Influencer Nara Smith recently went viral on TikTok with her homemade sunscreen recipe, and dermatologists are sounding the alarm on this dangerous DIY trend.
Homemade sunscreens lack effective sun protection and can leave users vulnerable to sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology warns.
“While sunscreen is a vital tool in the fight against skin cancer, homemade sunscreens do not go through the rigorous testing required of commercial sunscreens by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that their Sun Protection Factor (SPF), water resistance, and shelf-life cannot be guaranteed,” says American Academy of Dermatology Secretary-Treasurer Daniel D. Bennett, MD, FAAD, in a news release. “In addition, due to inconsistencies in consumer preparation, the efficacy of homemade sunscreens may also vary between batches, putting users at risk for skin cancer. ”Dr, Bennett is Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI.
For the most effective sun protection, the AAD recommends that when outdoors, everyone seek shade, wear protective clothing — including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
