In the name of sun protection, most of us slather on conventional sunscreens without a second thought. But according to Dr. Poshnell, a functional urologist and surgeon, that habit may be doing far more harm than good. In a now-viral Instagram video, he claims traditional sunscreens are “polluting and aging you,” and breaks down three “shocking” reasons why it’s time to ditch them altogether.
This Clean, Effective Powder Helps Support Muscle Growth, Endurance, And Recovery
1. They Disrupt Your Hormones
“Let’s be very clear. These chemicals are skin toxins,” Dr. Poshnell warns. Common sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate can mimic or block key hormones, leading to everything from mood issues to infertility. “Others block hormones like thyroid hormone, which is a master regulator of mood and metabolism,” he explains. The result? Possible 'hormonal chaos,' low testosterone, and even metabolic dysfunction—all from your SPF.
2. They Can Damage Your Skin From Within
Ironically, the very products marketed to protect your skin may be aging it. Dr. Poshnell explains that some conventional sunscreen ingredients actually generate free radicals when exposed to UV rays, “meaning DNA damage, accelerated aging, more wrinkles, and believe it or not—yes, more skin cancers like melanoma.” In short: “The product marketed to protect your skin actually ages it and harms it.”
3. They Wreak Havoc On The Environment
“One drop of conventional sunscreen can actually pollute up to six Olympic-sized pools,” Dr. Poshnell says. The chemicals commonly found in these products have been shown to bleach coral reefs and disrupt marine ecosystems so severely that locations like Hawaii, parts of Mexico, and Aruba have banned them entirely.
So What Should You Do Instead?
“Do not fear the sun. It is the source of all life,” says Dr. Poshnell. But he warns against excessive midday sun exposure (between 11 AM and 4 PM) and encourages people to embrace morning light for its many benefits, including improved mood, sleep, and immune function.
Instead of chemical-laden SPF, he recommends mineral-based sunscreens—particularly those containing non-nano zinc oxide for the broadest protection. Spray sunscreens are also a no-go: “They coat your lungs more than your skin.”
And finally, Dr. Poshnell emphasizes skincare from the inside out: “Eat clean. Your skin reflects your diet,” he says. After sun exposure, he suggests gently cleansing with tallow- or oil-based products to maintain a healthy skin barrier. His favorite clean brands? Babo Botanicals and Badger Balm—as well as his wife’s skincare line, Yarrow Skin Co.
For anyone looking to protect their skin and their health this summer, it may be time to rethink your sunscreen drawer.
