Health Canada is telling Canadians to avoid using homemade sunscreens because of the danger of sun exposure.
The department notes that sunscreen recipes are being shared on social media. It cautions against making and using homemade sunscreens, since they may not protect against damage from the sun’s UV rays.
The government recommends only using authorized sunscreen products.
“All sunscreens approved for sale in Canada must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN),” the notice says.
A DIN or NPN is given to a product after Health Canada has determined “the benefits of using the product outweigh the potential risks” when it is used as directed, it said.
“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,” the notice said.
Health Canada says that all authorized sunscreens on the market are safe “when used as directed.”
The federal health department says that not having adequate protection while out in the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer.
Health Canada says using sunscreen along with other protection measures, such as protective clothing, staying in the shade, and avoiding peak sun hours can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
CCS also notes that men are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than women. It is estimated that 6,500 men will be diagnosed compared to 4,800 women. Additionally, 850 men are expected to die from the cancer, compared to 440 women.
The study also notes that women are more likely to see a doctor over skin concerns and the development of new moles.
Men have also reported higher levels of sunburn and are more likely to have sun exposure through work or recreational activities.
“The researchers say these behavior patterns may account for the overall lower melanoma incidence and mortality in women,” the study says.
