Sunscreen myths may be all the excuses you need to skip applying sunscreen. However, forgoing protecting your skin due to misinformation could leave you vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer. We want to dispel these myths and share best practices for sunscreen use and some other sun safety tips to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen Myths and Facts
Here are 10 myths about sun protection to help eliminate any barriers between you and your optimal skin health:

Myth #1: Sunblock will completely protect me from sunburn, sun damage, and aging.
The word sunblock has been eliminated from sun protection products, as no sunscreen can completely block all UV rays. Instead, using and reapplying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, combined with avoiding direct sun exposure, especially when sun intensity is the strongest, is an essential sun-safe practice. Using umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing with built-in sun protection (UPF clothing) are equally vital.

Myth #2: Getting a base tan protects skin from sunburn and sun damage.
Skip the notion of a base tan before skin-baring vacations or events, as any UV exposure can leave you vulnerable to photodamage and skin cancer. This is backed by studies at the National Cancer Institute which proved that the increased pigment of a “base” tan before an extended period of sun exposure does not provide any extra UV protection but rather more sun damage and skin cancer risk.

Myth #3: Tanning beds are a safe way to get a tan.
Tanning beds emit damaging UVA rays, referred to as aging rays, that lead to aging and significantly increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Myth #4: People with sensitive skin, allergies, or acne cannot use sunscreens safely.
While individuals may be sensitive to some sunscreens, this is often due to synthetically sourced formulas. Fortunately, several natural UV protection ingredients do not cause reactions or breakouts. Mineral-based Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide formulas provide antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can minimize breakouts while soothing irritation and redness. However, those prone to clogged pores and blemishes should avoid formulas containing Mineral Oil and other pore-clogging ingredients. If your skin is extra-temperamental, a patch test on the side of your neck or arm is an excellent way to test a product.

Myth #5: Darker skin tones can get away without using sunscreen.
While it is true that darker-skinned ethnicities have more protective pigment than lighter-skinned people, with melanin acting as a natural SPF, the sun can still inflict damage. Those with darker skin don’t have a get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to sun protection. While less likely to burn, sun damage and skin cancers still occur. When people with darker skin experience sunburns, they are harder to detect. People of color can get melanoma on their palms, soles of feet, and underneath nails, areas that are often overlooked and, therefore, more likely to result in fatalities. Sun protection can also help minimize the uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots that people with higher melanin content are prone to develop with sun exposure.

Myth #6: You only need sunscreen on sunny days when you plan to be outside.
Beyond the hot, sunny days of summer, UVA rays still penetrate through clouds and windows, and the weather does not affect how much UV exposure you receive. You are not off the hook if you live in a cloudy climate year-round. And, if you spend countless hours on the road or work alongside a window, sunscreen use is essential. Another form of insurance against harmful UV rays is a transparent UV-protecting film that can be applied to your car or home windows.

Myth #7: I don’t need sunscreen if I stay indoors.
Those who stay home during the day often wonder, “Why use sunscreen indoors?” Light bulbs emit UV rays, so if you use lamps or electric light of any sort, you still need to apply sunscreen daily. If you and your cell phone or tablet are rarely apart or you log work hours in front of a computer, you are exposed to HEV, high energy visible light. Commonly referred to as blue light, this light emitted from your devices is additionally harmful to the skin. This makes applying a broader protection sunscreen with bluelight protection during the day indoors or out a must!

Myth #8: I’ve already done the damage, so there's no reason to hassle with sunscreen now.
A study published by the Skin Cancer Foundation indicated that while sun exposure is cumulative, approximately 23% of exposure occurs by age 18, with 47% from 19-40 years old, 74% between 41 and 59 years old, and so on. This proves that it is always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays well beyond your youth.

Myth #9: Higher SPF sunscreens are better.
No evidence indicates that SPFs of 50+ offer any additional UVB protection, and higher SPFs tend to be synthetic or chemical-based and can cause irritation. You can use sunscreen lotion SPF 30 or 40 for daily protection and trust that your skin will be safe from harm.

Myth #10 If I use waterproof sunscreen, I don’t need to reapply the rest of the day.
Waterproof and sweatproof labeling has been banned by the FDA as it led people to mistakenly believe they would be protected all day long. You still need to vigilantly re-apply every two hours with FDA-allowed water-resistant labeling during prolonged periods of sun exposure, when swimming, sweating, or in humid climates.

Sunscreen Through the Ages
Sidestepping the weird, archaic attempts to channel or thwart the sun, here's a primer on how to adjust sunscreen use by age:

Infants - New mothers aware that their newborn’s young skin lacks the natural melanin to protect them often query, "Can you use sunscreen on babies?" The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends waiting until your baby reaches the 6-month mark before you add sunscreen application to their care. To diligently shield them from the sun, avoid direct sunlight and arm yourself with umbrellas, hats, goggles, UPF baby clothes, and UPF swimwear to help preserve their baby soft skin as long as possible!

Babies, Toddlers, and Big Kids - Cover exposed areas, and apply a family-safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 to safeguard their skin from sunburn and damage. Make reapplying every two hours a habit that you and they will come to expect.

Preteens & Teens - Educate them on the dangers of the sun and teach them to apply an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Help them find formulas without pore-clogging mineral oil or other ingredients that contribute to breakouts. Encourage them to cleanse well at the end of the day with an acne control cleanser to help keep their skin clear.

Adults and those with mature skin - Natural sunscreen use with a broad spectrum moisturizer with SPF 40 must continue throughout adulthood to ensure your skin stays protected against cancer and unnecessary visible signs of sun damage.

Best Practices for Sunscreen and Sun Protection
With all the sun safety myths and facts, it is not surprising that you have questions about when and how to use sunscreen. Don't worry, we've got answers! Here are some tips to help you protect your skin like a pro:

Q: When should you use sunscreen within a skincare regimen?
A: This is one of the most frequently asked questions. And rightfully so! Whether you use sunscreen or moisturizer first affects the efficacy of your sunscreen and depends on the type of formula. You use mineral sunscreens after moisturizer, like a final top coat or shield. But you apply chemical sunscreens beforehand as they must interact with your skin to be effective.

Q: How long do I need to wait to go outside after applying sunscreen?
A: For sunscreens to work properly, apply chemical sunscreens 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, while mineral formulas only need 15 minutes to get your skin ready to face the day.

Q: How can I make applying sunscreen a daily habit?
A: Right after washing your face, tone and apply your favorite moisturizer, followed by our ocean safe sunscreen. Or opt for a moisturizer and sunscreen all-in-one formula to make your a.m. routine quick, easy, and protective! Select a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen that will blend seamlessly with your complexion and blur your imperfections. Need help remembering to reapply? Set reminders on your phone to tell you it’s time to re-up your sunscreen every two hours.

Q: How can I maximize my skin protection efforts?
A: There are several things you can do. Apply antioxidant-rich serums before sunscreen for added protection against free radicals and environmental aggressors. Our “C” Complexe with Oxyzomes and Stem Cells Phyto-Elite® Intensive Serum are excellent Vitamin C serum choices. Vitamin C also promotes optimal production of skin-supporting proteins, minimizing fine lines, and keeping skin luminous. Our RS2 Concentrate with Green Tea and or our Vitaminic Concentrate with Vitamin E are wonderful for ensuring skin stays protected, calm, and moisturized!

Wide-brimmed hats, oversized sunglasses, UPF sun protective clothing, and umbrellas are your allies against UV exposure. Be extra diligent about sun protection after chemical peels and laser treatments. Discard expired sunscreens as they will lack the potency to adequately protect you. If you can't find an expiration date or leave your sunscreen out in the heat, toss it and start fresh. Your skin is worth it.

Q: Which sunscreen to use while pregnant is best?
A: Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are the best pregnancy-safe formulas for use while expecting. Choose FDA-approved sunscreens with natural minerals instead of chemical formulas that are tied to health issues affecting fetuses. However, sunscreen use during pregnancy is especially important as the normal hormonal fluctuations may make you inclined toward the “mask of pregnancy” and every little bit of protection helps.

Q: How do I get a perfect sunscreen application with mineral sunscreens?
A: Look for a formula with moisturizing ingredients from a brand whose formulations you trust and warm the sunscreen between your palms. Take the time to spread it in so it will melt into the skin, avoiding the chalky, whitish cast that some mineral formulas leave behind.  Be sure to cover your face, neck, chest, and ears. Want to maximize results for your healthiest skin ever? Boost skin health with an in-depth consultation for your ideal products and professional treatments.

If you are getting ready for a sun-safe spray tan, our Smooth & Even Tan Full Body Polish Treatment will give you the radiant glow you desire. Or if you spent one too many hours al fresco and wound up with a sunburn, visit Find A Spa for an oasis near you offering Pevonia, and ask for the Water Lily After-Sun Soothing Wrap Treatment for instantly soothing relief.