Greetings fellow sun-kissed humans! ☀️ As someone who loves spending time outdoors, there’s nothing more crucial than understanding the importance of sunscreen. Unfortunately, there are many common myths about sunscreen that still circulate among people today. These myths have become so widespread that they’ve been accepted as truth by many. But fear not! 🙅‍♀️ We’re here to debunk the top 10 sunscreen myths using scientific evidence and help you make informed decisions when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun.

🤥 Myth #1: Everything I read on the internet about sunscreen is true

It’s essential to remember that not everything you read on the internet is true. There are many myths and misconceptions about sunscreen that are not backed by science. So, it’s crucial to look for credible sources and trustworthy information before coming to any conclusions.

A person checking a credible source about sunscreen information

🧐 Myth #2: The higher the SPF, the better the protection

While a higher SPF may sound better, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll receive better protection. According to dermatologists, an SPF of 30 is sufficient for most skin types as it blocks around 97% of UVB rays. Moreover, higher SPF sunscreens come with higher concentrations of chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment.

A person selecting a sunscreen with an SPF of 30

🧟‍♀️ Myth #3: Sunscreen is only needed on sunny days

Just because the sun isn’t out as much on cloudy or overcast days, doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage, even on cloudy days. So always wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy.

A person applying sunscreen on a cloudy day

🙅‍♀️ Myth #4: Sunscreen causes Vitamin D deficiency

While sunscreen may limit Vitamin D production, it’s important to note that Vitamin D can be obtained from other sources, such as food and supplements. Moreover, the amount of exposure required to produce Vitamin D is minimal and can be quickly achieved even when wearing sunscreen.

A person getting Vitamin D from food and supplements

🤒 Myth #5: Sunscreen is only required in Summer

UV rays are present all year round, even during winter. Therefore, it’s essential to make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine, no matter what season it is.

A person applying sunscreen during winter

🚿 Myth #6: Waterproof sunscreen stays on all day

Waterproof sunscreen is not 100% waterproof and must be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. So, always remember to reapply sunscreen regularly.

A person reapplying sunscreen after swimming

🤢 Myth #7: Sunscreen will cause acne breakouts

While some sunscreens can cause acne breakouts, non-comedogenic sunscreens exist that are designed to avoid clogging pores. Always ensure that you read labels and look for non-comedogenic sunscreens to protect your skin from the sun without causing acne.

A person selecting a non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid acne

🧑🏽‍🦲 Myth #8: Applying a lot of sunscreen will prevent further hair loss

Some people believe that applying sunscreen to the scalp could reduce hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Instead, try wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection to keep your hair protected.

A person wearing a hat to protect their scalp from the sun

🤭 Myth #9: A base tan can protect you from sunburn

There’s no such thing as a safe tan. A base tan doesn’t prevent sunburn, and it can cause DNA damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. So instead of a base tan, apply sunscreen as recommended by dermatologists.

A person applying sunscreen instead of getting a base tan

🤑 Myth #10: Sunscreen is expensive

While some sunscreens may be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options. Don’t let the price tag deter you from protecting your skin. Look for drugstore sunscreens that are approved by dermatologists and have an SPF of at least 30.

A person selecting an affordable yet effective sunscreen option

That’s it for now! 👋 We hope this blog helped you debunk some of the most common sun protection myths out there. Remember to always take care of your skin and stay safe in the sun.

📷 Image Source: Unsplash

A person running by the beach wearing a hat and sunglasses, with sunscreen applied on their skin, signifying the importance of sun protection