Debunking Common Sunscreen Myths

Fact: Everyone needs sun protection; there are no ifs and buts. Sunscreen is key to protecting our skin from harmful damage—from the sun to blue light to pollution—that can lead to cancer, premature aging, and more. 

It's been around since ancient times, but many people are still hesitant to include it in their daily skin care routine due to some major misconceptions that have been circulating over the past few years. 

That's why we asked our Senior Director of Product Development, Tamerri Ater, to debunk four of the most common sunscreen myths once and for all. She even shares some advice on the best ingredients in sunscreen, the ideal SPF value, and how to use it correctly for all-day protection. 

Myth: Chemical sunscreen is better than mineral sunscreen because it doesn’t leave a white cast. Tamerri: There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical (although some products use a combination of the two). Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and then release them before they can cause damage. 

Physical sunscreens (also called mineral sunscreens) sit on the surface of the skin and form a protective barrier. UV rays are not absorbed but reflected from the skin's surface. It’s hard to say which type is “better” because it depends on what you value most in SPF. 

Physical sunscreens are safe for pregnant women and often better at preventing irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, some chemical sunscreens contain additives that are harmful to marine life. 

When we developed Guards Up sunscreen, we chose a physical approach, not only for environmental reasons but also for skin safety. 

Physical sunscreens are typically made from titanium dioxide or non-nano zinc oxide, which are the safest sunscreens for our bodies and our oceans. Bonus: Zinc oxide also protects against blue light damage caused by screen time. The problem, however, is that this mineral is naturally white. 

This is why people with darker skin tones and more melanin in their skin (like me) sometimes get white spots. We really wanted a physical sunscreen that would work for everyone, which is why our sunscreen comes in a peach color that disappears when rubbed onto the skin. 

We test our formula on the community to make sure it works on a variety of skin tones. Myth: I have darker skin, so I don’t need sunscreen. Tamerri: While melanin naturally protects the skin, you should definitely wear sunscreen even if you have a darker skin tone. 

Those who are rich in melanin may not burn as easily, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Additionally, any unprotected skin can be susceptible to sun damage (which can lead to premature aging and dark spots), even if you don't have a physical sunburn. 

The idea that black people don’t get skin cancer is also a misconception. This condition may be less common in darker skin tones, but when it does occur, it can be more serious. Conclusion: Wearing sunscreen is very important for everyone. 

Myth: My makeup contains SPF, so I don’t need to wear sunscreen. Tamerri: Cosmetic brands have started incorporating sunscreen into their formulas, which is great, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on SPF-infused foundation as a replacement for sunscreen. 

The AAD recommends daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The lower the SPF, the shorter the time it takes to protect your skin. This means you'll need to reapply more frequently to avoid damage. The real issue with relying on cosmetics for sun protection is dosage. 

The amount of sunscreen you need for proper protection is far greater than the amount of foundation you use. Additionally, experts say mixing sunscreen with makeup can further reduce its effectiveness, making it a less than optimal form of protection. 

If you prefer makeup with SPF, I recommend using both a primer (or better yet, something that moisturizes and softens blemishes, like our Glow-in-the-Night Drops ) and sunscreen to ensure you get the maximum amount of coverage Protect. 

If your foundation doesn't have SPF, be sure to apply sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine—whether you're wearing makeup or not. Just leave it on for a few minutes to avoid pilling. 

Myth: You don’t need sun protection in winter. Tamerri: Everyone should use sunscreen every day, regardless of the season or weather. The sun's UVB rays (which cause burns) are more noticeable in the summer, but UVA rays (which cause premature skin aging) are present year-round. They can penetrate clouds and windows and reflect snow. 

Even if it’s cold and gloomy outside or you’re indoors, you still need sun protection. Don’t think that if you apply again, you’ll be out of trouble. The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that strong winds and snow can eat away at your sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness, so use it even in winter. You should still repeat the application every two hours. 

To enhance the protective effects of sunscreen, incorporate antioxidants like ferulic acid and phloretin into your daily routine. Myth: Sunscreens are bad for my skin because they cause irritation and breakouts. Tamerri: Every skin is different. As with anything you put on your face, it's important to patch test it on a small area of ​​skin (such as under your ear) before applying it all over your body. As with any other ingredient, some people may be sensitive to zinc oxide and ingredients in chemical sunscreens (such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, etc.). If sunscreen causes you to break out, it may not be suitable for your skin type. 

Acne-prone skin often does better with oil-free formulas. Before giving up completely, make sure the product is actually the cause of breakouts (don't forget that stress, not washing your pillowcases, dieting, and touching your face can also cause acne). (And spot-treat any pimples that may appear with a drying treatment like "Game Over.") Once you find a sunscreen that works for you, be sure to use a sufficient amount (about half a teaspoon per day) and reapply every two hours.