Ask any knowledgeable and professional skin specialist and they will tell you that using sunscreen is essential for long-term healthy and radiant skin. However, at the same time, a lot of false information about sunscreens may be spread. But we’ve got your back!
We're here to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about sunscreen.
Higher SPF Means Longer Protection
One of the most common misconceptions about sunscreen is that the higher the SPF, the longer the protection. However, that’s not true. In reality, the amount of sunscreen you use and how often you reapply it are just as important as the SPF you select. This is because until you apply the recommended amount throughout the day, the SPF will not work at the number it is labeled as. Thus, we suggest one shot glass full for your entire body (3 tablespoons) and two finger lengths for your face and neck (½ teaspoon). Although this is an average and will differ from person to person, try to reapply throughout the day; we advise doing so roughly every two hours, particularly after swimming, perspiring, or spending the day outside in an area with high UV exposure. We also advise using at least SPF 30 when it comes to SPF levels. Here’s a cheat sheet for you: UVB rays are blocked 93% of the time by SPF 15, 97% by SPF 30, and 98% by SPF 50.
Every Kind of Sunscreen Shields the Skin
Remember, unless it is labeled as Broad Spectrum, sunscreen does not protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. This is due to the fact that SPF, or "Sun Protection Factor," is merely a metric for defense against UVB radiation from the sun. Therefore, to guarantee complete coverage, be sure your sunscreen is labeled Broad Spectrum!
Makeup with SPF Gives Enough Sun Protection
Many people believe that makeup products with SPF give them enough sun protection for the entire day. However, according to experts, you cannot get enough protection from the sun even if all of your makeup products have some SPF in them. This is because most of the makeup products do not offer broad-spectrum protection. Furthermore, the amount of makeup you apply just isn't enough to match the coverage that a standard liquid sunscreen can offer. Therefore, be careful to put on your cosmetics and sunscreen first thing in the morning. Don't rely on an SPF blush or spray setting as your main form of sun protection. Instead, opt for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection.
You don’t Need Sunscreen Indoors
Another common myth about sunscreens is that you only need to apply sunscreen when going outside. However, you can engage with the sun in other places outside the wide outdoors. There are several times during the day (even indoors) when you are exposed to UVA rays, which can cause skin damage and cancer. These include working at a desk by a window and flying. Regardless of your plans for the day, one of the best things you can do for the long-term health of your skin is to develop the habit of applying sunscreen as soon as you wake up.
Darker Skin Tones Require Less or No Sun Protection
Sun protection is necessary for all skin tones. According to many studies and reports, nonwhite people with melanoma have much poorer overall survival rates, despite the fact that the prevalence of the disease is higher in white patients. These discrepancies are caused by a variety of factors, such as medical racism and disinformation. However, this doesn’t mean that people with darker skin tones are immune to UV radiation or sun damage. Thus, daily usage of sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging, which is advantageous for all skin tones.
You Don’t Need Sunscreen in Winters
Remember, the UV Index determines the intensity of the photons that burn and/or age your skin, not heat. The UV Index, which ranges from 0 (low) to 11 (very high), predicts the likelihood of excessive exposure to UV light from the sun. Therefore, sun protection is still essential even in overcast and chilly weather. Therefore, regardless of the weather, you must wear sunscreen to protect your skin and maintain overall health.
Sunscreen Prevents Absorption of Vitamin D
You can obtain enough vitamin D from your food and from spending only five to ten minutes in the sun each day while wearing sunscreen. Clinical studies have never found that everyday sunscreen use leads to vitamin D insufficiency. The prevailing studies show that people who use sunscreen daily can maintain their vitamin D levels. This means that you can get vitamin D without sacrificing your skin health.