Gwyneth Paltrow's Sunscreen Advice Is (Potentially) Hazardous Nonsense

In case you haven’t seen it, “Gwyneth Paltrow’s Guide to Everyday Skin Care and Wellness” is now up on Vogue’s website. It’s Vogue, so one might expect a touch of luxury, but honestly, the prices are laughably out of touch. The first half is quite entertaining. Want skin like Gwyneth? Just wake up, whip up a nut milk smoothie, meditate with your partner, dry brush your skin (always toward your heart), and then indulge in a $125 exfoliating scrub, a $185 serum, $75 hydrating eye pads, a $200 vibrating face massager, and a $48 glow lotion. Oh, and don’t forget an $18 moisturizer because, of course, celebrities! They’re just like us!

I have no issue with her enjoying her wealth and luxurious skincare. If I had her kind of money, I might splurge on an expensive face oil that promises miraculous results in just three weeks too. Who wouldn’t want skin as flawless as a baby’s?

Concerns About Sunscreen Advice

However, things took a turn when Gwyneth started talking about her sunscreen routine. While applying a poppy seed-sized amount of her chosen “clean” mineral sunscreen, she spewed some eyebrow-raising claims: “You know, there are a lot of really harsh chemicals in conventional sunscreen. So that’s a product that I really want to avoid, that isn’t certified by the EWG, which is a great website, by the way, if you ever want to understand how clean a product is, you can check that out on their website, Skin Deep. And I’m not, you know, a head-to-toe slatherer of sunscreen, but I like to put some kind of on my nose and the area where the sun really hits.”

Blythe Danner, please, it’s time to have a word with your daughter. Gwyneth is off on another tangent. In her morning routine video, she referenced your “less is more” approach to makeup. How about encouraging her to adopt the same mindset when discussing health and skincare advice?

The EWG and Its Controversies

For those unfamiliar, the EWG, or Environmental Working Group, is known for its strong stance against GMOs and “toxic chemicals.” They even dipped into anti-vaccine rhetoric back in 2004. You might have seen their “Dirty Dozen” list, which names fruits and veggies to avoid due to pesticides. They also publish an annual roundup of sunscreens, claiming that most are either ineffective or harmful, while pushing for pricey organic mineral options to protect against…well, something.

If you have even a basic understanding of science, you know that everything is a chemical. Even water is a chemical! It’s also essential to understand that “the dose makes the poison,” meaning many substances are safe in small amounts but can be harmful in large doses.

Unfortunately, many people—including Gwyneth—fall for the EWG’s misleading claims. They buy into their views on food, skincare, cosmetics, and cleaning products, among other things.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Am I surprised that Gwyneth, the mastermind behind Goop, is spreading questionable information about sunscreen? Not really. But I am frustrated that another privileged celebrity is promoting potentially dangerous information that could affect the health of everyday people.

While Gwyneth views sunscreen as harmful, in the real world, sunscreen is crucial for preventing skin cancer. Dermatologists emphasize the necessity of using SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin whenever you’re outdoors. Sunscreen should be an everyday staple, and the best one is the one you’ll actually use consistently.

Sure, high-end mineral sunscreens are fine. They’re regulated like over-the-counter drugs, so if it’s on the shelf, it’s been tested for safety and effectiveness. If you want to invest in one of the few products endorsed by the EWG, go for it. But don’t let a glamorous Hollywood figure fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune or rely on dubious sources to protect your family from harmful UV rays. It’s essential to apply sunscreen generously and follow the guidance of true experts who advocate for daily use to combat sun damage and skin cancer.

Summary

Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent discussion about sunscreen in her skincare guide has raised concerns due to her endorsement of the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) views, which are often criticized as misleading. While she promotes a “clean” approach to sunscreen, experts underscore the importance of effective sun protection as a crucial element in preventing skin cancer. It’s vital to rely on scientifically backed information and use sunscreen daily to safeguard against harmful UV rays.