SPF: Myths and What to Avoid

Everyone seems to have an opinion about sunscreen. We want to share some of the common myths we hear every day and help you understand how you can effectively protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

Myth #1: SPF Tells You How Strong Your Sunscreen Is

SPF is simply a factor that tells you how long you can fend off the sun. For example, if you naturally burn in about 10 minutes, sunscreen with SPF30 should give you about 300 minutes of protection. Please note that all sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours no matter what SPF you use. And always reapply after swimming, sweating, towel wiping or other activities that diminish your protection.

Myth #2: The Higher the SPF Factor, the Better

While SPF of 4 or 6 is way too low, anything above SPF 50 makes only a marginal difference. Keep these stats in mind: when applied properly, SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 block 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%. We recommend a minimum of SPF of 30 for everyday use and SPF 50 for extended time outside.

Myth #3: Darker Skin Doesn’t Need Sunscreen

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dark skin tones were “most likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in its later stages than any other group in the study, and they also had the worst prognosis and the lowest overall survival rate.” So even if you don’t see the damage, it’s there.

Myth #4: I Don’t Spend A Lot of Time Outdoors So I Don’t Need Sunscreen Everyday

Outside is not the only place you can get damaging sun rays. UVA rays, which can cause visible signs of aging and skin cancer, can reach you through windows or in the car. UVA rays actually cause up to 90% of skin aging and 1 out of 6 people get skin cancer.

Myth #5: The Winter Sun is Not That Hot So I Don’t Need Sunscreen

The strength of the sun’s rays that burn or age your skin are not based on heat, rather the UV Index. The U.S. National Weather Service measures the ground-level strength of UV radiation to forecast UV levels on a daily basis from 0 (low) to 11 (extremely high). All levels can occur year round based on cloud cover, elevation and other factors.

MYTH #5: I Already Have Damage From My Youth, So It’s Too Late Now

You can and should protect yourself from further damage at any age. Sun damage is cumulative and every additional day without protection only increases your changes of premature aging and skin cancer.

In Conclusion

It’s important not to rely on high-SPF sunscreens alone as nothing can protect you perfectly. At Wisdom and Youth in Westport, Connecticut. we recommend using a combination of protection including seeking shade when possible, covering up as much skin as possible, wearing a wide brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses and other protective gear as well as using a good, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation at (203) 520-9096 or email us here. We can provide an assessment of your current sun damage and provide recommendations and treatment tailored just for you.