Sam Faiers faces backlash over controversial comment about sunscreen

Sam Faiers has come under fire for controversial comments she made about sun cream. The reality star took to social media to reveal she doesn't get her children to wear sun cream.

The former TOWIE starexplained that her kids have "built up a really good tolerance to being in the sun" as she made wild claims about sunscreen having "pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients" in, which has been discredited by a skin doctor.

In a lengthy post shared on social media, she wrote: "So this is always a bit of a controversial one, but honestly, me and my whole family don't actually wear sunscreen. Over the years, the kids have built up a really good tolerance to being in the sun.

"Of course if it's really hot and the sun feels too harsh I'll make sure we head into the shade... usually around lunchtime we'll go in, have something to eat and just avoid those peak hours." Her comments come after she and sister Billie made a huge announcement.

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She then went on to add: "I'm really careful about sunscreen in general, because a lot of them are actually pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients. If you do want to protect your kids, I think SPF swimwear is such a good and safer option.

"But also, don't be afraid of the sun! Early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it's not as strong, I love letting the kids run around and soak it up, it's good for them. That said, I do always bring a Tallow Zinc SPF with me when I go away, just in case. And hats or caps are a must! Especially for us ladies because no one wants extra sun damage."

The comments have now been heavily criticised by a skin doctor. Skin cancer prevention doctor Ross Perry told the Daily Mail: "It is a well-known fact that children if they get any degree of sunburn as a child it more than doubles their risk of getting skin cancer at a later date so that is completely false and misleading.

"Children do not build up a tolerance to sun exposure. I would totally advocate the use of sun protective clothing as a alternative for those who do not tolerate sun cream being regularly applied, especially for children regularly in and out of the water, but they will only cover certain areas so an SPF is still required.

"It is misleading to say that children need to have sunlight in order to promote their health as they will absorb more than enough sunlight through day-to-day activities rather as an over exposure or potential sunburn on holidays."

The Mirror has contacted a representative for Sam for comment.

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