If you can’t stay away from the sun then sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin. Especially a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Both of these rays are dangerous and can lead to sun damage and skin cancer.
In the age of Digital Information, where there are so many blogs and articles available online (written by some random people). It becomes hard to find trustworthy sources of information for life & wellness prevention.
Misinformation in topics like sun protection can be really threatening because failing to use sunscreen properly can majorly increase a person’s risk of skin cancer – this is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.
Every summer you will see heavy sunshine and more Sunscreen myths than you ever asked for. This article breaks down 10 of the top sunscreen myths that you still believe at least one of these.
Myth #1: My Sunscreen’s SPF is higher, I can stay longer on Sun
If you believe that SPF 50 offers nearly twice the security coverage as SPF 30 then this is not correct.
In actuality, SPF 30 blocks 97% of ultraviolet rays, whereas SPF 50 blocks out 98% of ultraviolet rays.
This means that someone using a higher SPF can have a false discretion of longer sun coverage.
Dermatologists recommend that Regardless of the SPF number, you should reuse sunscreen every 2 hours and look for shade during the warmest times in the day.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen to defend against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays enter deep into the skin and add to aging and skin creeping while UVB rays harm the outer layers of the skin. Both can cause skin cancer.
Myth #2: Sunscreen ingredients can be harmful to humans
A dangerous sunscreen misconception that has spread online in the past few years is that sunscreen ingredients can literally be harmful to humans and can cause diseases like Skin Cancer. Nanoparticle-containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are typically the major concerns.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as a physical barrier and sit on top of the skin to protect it from UV rays. Mineral-based sunscreens use these 2 ingredients. Nanoparticle-containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide not only block the sun better but also vanish without residue.
People have shown concerns that there is a risk of DNA damage when exposed to UV rays with these 2 ingredients – Nano-titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Evidence on this is not legitimate but to negate any potential risk, these nanoparticles in sunscreens are coated with inactive compounds and due to this, the possibilities of these concerns completely get eliminated.
Myth #3: Spray sunscreen is as effective as lotion
If you use sunscreen spray as a quick alternative to lotion, believing that it will work similarly to lotion then this is also a misconception.
To avoid missing streaks of skin, sunscreen should be rubbed onto the skin properly like Lotion.
Also, sunscreen spray should not be used around the face to prevent inhalation of the spray.
Because of these application concerns, sunscreen spray should be avoided on children until they are studied further, FDA recommends.
Sunscreen Myth #4: I can skip it
Many people have this misconception that if they are not going around in the sun, they don’t need to apply sunscreen.
You should think again to apply sunscreen:
- If you are going outdoors without wearing it.
- If the weather is cloudy, there is still a chance to get sunburn through cloud cover.
- If you think your naturally dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen.
Sunscreen is foremost because people with darker skin are also likely to burn (but less than people with fair skin) so they should also apply some sort of sunscreen to prevent their skin from UVA and UVB rays.
If you have got a tan, which means that your skin is damaged, this can save your skin a little bit but there is still a threat to burn.
I have seen many people say that, are you going on a vacation? then you should tan because it can save you from getting burned. but that’s completely false because the tan you get from a tanning bed is different because it is from a high amount of UVA rays, which darkens the skin expeditiously.
And If you don’t like to apply sunscreen because of not feeling comfortable with it then take it as an indication to shop for a better one. There are numerous sunscreens on the market, you will definitely find one best suit for your skin.
Also if you have got sensitive skin, you can try ones marked with ‘sensitive skin’, these are the ones that have titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that work as a physical blocker, other than these you can check which are the other ingredients good for sensitive skin and see if the sunscreen you have selected contains any of those or not.
Physical blocks work better on people with sensitive skin.
Also pls note that sunscreens for sensitive skin are often the same for babies. These just get repackaged for a different age group.
Here are some of the other tips for people with sensitive skin:
- You can use sunscreen inside of your arm if you want to try a new one and then decide to apply it on your face and body based on the results.
- You should try covering your face by wearing a cloth on your face and a hat, these work even better than sunscreen.
Sunscreen Myth #5: I have SPF in my Makeup
Some women think that sunscreen in their makeup will protect them from Sunburn but in actuality, they need more than that.
If your foundation contains sunscreen, then a few spots of it will not be adequate for you in the sun.
It is good if your makeup has sunscreen but consider it as an additional layer, not the main thing that will work as a safeguard for your skin. You should apply at least an SPF 30.
Sunscreen Myth #6: All sunscreens are the same
Not at all, Sunscreens can have differences in the way they defend your skin. Some use titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide to filter out UVA and UVB rays. Others use ingredients like avobenzone to do the work.
Recent active ingredients contain Mexoryl SX and Heliopolis.
Dermatologists also recommend Mexoryl SX and Helioples as these chemicals are photo stabilizers, and due to these, they give you nice UVA and UVB protection. And they are even more solid so they will not break down as expeditiously.
But which ingredient defends the skin most? That should need to be discussed.
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has stated that some sunscreens don’t completely protect the skin.
As per the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), you should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more that gives high level-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB light.
Sunscreen Myth #7: Using Last year’s bottle is Fine
Some sunscreens break down expeditiously, especially those that provide you UVA defense. So you shouldn’t keep them in your bathroom for long.
You take enough use of your sunscreen so that you will not have to use the same bottle every summer. If you are using it correctly, you will not have any leftovers next year.
Myth 8: My sunscreen is waterproof, so I don’t need to reapply it after swimming or sweating
Not correct. You might have noticed that some sunscreens and sunblock labels say water-resistant, but not waterproof. Even after that, Due to swimming or sweating – the layer of UV protection that you have put on gets lessened, which makes it important for you to reapply your sunscreen more often.
There’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen or sunblock.
Myth 9: I use SPF 50 sunscreen so I don’t need to apply it as often
False. No matter what the number of your SPF is, it only works for around 2 hours.
As mentioned above
“If you believe that SPF 50 offers nearly twice the security coverage as SPF 30 then this is not correct.
In actuality, SPF 30 blocks 97% of ultraviolet rays, whereas SPF 50 blocks out 98% of ultraviolet rays.
Dermatologists recommend that Regardless of the SPF number, you should reuse sunscreen every 2 hours and look for shade during the warmest times in the day.”
Dermatologist recommendation: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher and apply it every 2 hours.
Sunscreen Myth #10: I apply sunscreen on my face, arms, leg, and back, — so I’m ready
Not at all. You have not looked at some key areas.
The most commonly neglected areas are the ears and back of the neck.
Another thing that makes you ready to go out in the sun is wearing a hat, it is a good way to get protection from Sunburn. Wearing a hat can protect your scalp and also protect your face by providing shading.
And the last things?
Wearing a lip balm with at least SPF 30.
Author’s Bio
Sophia Marykay is a Beauty consultant. She has worked for nearly 2 years with numerous salon owners within the beauty and wellness industries. She likes spearing knowledge about how to deal with sagging skin, how to fill wrinkles and more. She has her finger on the pulse of new trends in this growing market.
Her desire is to share her skincare knowledge with others and we are thrilled she decided to use our blog as an outlet!