There’s a lot I won’t shut up about – even though people probably wish I would. And sunscreen is one of those things. We all know we’re supposed to be applying SPF. It’s a touted, non-negotiable step in your skincare routine. We know we’re supposed to be applying SPF everyday, yet so many of us just don’t. And I get it. There are so many SPF myths and misconceptions floating around that have almost become fact in the minds of many. Not to mention the SPF market is a little overwhelming – with seemingly limitless options, confusing terminology, and marketing ploys. But the reality is, sunscreen is your body’s first line of defense against the harmful effects of sun exposure and the harmful ultraviolet rays that can lead to skin damage and skin cancer. So it’s important to not only make sure we include this step in our routines, but to make sure we are using it correctly. That’s why today we’re debunking 9 common SPF myths.
SPF Myth No. 1 | People with dark skin tones don’t need SPF.
There is a really common misconception that individuals with darker skin tones can forgo sunscreen. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin color (higher in darker people than in lighter), does have the ability to help the skin absorb UV rays, but not completely. So, it is true that people with darker skin tend to burn less than than people with fair skin. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t exposed to the same damaging effects of the sun. The fact you don’t notice a burn doesn’t mean you aren’t susceptible to other concerning effects like wrinkles, skin damage, and skin cancer.
SPF Myth No. 2 | It’s best to get a base tan.
This is one of the SPF myths I hear all the dang time, and it drives me crazy. Simply because it isn’t true. Similar to the misconception about deep skin tones, having a deeper complexion doesn’t mean you won’t burn. The best way to prevent a sunburn is to make sure you’re re-applying SPF every 60-120 minutes – sooner if you are in and out of the water.
SPF Myth No. 3 | SPF causes breakouts.
So, technically this one is true. Sunscreens can cause breakouts. But so can your cleansers, moisturizers, hormones, etc. It’s all about finding the right product and ingredients for you and your skin. If you’re prone to acne and reactions, opt for something oil-free and lightweight that won’t clog your pores.
Likewise, you may be experiencing breakouts from your SPF because you aren’t washing it off properly. Just like not removing makeup before bed, sleeping with leftover sunscreen can clog your pores and cause spots. Even if you don’t wear makeup, your skin is still exposed to dirt and pollution throughout the day, and if you’re wearing sunscreen, it sits on your skin collecting that debris. I recommend a double cleanse in the evenings to properly clean your skin.
Recommended reading: What Is Double Cleansing?
Another thing to note is that if you are trying to tackle a skincare concern, like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, etc., unprotected exposure to the sun can actually be a reason your skincare efforts aren’t working. The sun is irritating and can combat any of the work your skincare products are doing.
SPF Myth No. 4 | My makeup contains SPF, so I don’t need to apply another one.
Simply put, you are not wearing enough foundation (or moisturizer, primer, etc.) to get the full SPF count that it contains. So apply a separate sunscreen, please. It should be the last step of your skincare routine.
SPF Myth No. 5 | You only need SPF on sunny days.
When people say this to me, I fire back with, “If it’s light outside, the sun is out. If the sun is out, you need sunscreen.” Clouds help block the UVB rays that cause burns, but they don’t block UVA rays that can lead to skin cancer. So yeah, you need sunscreen even on cloudy days.
SPF Myth No. 6 | Nothing over SPF 30 is effective.
My SPF philosophy is: the higher the SPF, the better. And a lot of people give me shit for it. They say, “You know nothing over 30 is effective, right?” And while the jury is out on how effective higher counts of SPF are, the reality is that most people aren’t applying to correct amount of the product to even get the listed SPF count. This doesn’t happen because people are lazy or stupid, but because no one really knows for certain how much SPF is the right amount. For example, applying an SPF of 30 may only give you an SPF of about 10, depending on how much product actually gets absorbed into the skin. This is why I like to opt for the higher SPF — to ensure I’m getting the highest protection I can.
SPF Myth No. 7 | Applying sunscreen once in the morning has you covered all day.
Even if making a point to apply SPF as part of your morning skincare routine, most people don’t re-apply it at all throughout the day. To truly be effective, your SPF needs to be reapplied in regular intervals throughout the day. It’s easy to do when you’re makeup free, but it can be a pain to a reapply sunscreen over a full face of makeup. Luckily, there are formulas like powders* and sprays* that make it easy.
I wrote a post all about how to reapply sunscreen over makeup you can read here, but I have also included a few of my favorite options below.
SPF Myth No. 8 | You need vitamin D, so I can’t use sunscreen.
As someone who has a vitamin D deficiency and a problem producing it, I can say this is inaccurate. While some sunscreen can completely block vitamin D products; however, not all of them. Plus, it takes very little sun exposure to kickstart vitamin D production, as little as 8 minutes. And if you live somewhere with windows, you’re probably getting it without realizing it.
Unprotected sun exposure isn’t the only way your body can produce vitamin D. Your diet is a helpful way for your body to produce the protein. This is the main way I increase vitamin D production, supplements and a diet of fatty acids, like from fish.
SPF Myth No. 9 | Any SPF will do.
I have an arsenal of sunscreens, because unfortunately, it’s not a one size fits all circumstance. Firstly consider the SPF – the higher, the better, in my opinion. But SPF isn’t the only important factor to consider when choosing a sunscreen. SPF only refers to UVB rays, the UV rays responsible for causing burns. However, UVA rays can reach the deeper layer of the skin and trigger your damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. It’s best to look for an SPF with a broad spectrum coverage, to target both types of UV rays.
And science aside, some sunscreen formulas are just better for certain people/circumstances. Personally, I tend to use a mineral sunscreen on my face and a chemical sunscreen on my body. The ingredients in chemical sunscreens tend to burn my eyes, so I forgo them on my face, and use them on my. body because they are generally clear, quickly absorbed, and easier to apply. A mineral sunscreen may not be the first choice for someone with deeper skin as it tends to leave behind a white cast. So take into consideration your situation when deciding on an SPF product.
And don’t forget that SPF has an expiration date … and it matters. Your SPF protection won’t be effective once the formula expires and becomes unstable. So make sure you are applying sunscreen that is actually offering you protection and replace expired products.
Hopefully this post helped clear up some common SPF myths and helps you become more savvy in your sunscreen journey.
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