Sunscreens: Five Myths Debunked

It seems like sunscreens have been much more appreciated in modern days than before. For the most part, people realize that without sunscreen, their skincare effort will be down the drain.

Nonetheless, there are still several misunderstandings about sunscreens floating around. Let’s see what are five common myths about them and get the facts straight.

Myth 1: Sunscreens is the reason leading to vitamin D deficiency

FACT: Our bodies produced vitamin D when exposing to sunlight. Five to fifteen minutes of sun exposure per day is enough for our bodies to create a proper level of vitamin D. Additionally, UV rays can penetrate clothing, and sunscreens wear off over time, so they cannot totally prevent skin from UV rays.

Instead of exposing ourselves to the toxic UV lights, there are ample ways to provide enough Vitamin D for bodies. Eating food that abundant in Vitamin D, such as tuna, salmon, cheese,… and using dietary supplements are better methods without doing harm to our skins.

Myth 2: The higher SPF, the better it is

FACT: Dermatologists recommend choosing products with SPF value from 30+ to 50+.

When properly applied, a product with SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB; SPF 50 blocks 98%; and SPF 100 blocks 99%, just one percent added. Therefore, a higher value of SPF can give customers a false sense of protection. Since they think they are fully protected all day long, there is no need to re-apply sunscreen later. Hence, they will be likely to put themselves at risk of skin damages and sunburn.

Myth 3: Makeup products with SPF are enough to protect skin against UV rays

FACT: Most cosmetics offer lower SPF levels than their minimum value that can effectively protect our skin. Makeup products such as foundation, cushion, concealer, or primer are often labeled with SPF 15+ or 30+, while our skin needs much more than that. Therefore, wearing a separate sunscreen is necessary, as makeup only cannot keep us safe from UV rays.

Myth 4: Waterproof sunscreens cannot be washed off

FACT: Actually, no sunscreen is 100% waterproof. The newest regulations of the FDA prohibit using the term “waterproof” on their sunscreen products. The appropriate term is:

• Water-resistant, if protective for up to 40 minutes in water;

• Very water-resistant, if protective for up to 80 minutes in water.

Re-apply sunscreen every two hours after water exposure like sweating or water sports.

Myth 5: One application of sunscreen can last all-day

FACT: According to research by Which? (2016), a sunscreen with SPF 30 could give as little as SPF 8 coverage by the end of the day. No sunscreen can maintain the SPF stated on the bottle throughout the entire day, without needing to be reapplied.

We need to apply enough sunscreen and re-apply after two hours or after swimming, exercising, or sweating to ensure that our skins are still protected.