Debunking Sunscreen Myths
We don’t know who needs to hear this again because we have been saying it for the 100th time, please wear sunscreen every day. We get it, the sun is great for the mood and even better for the aesthetic pictures but for skin? Not as much. Sunscreen is one understated essential in most skincare cabinets but bestie, its importance isn’t even up for discussion.
Even if you’ve found yourself a sunscreen soulmate, there are still loads of SPF myths out there that can confuse you (and sometimes us). So let’s get myth-busting some of the top sunscreen misconceptions we hear most often.
Myth 1: A Higher SPF Protects You For Longer
As much as we wish this was true, it just isn’t. The higher spectrum of sunscreen does protect you but how much sunscreen you apply and reapply in regular intervals matters just as much. The effectiveness of sunscreen is not how high the number of SPF it has but if you use the recommended amount throughout the day. Always reapply sunscreen every two hours for it to actually work its magic. Generally, we recommend that you use SPF 30 as a minimum. As a rule of thumb, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Myth 2: All Types Of Sunscreen Protects Against All Sunrays
Unless a sunscreen is labelled as Broad Spectrum, it won’t offer both UVA and UVB protection. SPF (”Sun Protection Factor”) is really only used to measure UVB protection. So make sure your sunscreen is Broad Spectrum so you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays.
Myth 3: Darker Skin Tones Don't Need Sunscreen
No matter where your skin ranges in the shade chart, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Although darker skin will not tan as quickly, it will still burn, resulting in sunspots and wrinkles, and still have a higher risk of getting cancer from the sun.
Myth 4: I Am Too Old For SPF Protection
Whether you grew up on the beach basking in the sun or just never got yourself to buy sunscreen. Let us tell you, it’s never too late. You can start using sunscreen at any age to prevent further skin damage. Plus, using a product with SPF and other reparative ingredients helps prevent early signs of ageing.
Myth 5: I Don’t Need Sunscreen As I Am Always Indoors
Even if you’ve found yourself a sunscreen soulmate, there are still loads of SPF myths out there that can confuse you (and sometimes us). So let’s get myth-busting some of the top sunscreen misconceptions we hear most often.
Myth 1: A Higher SPF Protects You For Longer
As much as we wish this was true, it just isn’t. The higher spectrum of sunscreen does protect you but how much sunscreen you apply and reapply in regular intervals matters just as much. The effectiveness of sunscreen is not how high the number of SPF it has but if you use the recommended amount throughout the day. Always reapply sunscreen every two hours for it to actually work its magic. Generally, we recommend that you use SPF 30 as a minimum. As a rule of thumb, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Myth 2: All Types Of Sunscreen Protects Against All Sunrays
Unless a sunscreen is labelled as Broad Spectrum, it won’t offer both UVA and UVB protection. SPF (”Sun Protection Factor”) is really only used to measure UVB protection. So make sure your sunscreen is Broad Spectrum so you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays.
Myth 3: Darker Skin Tones Don't Need Sunscreen
No matter where your skin ranges in the shade chart, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Although darker skin will not tan as quickly, it will still burn, resulting in sunspots and wrinkles, and still have a higher risk of getting cancer from the sun.
Myth 4: I Am Too Old For SPF Protection
Whether you grew up on the beach basking in the sun or just never got yourself to buy sunscreen. Let us tell you, it’s never too late. You can start using sunscreen at any age to prevent further skin damage. Plus, using a product with SPF and other reparative ingredients helps prevent early signs of ageing.
Myth 5: I Don’t Need Sunscreen As I Am Always Indoors
With the risk of sounding like your mom, please go outside. Throughout the day, you will come in contact with the sun in a variety of ways. There is sitting at a desk by a window or travelling in the car, for example. All of these activities expose you to UVA rays, which may contribute to sun damage. One of the best things you can do to keep your skin healthy long-term is to put sunscreen on every morning, no matter where you’re headed.
Myth 6: I Have To Go Outside Without Sunscreen To Get Vitamin D
Myth 6: I Have To Go Outside Without Sunscreen To Get Vitamin D
Depending on your diet, you can consume a sufficient amount of vitamin D through your meals. This is equivalent to spending approximately 5-10 minutes per day in the sun while still wearing sunscreen. If your levels are still low, you can talk to your dermatologist.
Myth 7: Makeup With SPF Is Sufficient Protection
Myth 7: Makeup With SPF Is Sufficient Protection
Do you actually believe that? Even if makeup products do have SPF, they cannot always protect you from the Broad Spectrum. Additionally, the amount of makeup you may use doesn’t level up to the recommended use of SPF.
So before you start off with the makeup, slather up a generous amount of sunscreen across your face and never rely on it to act as your sole sun protection.
Myth 8: Sunscreens Clog My Pores
So before you start off with the makeup, slather up a generous amount of sunscreen across your face and never rely on it to act as your sole sun protection.
Myth 8: Sunscreens Clog My Pores
You’re not alone. However, there’s a chance that some ingredients in your sunscreen aren’t compatible with your skin type. If your sunscreen is causing inflammation, opt for a physical sunscreen or one that’s specifically formulated for your skin type.