“sunscreen and then skin cancer, it's a direct correlation”; wearing sunglasses increases the risk of sunburn; sunscreen reduces vitamin D production
In mid-July 2024, a Facebook reel with almost half a million views claimed there is "a direct correlation" between the introduction of sunscreen use and skin cancer. It added that wearing sunglasses reduces natural protection against sunburn. [...] For the same reason, wearing sunglasses will also not prevent the skin from producing vitamin D. We already explained that vitamin D synthesis occurs in the skin, stimulated by solar UVB radiation. Because this process also doesn’t involve the eyes, wearing sunglasses doesn’t interfere with it. In brief, wearing sunglasses doesn’t increase the risk of sunburn and vitamin D deficiency but can help prevent other health problems instead. Overexposure to solar and artificial UV radiation can harm the eyes in the same way it harms the skin. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that too much exposure to UV light increases the risk of eye problems, including cataracts and eye cancers. To minimize these risks, the association recommends "wearing UV-blocking sunglasses" that provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.