Common Myths Surrounding Sunscreen
As we approach the warmer days ahead, let's talk all things sunscreen and skin protection!
Myth #1 You only need sunscreen on sunny days.
Fact: Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not temperature - meaning you can still damage your skin when the sun isn’t out. In fact, UV radiation can penetrate clouds when you are outside and even windows when you are inside and can actually be more intense due to reflection from them. Get into the habit of applying your SPF as the last step in your morning skincare routine – rain hail or shine – and regardless of whether you plan to leave the house or not.
Myth #2 Higher SPF equals higher protection.
Fact: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is not directly proportional to time. Higher SPF provides more protection, but reapplication is still necessary for prolonged exposure.
Myth #3 Applying once a day is enough.
Fact: Best practice is to reapply your sunscreen every two hours – not just once in the morning underneath your makeup. Tip for those that do wear makeup, invest in an SPF spray that you can carry your bag for easy re-application on the go.
Myth #4 Products containing SPF offer enough protection.
Fact: Just because your makeup, moisuriser or other skincare product claims to have SPF you should definitely not be relying solely on that for your daily protection. Instead you absolutely need a dedicated SPF one with a minimum of 50+ especially here in Australia where the UV rays are much stronger. Unless cosmetics are labelled with an SPF50 or SPF50+ rating, you should wear additional sunscreen under your makeup if you're going to be in the sun for an extended period.
Myth #5 Sunscreen is only for the face.
Fact: Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the neck, hands, and any other body parts exposed to the sun.
Myth #6 Dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen.
Fact: People of all skin tones need sunscreen to protect against UV damage and skin cancer so no matter how light or fair your skin, you still need sunscreen.
Myth #7 Water resistant sunscreen is waterproof.
Fact: No sunscreen is entirely waterproof, and water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after a certain amount of time in water so if you are planning on being at the beach or pool - reapplication is crucial after swimming.
Myth #8 Sunscreen needs to only be applied on the face.
Fact: Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the neck, hands, and any other body parts exposed to the sun.
Myth #9 Sunscreen prevents vitamin D absorption.
Fact: Sunscreen does not completely block vitamin D absorption, and it's important to balance sun protection with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through diet or supplements. Research suggests that prolonged sun exposure does not cause vitamin D levels to rise further but does increase the risk of skin cancer.
Myth #10 Fake tan doesn’t equal sun protection.
Fact: Tanning products or having a “fake tan” does not equal adequate sun protection and do not in anyway improve your bodies ability to protect or shield itself from the sun. Although some tanning products may have an SPF rating – they shouldn’t be relied on alone for sufficient protection.
This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty wholesaler and salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group.
