Are you using your sunscreen… the right way?
Sunscreen ain’t like other skincare products. You can’t use a thin layer or skip it one morning because you’re running late.
It’s a medicine your skin needs every single day to keep wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer well away.
Easier said than done when everyone has a different opinion on how to use sunscreen…
Time to put the myths to rest! Here are 5 sunscreen myths you need to stop believing right now to stay safe in the sun:
Myth #1: I Applied Sunscreen In The Morning. That’s More Than Enough For The Whole Day.
Enough for a couple of hours is more like it… Did you know that UV light can break down sunscreen? In plain English, as UV filters fight off UV rays, they get depleted on the job and start losing their effectiveness. The more sunlight they’re exposed to, they sooner they become useless. That’s why the label says to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours at the beach.
But what if you’re not at the beach? You still need to reapply sunscreen. Truth is, the majority of sun exposure (and damage) your skin gets is from innocent day-to-day activities. Like driving to work, walking your dog in the park, or sitting for hours next to big office windows.
Don’t risk it. Touch up your sunscreen as regularly as you can.
P.S. Mineral UV filter zinc oxide degrades slower than chemical UV filters like avobenzone. That’s why we chose it for our Age Defying Tinted Mineral Sunscreen.
Myth #2: It’s Cloudy/Rainy Today. I Can Skip Sunscreen.
No, you can’t. UVA rays are sneaky. In case you’re wondering, UVA rays are the type that gives you wrinkles, dark spots and cancer. And they won’t be held back by bad weather. They can’t easily penetrate through the darkest clouds and be reflected on snow. Rain or shine, put your sunscreen on.
Myth #2: My Skin Is Naturally Dark. I Don’t Need Sunscreen
Here’s a sobering fact: even though skin cancer is more common in the Caucasian population, it is more DEADLY in people of color. Part of the problem is that they’re more likely to be diagnosed when the melanoma is already in its advanced stages. Why is that?
Same reason why people of color are less likely to wear sunscreen: they think the higher amount of melanin in their skin gives them enough sun protection. If you don’t think cancer can happen to you, you won’t try to prevent it or go to the doctor in time.
Don’t gamble with your life. Wear sunscreen every day.
Myth #4: I Wear Makeup With SPF. I’ll Be Fine
That could be true… If you apply enough. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a proper sunscreen or a foundation with SPF, to reach the level of SPF stated on the bottle, you need to use 2mg/cm(2) of product. Translation: ⅓ of a teaspoon for the face alone. If you’re using a foundation with SPF, you’ll need roughly 7 layers to get adequate sun protection. Can you do it? If not, use sunscreen underneath.
Myth #5: It’s Ok To Apply My Sunscreen At The Pool Or Beach
No, it’s not. If you apply your sunscreen once you’ve arrived at the beach, what’s gonna keep your skin safe from UV harm while you get there? Plus, to give your sunscreen the best chance to work its sun protection magic, you need to allow it time to settle into an even layer that won’t brush off too easily when you touch your face. It takes around 20 minutes for your sunscreen to settle, but just to be on the safe side, put on yours as soon as you wake up in the morning. Don’t let the sun catch you without it!
No more excuses. Put that sunscreen on. Every. Single. Day.