How many times have you heard that sunscreen is only necessary in the summer? Or that being in the shade or wearing clothing completely protects you from the sun? Does sunscreen really expire? Is it as effective to apply it at home as it is at the beach?
In this article, we debunk some common myths about sun exposure and the use of sunscreen so that you can enjoy the sun responsibly and safely. It’s time to separate fact from fiction and understand what truly protects our skin from harmful sun rays.
MYTH 1: “Using sunscreen prevents tanning”
Sunscreen does not completely prevent tanning, but it makes it safer by reducing exposure to UV rays.
Tanning is a sign of skin damage caused by these rays, which stimulate the production of melanin.
Using sunscreen helps reduce the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. To tan safely, use sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, limit time in the sun, and seek shade during peak UV radiation hours.
MYTH 2: “Only sunscreen with SPF 50 is effective”
All sunscreens, although they have different SPF levels, can be effective if applied correctly but offer different degrees of protection.
A higher SPF provides greater protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn. SPF indicates the capacity to block UVB rays. For example, SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks around 97%. Therefore, a higher SPF offers slightly more protection.
MYTH 3: “A higher SPF protects for a longer time”
A higher SPF offers more protection against UV radiation, but it does not extend the duration of protection. All sunscreens degrade over time due to exposure to the sun, water, sweat, and friction with clothes and towels.
It is crucial to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you swim or sweat heavily, even with water-resistant formulas. Additionally, make sure that the sunscreen protects against both UVB rays, which cause burns, and UVA rays, responsible for premature aging and skin cancer.
MYTH 4: “Makeup with SPF acts as sunscreen”
Makeup with SPF can provide some protection against UV rays, but it is generally not enough for complete and adequate sun protection.
Although some makeup products contain SPF ingredients, the amount of makeup applied usually does not reach the level of protection indicated on the package. For optimal sun protection, especially during prolonged sun exposure, it is recommended to apply a uniform layer of sunscreen under the makeup.
MYTH 5: “Sunscreen is not as necessary for dark skin”
All skin types, regardless of tone, need sun protection. Although darker skin has more melanin, which provides some natural protection against UV rays, it is not enough to completely prevent sun damage.
People with dark skin can also suffer from sunburn and develop conditions related to sun exposure such as premature aging, dark spots, cellular damage, and skin cancer risk. Therefore, using adequate sun protection is crucial.
MYTH 6: “Sunscreen does not expire; it can be used from one year to the next”
Most sunscreens have an expiration date printed on the package, indicating when the product will expire and should no longer be used. It is essential to pay attention to this date and not use sunscreen that has passed its expiration date.
Over time, exposure to heat and sunlight can degrade the active ingredients in sunscreen, reducing its ability to protect the skin from UV damage. Therefore, to ensure you are adequately protected, it is recommended to use sunscreen within its expiration date and store it properly in a cool, dark place when not in use.
MYTH 7: “Sunscreen is only necessary in the summer”
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are present all year round, regardless of the season or weather. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage our skin.
That’s why it’s important to use sunscreen every day, regardless of whether it’s summer, winter, autumn, or spring. Protecting our skin is crucial to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially if you engage in outdoor activities.
MYTH 8: “Being in the shade or wearing clothing offers enough protection from the sun, so sunscreen is not necessary”
While being in the shade or wearing clothing provides some protection from the sun, it is still possible to suffer sun damage if sunscreen is not used properly.
UV rays can reflect off surfaces and reach the skin, meaning that even in the shade, some of the sun’s rays can hit the skin and cause damage. Additionally, clothing does not offer complete protection against UV rays, especially if it is light or of light colors.
MYTH 9: “Applying sunscreen at home is as effective as at the beach”
The effectiveness of sunscreen does not depend on where you apply it but on how you apply it and how often you reapply it. The most important thing is to ensure that all exposed areas of the skin are covered with an even layer of sunscreen.
However, applying sunscreen at home before going out has some advantages. By applying sunscreen before leaving the house, you are protected from the moment you first step into the sun, so if you need to travel to the beach or pool, you ensure you do not get burned. Additionally, you ensure that all exposed areas of the skin are covered with sunscreen. This includes areas that we sometimes forget at the beach, like ears, neck, back of hands, and feet, as sometimes, in the midst of excitement and activities, we may neglect to apply sunscreen if we leave it for the last minute.
Furthermore, and very importantly, applying sunscreen at home gives you time to ensure it absorbs correctly into the skin before exposing yourself to the sun. This allows the sunscreen ingredients to form a more effective protective barrier against UV rays.
MYTH 10: “If the sunscreen is water-resistant, it lasts longer”
Even if a sunscreen is water-resistant, it is necessary to reapply it after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. The water resistance of sunscreen indicates that it maintains its effectiveness for a certain time when in contact with water or sweat, but it is not waterproof or permanent.
Exposure to water and the friction of drying off can remove some of the sunscreen from the skin, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
The best prevention is safe and responsible sun exposure. At CreuBlanca, we have a Dermatology Unit composed of a multidisciplinary team of highly specialized professionals in early diagnosis and personalized treatment of various dermatological conditions. We have the most advanced techniques for conducting dermatological check-ups aimed at the prevention and early detection of possible anomalies resulting from prolonged sun exposure, such as sunburn, premature aging, and melanoma, among other conditions.