In the summer we spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. And when we do, it’s essential that we wear sunscreen to avoid any skin damage caused by the sun rays. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about sunscreen that may prevent us from using it properly and get adequate protection. Here’s the truth on some sunscreen myths:
1. Layering sunscreens adds SPF
If, for example, you apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 and then a moisturizer with SPF 10, you’re not increasing SPF protection. The SPF you get, is the one provided by the highest sunscreen you applied. In this case, 30.
2. All sunscreens protect from UVA AND UVB rays
Unfortunately, that’s not true. The SPF rating only applies to UVB protection and not all sunscreen include ingredients that protect against UVA rays as well. Use broad spectrum sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone and mexoryl, which all provide some protection against UVA rays as well.
3. I can’t get a tan if I use a high SPF sunscreen
You can still get a tan if you use a high SPF sunscreen, it will just take a big longer to develop. And not only it will last longer, but you’ll lower the risk of skin damage and getting a sunburn too!
4. Your old sunscreen bottle is still effective
Do you have any sunscreen lotions left over from last summer? Check the expiration dates to see if they are still good to use. Usually sunscreen start losing effectiveness after one year and are useless after three.
5. It’s enough to apply sunscreen once a day
No it’s not. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. That is because, when exposed to the sun, the active ingredients break down, making it necessary to rea-pply.
6. Sunscreen isn’t necessary if it’s cloudy.
Not only sunscreen is still necessary even if it is cloudy, but also if it is rainy or snowing. Basically, wearing sunscreen is ALWAYS necessary. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds and be reflected on snow too.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Good myth buster tips there, Gio! And I have one for you: don’t put your chemical sunscreen in the car, they chemical will disintegrate very fast because of the heat.
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I say “AYE!” I can’t stop nodding when I read your post! very helpful!!!
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some great tips!! im on the look out for another sunscreen!
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oooops! i am guilty of no.6 =/
I always get tan even through a high SPF sunscreen!
Dao: that is a great and useful tip, thank you!
Nikki: thanks hun, you’re so sweet. I’m glad you found it helpful.
Nicola: thanks! Finding the right sunscreen can be hard. I like physical ones but they can leave a white cast. Hope you find a great one!
prettybeautiful: it’s easy to forget to wear sunscreen if the weather is bad. But you can always use a foundation or sunscreen with SPF, they give some protection too
Lydia: that’s good
I wish more people realised that they can get a tan even when protected by a high SPF sunscreen.
Myth #1. I only learned the truth on that recently at my Clinique consultation. But isn’t it that only the top most layer of the SPf counts? For example, moisturiser with SPF 30, foundation with SPF 15 on top of the moisturiser, net SPF would be only 15? I am still a little confused on this. Hope you can help me clarify this. Thanks, gio.
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Hi Vonvon,
it doesn’t really matter what product is on top, it is the SPF rating that counts. The level of protection you get is that of the product with the highest SPF you used. So if you apply moisturizer with SPF 30 and foundation with SPF 15, the SPF you get is 30. That is because it is the highest SPF product you used.
Hope this was clearer. If you have more questions, just let me know