10 Sunscreen Myths Debunked by Dermatologists

Sunscreen is the single most important skincare product you can use—yet it's surrounded by more myths than any other product. Let's set the record straight.

Myth 1: "I don't need sunscreen on cloudy days"

**BUSTED**: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds. UVA rays (the aging ones) are present from sunrise to sunset, rain or shine. Wear SPF daily, regardless of weather.

Myth 2: "Dark skin doesn't need sunscreen"

**BUSTED**: While melanin provides some natural protection, people with dark skin can still experience sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Everyone needs SPF.

Myth 3: "I don't need sunscreen indoors"

**BUSTED**: UVA rays penetrate windows. If you sit near windows or work in a sunlit room, you're getting UV exposure. This is especially important if you use retinol or acids, which increase sun sensitivity.

Myth 4: "SPF 100 is twice as good as SPF 50"

**BUSTED**: SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99%. The difference is minimal. What matters more is proper application and reapplication.

Myth 5: "A little sunscreen is enough"

**BUSTED**: Most people apply only 25-50% of the recommended amount. You need:

- ¼ teaspoon for face

- 1 oz (shot glass) for body

Under-applying reduces protection significantly.

Myth 6: "I don't need to reapply if I'm not swimming"

**BUSTED**: Sunscreen breaks down over time and with sweat. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, regardless of activity. If swimming or sweating heavily, reapply more often.

Myth 7: "Makeup with SPF is enough protection"

**BUSTED**: You'd need to apply an impractical amount of foundation to get the stated SPF. Use a dedicated sunscreen under your makeup.

Myth 8: "Chemical sunscreens are dangerous"

**BUSTED**: Despite what you've read, approved sunscreen ingredients are safe for most people. The FDA continues to study certain filters, but dermatologists agree: the risk of NOT wearing sunscreen far outweighs any theoretical risks.

Myth 9: "Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency"

**BUSTED**: Studies show sunscreen users don't have lower vitamin D levels. You likely get enough vitamin D from incidental sun exposure and diet. If concerned, take a supplement—don't skip SPF.

Myth 10: "I got a base tan, so I'm protected"

**BUSTED**: A tan is literally skin damage. It provides minimal protection (equivalent to SPF 2-4 at most) and indicates DNA damage has occurred. There's no such thing as a "safe" tan.

The Bottom Line

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It's your primary defense against:

- Premature aging

- Dark spots and hyperpigmentation

- Skin cancer

Make it the last step of your morning routine, every single day.