Health Canada warns against using DIY sunscreens

July 20, 2024 TruthUSA

Health Canada is advising Canadians against using homemade sunscreens due to the risks associated with sun exposure.

“Do not use homemade sunscreen. Use only sunscreens approved for sale in Canada to protect against the sun’s UV rays,” a warning on Health Canada’s website issued on July 19 states.

The department has observed homemade sunscreen recipes being shared on social media and cautions against their use as they may not provide adequate protection from the sun’s UV rays.

Health Canada recommends only utilizing authorized sunscreen products.

“All sunscreens approved for sale in Canada must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN),” according to the notice.

A DIN or NPN is assigned to a product after Health Canada has determined that “the benefits of using the product outweigh the potential risks” when used as directed.

“In addition to homemade sunscreen, Health Canada is aware that there are myths and misinformation circulating on social media about the safety of sunscreens, claiming that their ingredients are harmful to the skin and can cause cancer,” as mentioned in the notice.

Health Canada asserts that all authorized sunscreens available on the market are safe “when used as directed.”

The federal health department highlights that inadequate protection from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer.

Health Canada recommends using sunscreen in combination with other protective measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours to lower the risk of developing skin cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) estimates that 11,300 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer this year, with 1,300 deaths from the disease.

CCS also points out that men are more likely than women to receive a melanoma diagnosis, with 6,500 cases in men compared to 4,800 in women. Additionally, 850 men are projected to die from the cancer, compared to 440 women.

A recent study from McGill University suggests that this trend could be due to men’s attitudes toward sunscreen, noting that “men express more negative beliefs toward sunscreen use than women.”

The study also indicates that women are more inclined to seek medical attention for skin concerns and new mole developments.

Men have reported more sunburn incidents and are more likely to experience sun exposure during work or recreational activities.

“The researchers believe these behavioral patterns may contribute to the lower incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in women,” the study concludes.

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