43. Wait...Is Sunscreen Bad for You?

In this episode, Sam shades some HealthTokkers (classic) and unpacks the trendy conversation surrounding the potential carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects of sunscreen. In 2024 and 2025 we have seen an unprecedented and terrifying increase in tanning among Gen Z, who self-reported not knowing—or, worse—not caring about the risks. Hopefully this helps. Listen to this episode if you fell for the TikToks, if you're a fan of tanning, if you think someone you love is putting themself at risk, or if you're sick of the sensational/bogus "health" claims these randos on the internet are perpetuating. Key moments: 00:35 Recap of our IRL CAPS LOCK workout event in NYC 03:44 An opportunity to come see CAPS LOCK LIVE! at a non-alc event in NYC (9/27) 06:03 Why we’re talking about SPF today 08:37 Gen Z’s tanning problem 11:58 The health implications of UV radiation exposure 13:13 The most common types of skin cancer 14:52 Melanoma 18:00 How UV radiation affects your appearance 19:16 How to prevent skin cancer 20:12 Is sunscreen actually effective in protecting from sun damage and skin cancer? 21:13 Does sunscreen contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors? 21:41 The history/timeline of progress in sunscreen and SPF 22:59 The impact of sunscreen on the environment 24:58 Mineral (aka physical) UV filters 25:27 Why did Hawaii ban some sunscreens? (It’s not what you think) 26:09 Origins of the recent sunscreen slander  28:01 Subsequent studies, trials, surveys, and research (a lot of it conflicts or is inconclusive TBH) 32:32 One of the only compelling human studies observing the hormonal impacts of sunscreen ingredients 33:42 Why some sunscreens were recalled for carcinogens from 2021–2023 35:40 So wait, are mineral/physical UV filters okay? Or nah 36:34 The bottom line Join WHOOP. Visit FunctionHealth.com/CAPSLOCK. Free tickets to Drinks With Benefits! Use code LIKEYCOMP: https://rebrand.ly/y388898 Follow along: Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeincapslock TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeincapslock YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lifeincapslock Threads: www.threads.net/@lifeincapslock Resources for this episode can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices