Five Sunscreen Myths and Tips for the Summer
It is that time of year again with warmer days when the bottles and cans of sunscreen come out with the beach umbrellas, bathing suits, and backyard picnics. With so many options, though, choosing a sunscreen can become overwhelming and confusing. To help understand why sunscreen is so important, here are a few common myths and tips about choosing the most effective protection while enjoying the sun.
Five Sunscreen Myths
Sunburn is not possible on cool or cloudy days. The sun’s strong rays are still very capable of penetrating through clouds and cooler temperatures are not related to how vulnerable your skin is to the sun. It is still possible to suffer sun damage on cloudy or cool days.
SPF 50 or higher is greater protection than SPF 30. Wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen will block out about 97% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. SPF 50 sunscreen will bump that figure up by one extra percent of protection to 98%. Experts generally agree that SPF 30 is sufficient and higher SPF factors do not always mean better protection.
All sunscreens are the same. Some sunscreens work using chemical blockers and some work using physical blockers. The physical blockers include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in their ingredients. Those are preferred over chemical blocker sunscreens, but zinc oxide provides the best and most complete coverage.
Olive or darker colored skin is not at risk for skin cancer. All skin colors and degrees of pigmentation are still at risk of developing skin cancer or permanent damage from unprotected sun exposure. Darker skin tones may be less likely to burn, though can still be damaged by too much sun.
Makeup with SPF protection means sunscreen is not necessary. Most makeup or moisturizers that provide sun protection are generally a low SPF level of 15 and are thin and sheer making them not substantial enough to provide adequate protection on their own.
Five Sunscreen Tips
Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. You want to make sure that the label clearly states “broad spectrum” on it, ensuring that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB sun rays. UVA refers to ultraviolet rays that cause sun damage to skin and UVB sun rays cause sunburn. Protection against both burn and damage are crucial in sunscreen.
Know when to apply sunscreen. Be sure to apply protection 30 minutes before sun exposure, then re-apply every two hours. If you are swimming or active and sweating, you may need to apply more frequently.
Choose a water-resistant formula. If you are in the water or engaging in activities that result in a lot of sweat, having a water-resistant sunscreen will increase your protection, but you will still need to re-apply often.
Know where to apply sunscreen. Sun protection should be applied to any area of the body that is exposed, some of which are commonly forgotten. That includes the face, hands, feet (top and bottom), ears, neck, and the top of the head, if you are bald or have thinning hair.
No sunscreen can do it all. Remember to use other tools to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. That includes sunglasses, wide brimmed hats, protective clothing, and shade.
“Sunscreen is an important part of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays that can damage the skin and lead to cancer. A few moments to apply a quality sunscreen on ourselves and our children is an important tool of self-care,” says Dr. Srilata Gundala, hematologist/oncologist and owner and founder of Hope & Healing Care Center in Hinsdale, Illinois, “Being outside and enjoying the sun is the best part of summer for many, but always remember to use the tools we have to protect ourselves and loved ones.”
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
