Myth #1 - I don’t need to wear sunscreen on cloudy daysWhile cloud cover can ease the effects of direct sunlight, clouds don’t stop the sun’s UV rays from damaging your skin. Even if your skin doesn’t feel the heat of the sun, UV rays are still doing damage and can be causing wrinkles.Myth #2 - High SPF sunscreen lasts all dayThere are many reasons you need to reapply sunscreen frequently even if your’e using a high SPF product. It makes some sort of sense that an SPF of 50 means that you can be out in the sun 50 times longer. But that amount of time changes for each individual and depends on the time of year, time of day, sweating, prolonged exercise, swimming, and other variables. Further, even high SPF sunscreens get oxidized by the sun and becomes less effective. The standard recommendation is to reapply every 2 hours.Myth #3 - I have dark skin or don’t sunburn so I don’t need sunscreenSome people are less likely to burn than others. Even if your skin doesn’t burn, unprotected sun exposure still puts you at increased risk for skin cancer and accelerated signs of aging (wrinkles and age spots). No matter your skin tone or history with sunburns, you should still be using sunscreen every day.Myth #4 - My sunscreen is waterproof so I don’t have to reapplyEven waterproof or water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied regularly.Myth #5 - I have a vitamin D deficiency so I shouldn’t wear as much sunscreenIn the “old days”, some MDs used to prescribe increased sun exposure to treat vitamin D deficiencies. Today, we understand that the risk for skin cancer far outweighs any potential benefits of receiving a boost in vitamin D through prolonged exposure to UV rays. Incorporate foods that are rich in vitamin D into your diet as well as take a vitamin D supplement every day. If you do spend more time outdoors to promote a healthier level of vitamin D, you should apply sunscreen.Shop our Sunscreen skin care products today! Check out our:Vitamin E Daily Sunscreen SPF 45. Prevent wrinkles with our hyaluronic acid & vitamin E.
Skin Care Sunscreen myths
Posted by Martha Lucas PH.D., L.Ac. on Jul 13th 2021