A recent social media post by reality star and influencer Sam Faiers has ignited a fervent debate across digital platforms, as she controversially declared her family abstains from using suncream, citing concerns over “harmful” and “toxic ingredients.” This assertion, made to her substantial 2.5 million Instagram followers, has drawn considerable backlash and prompted a critical examination of widely accepted sun safety practices.
Faiers claimed that her three young children, aged two, six, and nine, have developed a “really good tolerance to being in the sun,” advocating for shade and SPF swimwear as alternatives to traditional sun protection lotions. Her statement suggested that many suncreams are inherently unsafe, leading her to forego their use entirely—a position that sharply contrasts with established public health guidelines and expert consensus.
In response to the viral nature of Faiers’ remarks and the ensuing public confusion, leading experts have stepped forward to unequivocally debunk these claims, underscoring the vital importance of suncream in preventing sun damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Their insights provide a much-needed scientific counter-narrative to the circulating misinformation, emphasizing the rigorous testing and safety standards behind regulated sun protection products.
Chartered Chemist and founder of a prominent skincare brand, Bruce Green, strongly refuted the influencer’s assertions. He emphasized that while shade and protective clothing are indeed crucial components of sun safety, the notion that “a lot of sunscreens are actually pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients” is not supported by current scientific understanding. Green highlighted the extensive research validating the safety and efficacy of suncream ingredients when used as directed.
Medical professionals, including the National Health Service (NHS), consistently advise heightened vigilance for children and babies due to their inherently more sensitive skin. Guidelines explicitly recommend the application of at least SPF30 suncream to protect young, vulnerable skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to severe sunburn and significantly increase lifetime risks of developing skin cancer.
Kimberley Medd, Clinic Lead at a leading health clinic, further reinforced the consensus, stating that even well-intentioned comments from public figures can inadvertently lead to real-world harm by undermining established medical guidance. She addressed the persistent myth of suncream toxicity, clarifying that while concerns about certain chemical filters like oxybenzone exist, extensive safety testing confirms that regulated ingredients are safe for use.
Despite widespread public health campaigns, a recent 2025 survey revealed a shockingly high percentage of the UK population still does not apply SPF daily or most days, with significant misconceptions that sun protection is only necessary on intensely hot or sunny days. This highlights a critical gap in public understanding of consistent UV protection needs, regardless of visible sun intensity.
Ultimately, experts stress that consistent and correct application of suncream is a cornerstone of effective UV protection. Dispelling myths and adhering to evidence-based advice is paramount for safeguarding public health, particularly for children, against the lifelong dangers of unprotected sun exposure and the heightened risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
