Myth #1: “If it’s cloudy, I don’t need sunscreen.”
WRONG! The sun’s harmful rays come in two forms—UVA and UVB. UVB rays are most powerful from the hours of 10 am and 2 pm and are the target of the SPF (sun protection factor).
Myth #2: “The higher the SPF, the better”
A higher SPF number typically offers a false sense of security that you can stay in the sun longer without reapplying because after all, you applied an SPF 100 at 8 am.
Incorrect!
In higher SPFs (greater than 50) the chemicals used to block the sun’s harmful rays are used in higher concentrations and are more likely to cause hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. Sticking to the range of SPF 30-50 with adequate use as described above will be sufficient.
Myth #3 “I’m already oily in the summer, so I don’t need to moisturize.”
It’s a common misconception that moisturizer isn’t needed if you are acne-prone or oily. To the contrary, our skin produces oil in an attempt to balance dry skin. If we give our skin what it’s asking for in a non-oil form, i.e. a perfectly balanced moisturizer, our oil production remains normal and won’t contribute to acne breakouts during those summer months.
Myth #4 “If I get a base tan I won’t burn and put myself at risk for skin cancer”
There is no such thing as a safe base tan. Any tan is an up-regulation of skin cells called melanocytes that are a defense of our body signaling sun damage. Not only does it put you at risk of skin cancer, but it also guarantees your seat on the train to premature aging.
Myth #5 “Summer means taking a break from all of my skincare maintenance.”
Summer means rest and relaxation for most. Taking a break from daily routines and stopping to smell the roses in bloom is important, but it is not a time to neglect our skin. If you are following the rules of protecting your skin, you should not be sporting a tan that prevents you from your routine maintenance.
Sources: Beauty Culture Spa
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