From skincare tips to health advice, few topics are spared from misinformation, and sunscreen is no exception. So, are you prepared to discover how much you really know about protecting your skin?
While studies have found that Gen Z is the top consumer of skincare products, sunscreen usage has taken a backseat in their routines. Among U.S. adults under the age of 30, only 8.2% of men and 25.7% of women always used sunscreen when outside on a sunny day for over one hour.
There is also evidence that human activity-caused ozone layer depletion, essentially the gradual loss of a protective UV-absorbing zone of the atmosphere, has contributed to an increase in skin cancers. Though the use of harmful chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has declined worldwide, the ozone hole remains and thus, the need for effective sun protection has never been so urgent.
Why Should You Reevaluate Your Sunscreen Knowledge?
Recently, there have been concerns about our generation’s knowledge of and commitment to sun safety. Some experts argue that this issue may not be specific to Gen Z but, instead, a general characteristic of younger people.
However, compounding these concerns are several social media influencers that have been spreading false information and misleading claims about sunscreen, affecting Gen Z the most. So, let’s put your sunscreen knowledge to the test with a game of true or false.
Each of the following eight headings are statements that are either true or false, and you can check your answers by reading the text that comes below each one. Good luck and have fun!
#1: Sunscreen Should be Worn Year-Round
This is a FACT. Though winters may seem cloudy, gloomy, and even snowy, the threat of UV radiation still persists. UVA rays, in particular, are present year-round and can penetrate through rain, clouds, fog, glass windows, and multiple layers of the skin.
In addition, though it may seem like snow would be protective against the harmful effects of the sun, it actually does quite the opposite and amplifies these effects by reflecting 80% of UV radiation back onto the skin. Applying sunscreen, as a result, must be incorporated into a daily routine throughout the year for maximum protection against the sun.
#2: Sunscreen Only Needs to be Applied on Parts of the Body That Aren’t Covered by Clothing
This is a MYTH. It completely depends on what you’re wearing and how exposed you’ll be to the sun. Looser, darker, and synthetic clothing is more protective against the sun than tighter, lighter, and natural fabrics. In addition, some clothing is designed to protect against UV radiation and comes with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
Though clothes can be an important barrier against the dangers of the sun, they are often not enough, especially if the clothes in question are lighter-colored, cotton clothing that is commonly worn in the summertime to keep cool in the heat. In such instances, wearing sunscreen under clothing becomes critical. A good rule of thumb proposed by health.com is that if you can see light under the fabric, then the UV rays can still reach underneath the clothing and harm your skin.
#3: You Can Get Skin Cancer on Your Ears
This is a FACT. People often forget to apply sunscreen in many places, as seen in the following reel by Dr. Maral Skelsey and The Skin Cancer Foundation on Instagram. Places like the scalp, eyelids, lips, skin near straps or sleeves of clothing, and ears can be very vulnerable to the sun but are often neglected when putting on UV protection.
#4: If You Have Darker Skin, You’re Pretty Much Safe from Skin Cancer and Don’t Need to Apply Sunscreen as Often
This is a MYTH. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people often overestimate the potential of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Even the darkest skin tone only offers protection around SPF 13, which is not considered to be safe and effective sun protection.
The Skin Cancer Foundation also notes that though individuals with darker skin tones may not see visible sunburns with redness, that doesn’t mean that the skin doesn’t burn. The skin can still be inflamed and lead to hyperpigmentation and other adverse effects. Therefore, sunscreen is a necessity for people of all skin tones.
#5: If the SPF of Your Sunscreen is Higher, You Don’t Have to Reapply as Often
This is a MYTH. According to the Academic Alliance in Dermatology, SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UV rays. Sunscreen still has to be reapplied around every two hours because of factors like sweating and absorption by the skin. A higher SPF doesn’t mean that the need to reapply vanishes.
#6: The Only Way to Safely Tan is to Use Self-Tanning Sprays or Lotions
This is a FACT. As dermatologist Dr. Rachel Abbott said to BBC, “There’s no way of getting a healthy tan from a sun or sunbed.” Tanning itself is a sign of damage to the skin and is the skin’s way of trying to prevent further damage by producing more melanin. However, eventually, the DNA may reach a breaking point and begin to mutate as a result of damage from the sun, which can lead to skin cancers.
The only safe way to tan is through the use of self-tanning products, which contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with epidermal cells to create a darker color. However, it is worth noting to beware of tanning pills as well, none of which are approved by the FDA. These pills can be harmful to one’s health since they include large doses of color additives.
#7: You Don’t Need Sunscreen if Your Makeup Has SPF
This is a MYTH. This has to do with the amount of product being applied. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen must be applied to the face.
Dr. Michelle Henry, dermatologist and L’Oreal Paris Consultant, says that most people aren’t applying that much foundation. She also explains that most individuals also aren’t applying makeup as evenly or in as thick of a layer as sunscreen, and several foundations don’t have high enough SPFs. Henry does explain, however, the correct way to apply makeup and sunscreen together, which can be found here.
#8: Tanning Beds are Comparatively Safer than the Sun
This is a MYTH. According to Unity Point Health, tanning beds emit around 12 times as much UVA radiation as natural sunlight. Similar to the points covered in Statement #6, there really is no safe way to tan in the sun or in a tanning bed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning can significantly increase the risk of developing the two most common kinds of skin cancer—58% and 24% for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, respectively. The risk also increases with each use. There is simply no scientific evidence that supports the use of tanning beds, and they are proven to be even more dangerous than the sun.
Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Future
I hope you learned something new and will commit to making some changes to your daily routine. Proper sunscreen usage is incredibly important—yes, even if you have darker skin, yes, even if you wear a hat, yes, even if you don’t live in a super sunny area.
Additionally, there are plenty of options available if you are allergic to a specific type of sunscreen; such allergies are usually caused by fragrances, preservatives, or another specific ingredient.
Please don’t lose your trust in sunscreen so quickly, regardless of what you see on social media. Be sure to speak to a healthcare provider if you have concerns. Stay safe and sun-secure!
For more sunscreen, sun safety, and skincare content, look no further than these brilliant articles: ‘The Risks Of Getting *That* Summer Tan’, ‘Yes, You Need A Skin Care Routine (And It’s Easier Than You Think)’, ‘What’s The Best Sunscreen For Face Under Makeup?’.
