According to sunscreen “truthers,” sunscreen is the real culprit behind skin cancer—not the sun. After they inform you of this tidbit, they’ll usually try to sell you a “natural” solution that, according to actual research, is not nearly as effective.

Dr Michelle Wong has been using social media to educate people about cosmetics, including sunscreen, for years. We discuss the mechanisms behind sunscreen, cosmetic versus mineral sunscreens, when you should apply (and how often to reapply), why tallow is not a replacement for sunscreen, and the shaky science behind the notion that sunscreen causes coral reef damage.

Dr Michelle Wong is a chemistry PhD, science communicator, and cosmetic chemist who goes by Lab Muffin Beauty Science online. She’s also the author of The Science of Beauty, which I highly recommend.

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