5 SUNSCREEN MYTHS DEBUNKED
MYTH 1: SUNSCREEN ALONE IS ENOUGH TO PROTECT MY SKIN FROM UV DAMAGE.
No matter what the SPF, UV rays will still penetrate your skin and cause damage.
· SPF 2: Filters out 50% of UV rays.
· SPF 4: Filters out 70% of UV rays.
· SPF 8: Filters out 88% of UV rays.
· SPF 15: Filters out 93% of UV rays.
· SPF 30: Filters out 97% of UV rays.
· SPF 50: Filters out 98% of UV rays.
Missing 2-3% of UV rays doesn’t sound like much, but over time that can cause fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation and may even lead to skin cancer.
MYTH 2: I DON’T NEED TO REAPPLY AS OFTEN SINCE I WEAR SPF 50.
This is only a partial truth. No matter what SPF you apply, the general rule is to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. There are a few more factors you should consider when determining how often you should reapply:
· Time of day — UV rays are more intense between the hours of 10am-2pm
· Geographic location — the closer you are to the equator, the more intense the rays
· Skin tone — Fair-skinned friends, you absorb more UV and are more susceptible to burning quicker
· Don’t skimp on the amount of sunscreen or you will have to reapply more often!
· If you get in water and/or towel off you should always reapply.
MYTH 3: I DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN BECAUSE I HAVE DARK SKIN.
No matter your skin tone or ethnicity (even those who rarely burn), you are at risk for skin cancer when you are exposed to UV. Although skin cancer is less common in those with a darker complexion, it can be more deadly due to late detection. Everyone should wear broad spectrum sunscreen daily!
MYTH 4: I DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN BECAUSE I WEAR MAKEUP THAT CONTAINS SPF.
As we learned in What Those SPF Numbers Really Mean, there are several factors that influence the effectiveness of your sunscreen. The problem with relying on your makeup to provide your only source of SPF is that you likely don’t put on enough of it. Applying makeup formulated with SPF 30 is not equivalent to thoroughly layering on your favorite SPF 30 sunscreen. Plus, you’re likely not reapplying your makeup every two hours like you should your sunscreen.
MYTH 5: I DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN IF IT’S CLOUDY OR COLD.
Have you ever gone skiing and wound up with a terrible sunburn? That’s because UV exposure is actually much greater at higher altitudes (even if it is cold outside). In fact, it’s almost like you’re getting hit with the UV twice, once coming from the sky and again when the UV light reflects off of the snow. Additionally, UVA rays are able to penetrate clouds and cause damage even when its overcast!
