can't believe this question even got asked in a country like Australia.

  • Butt Scratcher on 27/10/2021 - 19:01
    +7

    Are you serious?

    Here's how you can prove sunscreen works.

    Step 1: Buy sunscreen from a reputable manufacturer
    Step 2: Wait for a sunny day (Ideally 28 degrees or over)
    Step 3: Draw this "8==D" on your forehead with sunscreen and sunbath at noon in the sun for at least 2 hours facing up
    Step 4: If you get sunburnt everywhere except for where you put sunscreen on, then it works
    Optional: Take a selfie and upload it on ozbargain

  • SBOB on 27/10/2021 - 19:04
    +6

    It's like your posts are made for Billy Madison quotes…..

    Peeltheonion, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it.
    I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul

    • YBAF Pilot on 27/10/2021 - 19:09

      Well said! There is too much stupid in OP's question/statement. I would love to explain it him as to why, but I think we are all out of crayons and puppets.

  • this is us on 27/10/2021 - 19:08
    +1

    I wish everyone had access to a brain…

  • achew on 27/10/2021 - 19:18

    I feel this is relevant
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll-lia-FEIY

    achew
    'scuse me

  • Joku on 27/10/2021 - 19:30
    +1

    My dad is dark, about as dark as you can get without being "black". He's had plenty of skin cancers and they just keep coming, starting in his early 60's. He had an outdoor job though for just over 40yrs, plus spends more leisure time outdoors than anyone else I know, plus grew up working on a farm, plus he surfed for over a decade. It was always going to catch up on him one day. Need to keep things in perspective though, he's almost 70 and very lucky to still be alive for completely unrelated reasons. Skin cancers aren't remotely close to his most serious health issue, and I'd guess most other old farts suffering from similar historic sun exposure are going to wind up in that same boat.

    ie. The issue is clearly serious, but also greatly exaggerated by a modern society that spends most of its time indoors anyway.

  • StalkingIbis on 27/10/2021 - 19:55

    Do you deny that sunscreen acts liek a screen and filters out UVA UVB and UVC?

    If yes, check out some simple experiments.

    Next question to think about would be, does UVA UVB UVC cause damage?

    Have you seen what it does to paint and plastics?

    Seen a courier driver who is retirement age and has had half their face in sun every day?

  • DiscoJango on 27/10/2021 - 20:08

    Vitamin d is good for you.

  • cmdwedge on 27/10/2021 - 20:22
    +1

    As an Aussie who is currently living in a majority black country (South Africa, approx 85% black) - yes of course they can get sunburned. I see some walking around with umbrellas whenever the sun is out too.

  • cashless on 27/10/2021 - 20:32

    OP can’t get burnt if they continue living in cave

    • iDroid on 27/10/2021 - 21:19

      Dunno, reading this thread there's a bit of burning going on.

  • blorx on 27/10/2021 - 21:19
    +1

    The incoherent rambling of questionable intelligence.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 27/10/2021 - 21:44

    My father is dark, he got skin cancer.

  • cashews on 27/10/2021 - 22:27

    These threads are getting dumber and dumber by the day here. I'm beginning to think that the movie Idiocracy wasn't so far fetched after all.

    • SBOB on 27/10/2021 - 22:30

      I'm beginning to think that the movie Idiocracy

      It's a documentary from the future…not a movie..

  • darkmoss on 27/10/2021 - 22:58

    TROLL

  • justgooddeals on 27/10/2021 - 23:13

    Click bait trolling SlavOz style.

  • sauce2k on 27/10/2021 - 23:24
    +1

    Man there have been some really dumb posts lately hahah this one topped it this week

  • Pimpiticians 4 Life on 28/10/2021 - 00:46

    How to Safely Get Vitamin D From Sunlight
    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-from-sun

    Vitamin D is a unique vitamin that most people don’t get enough of.
    In fact, it’s estimated that more than 40% of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency (1Trusted Source).
    This vitamin is made from cholesterol in your skin when it’s exposed to the sun. That’s why getting enough sunlight is very important for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.

    However, too much sunlight comes with its own health risks.
    This article explains how to safely get vitamin D from sunlight.

  • Pimpiticians 4 Life on 28/10/2021 - 00:57

    https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/what-do-sheep-have…
    What do sheep have to do with vitamin D supplements? Quite a bit, actually mates!

  • glumanda on 28/10/2021 - 01:27

    Next Highlighted Topic: Apollo 11 was a scam.
    You heard it here first.

  • p3nf0ld on 28/10/2021 - 01:49
    +3

    Nice troll OP!
    But in all seriousness. Melanoma rates in Australia have almost doubled in the last 30 years with QLD being known as the skin cancer capital of the world (3600 QLDs are diagnosed with melanoma every year).
    So please don't listen to the OP and think you are immune to skin cancer. If you have any suspicious lumps please get a skin check from your doctor.

    Statistics:
    Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70(1)
    About 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year.(2)

    So please use sunscreen, cover-up and use sunglasses if you are going our & about when the UV levels are high.

    1. Staples MP, Elwood M, Burton RC, Williams JL, Marks R, Giles GG. Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia: the 2002 national survey and trends since 1985. Med J Aust. 2006;184(1):6–10.
    2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia, 2017. Vol. 3303.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics: Canberra, Australia, 2018.
  • liongalahad on 28/10/2021 - 03:28
    +2

    Congratulations OP, you win the Village Idiot of the Month award. Be proud!

  • Powlie85 on 28/10/2021 - 05:33

    What I see here are a lot more skin cancer clinics than anywhere else in the world.

  • jhaley3180 on 28/10/2021 - 07:52

    Birds are not real!

  • skillet on 28/10/2021 - 08:07

    If you don't trust sunscreen you can put mud or even external house paint on yourself. Those offer plenty of protection, I dare say higher SPF rating than sunscreen. As long as you protect yourself from the harmful UV rays you are good to go.

  • grr1701 on 28/10/2021 - 08:20

    I suggest OP continue to not use sunscreen, ever, and report on his skin health in 30 years time. Stupidity and ignorance can take years to provide payback.

  • DarkOz on 28/10/2021 - 08:27

    It's not about skin cancer, it's about not getting a nasty sunburn. I once sun bath in the Bondi midday sun for a few hours without any sun screen and I was literally cooked. Took almost 2 weeks to completely heal from it and never again.

  • kusala on 28/10/2021 - 08:47

    Another question - is sunscreen overpriced? Possibly it is, but experience tells me to purchase name brands for good protection when sun bathing. On a couple of occasions when I've used local brands in SE Asia, my skin was badly burnt. In Australia, I usually wait till sunscreen is on special before I purchase (the brand that fits my budget & works best for me is Nivea)

  • helloworld2021 on 28/10/2021 - 09:14
    +2

    "What do you think?"

    I think you need to fill whatever void these provocative posts are intended to fill by having some real-life human interaction.

    It is a level of specious reasoning beyond "benefit of the doubt" to conclude that sunscreen is a scam based on the frequency of non-Caucasian people being diagnosed with skin-cancer.

  • mdavant on 28/10/2021 - 09:16
    +1

    There are different levels of risk.

    Darker skin offers protection, but there are genes that protect people from cancer too.

    Don't mistake them.

    Isn't it funny when people with no clue latch onto some tidbit and extrapolate all sorts of nonsense from that one tidbit.

  • Duckie2hh on 28/10/2021 - 09:20
    +1

    Troll for sure

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