5 Top Sunscreen Myths
Love Summer? Love Your Skin!
Everyone wants great-looking, healthy skin, especially during Summer, when we naturally want to be out enjoying life in the sun! While sun-safety awareness has improved, many people still have misconceptions regarding sunscreen.
5 Top Sunscreen Myths
1. “Only those with fair skin need to wear sunscreen.”
While it is true that people with lighter skin color have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, enough sun exposure could lead to sunburn and even skin cancer regardless of race. Everyone should wear sunscreen and especially when prolonged exposure to the sun is expected. The only healthy tan is the one you are born with!
2. “Sunscreen is toxic.”
The active ingredients found in sunscreens undergo rigorous FDA testing before they are approved for sale. When applied to the skin, the ingredients do not penetrate deep enough to cause systemic toxicities. Sunscreens are generally considered safe for topical usage based on available scientific studies.
3. “I only need to put sunscreen on once after I get to the beach.”
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen to be applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. It is also important to reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. When in doubt, reapply.
4. “The higher the SPF, the better.”
Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 will block 97% of the harmful ultraviolet rays found in sunlight. Additional SPFs offer only a slightly higher level of protection and do not increase the duration of its effectiveness.
5. “Some sunscreens are waterproof.”
Sunscreen manufacturers are now banned from claiming that products are “waterproof” or “sweat proof.” Sunscreens marked “water resistant” are protective for up to 40 minutes even after the skin gets wet. It is still recommended that you reapply after getting out of the water.
Yes, the sun’s rays are harmful to your skin, but that’s no reason not to enjoy Summer! The advances in sun protection over the years have been amazing! So, to help protect your skin, follow these 3 rules:
1.Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday
2.Re-apply sunscreen regularly (every 1-2 hours, or when you get wet)
3.Wear a hat
Charisma Skin's daytime moisturizers with SPF (on sale now!) all include broad-spectrum sun protection, and our BB Creme, Mineral Sheer Tint, Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation and Loose Mineral Powder Foundation all provide physical barrier broad-spectrum SPF. Watch for our new daytime moisturizer with mineral-based (physical barrier) sunscreen coming very soon! Be sun-safe and enjoy the warm and longer days of Summer!
The “5 Top Sunscreen Myths” in this blog comes from a recent article by Miaoyuan Wang, M.D., and Antonio P. Cruz, M.D., FAAD, FACMS