Common Myths About Sun Care

Did you know that you can get sunburned on a cloudy day?

Or that UV rays can reach you through windows? The sun is a mighty force, and up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate during an unsuspected overcast. In fact, the sun's most dangerous rays are between 10am and 4pm.

While many sun care facts have become popular knowledge, such as tanning beds are unsafe, old wives' tales and beachside rumors can still burn us. Let's shed some light on many common sun-care myths.

Myth: I'll become Vitamin D deficient if I wear sunscreen.

While using sunscreen may decrease your skin's production of vitamin D, it is not known to cause vitamin D deficiency. People can get the vitamin D they need safely from foods and vitamin supplements without increasing their risk for skin cancer.

Myth: Chemical and mineral sunscreens are the same.

Chemical—or traditional—sunscreens absorb UV rays, converting them to heat to disperse through the skin, taking 15–30 minutes to be effective. Mineral sunscreens instead reflect and scatter UV rays, acting as a physical sunblock, and are effective immediately.

Myth: People with darker skin don't need sunscreen.

UVA rays can cause wrinkles and skin cancer in all skin types.

Fact: One American dies every hour from melanoma.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Yet, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in the U.S. Make sure you know how you can help prevent skin cancer.

Fact: 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.

This is due to exposure to harmful UV rays, in particular UVA rays. While some makeup can protect the face from UV rays, you still need daily SPF protection. Be sure to check expiration dates and replace at least every three years.

Fact: Children who get a bad sunburn are twice as likely to develop melanoma later in life.

The sad truth is that harmful effects of sunburn add up over time. Children 6 months and older should use sunscreen regularly.

Myth: You don't need to reapply waterproof sunscreen.

No sunscreen is waterproof, only "water-resistant." Be sure to reapply it every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating.

Myth: Eyeballs can't get sunburn.

Protect corneas with 100%-UV-protections sunglasses.

Myth: Getting a "base tan" is a safer way to suntan.

Any tanning is UV damage to the skin. In fact, tanning beds use high doses of damaging UVA rays, which penetrate the skin and can cause premature aging.

Did you feel the heat? Try to remember these important facts, especially when you're actively enjoying the sun. And when in doubt, recite these three numbers-30, 15, 2-to keep you and your family safe: Apply SPF 30 at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours.

To learn more about which products are best for you, visit our sun care buying guide.

Published on June 30, 2019