All skincare regimens, no matter if aiming to correct the signs of aging, redness, uneven pigmentation or other concerns, share a common element: sun protection. Protecting skin against harmful light, radiation and other external aggressors is an important step for every skin type to not miss. Daily adequately applied sunscreen usage can minimize signs of photo-damage and help skin retain its youthful, radiant glow.
However, there are misconceptions about sunscreen that are widely accepted as truth. These misconceptions can discourage people from using sunscreen at all, teach people to use it incorrectly or simply spread false information not based on scientific research.
Below are several of the most common sunscreen myths to look out for.
1. YOU DON’T NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN ALL YEAR ROUND:
Sunscreen is considered a must during months when the weather is warmer and the sun’s rays are stronger. However, summer isn’t the only time where sunscreen is a required step in your skincare regimen. For every season, especially when exposed to natural light through windows or plan to spend extended time outside, you should apply sunscreen to any uncovered skin, such as the face, neck and chest area. It is a great habit to get into that offers long-term skin health benefits. Options like Sunscreen + Primer not only works as a hydrating makeup primer but also contains the exclusive ZOX12®
complex, which protects against the damaging effects from UVA/UVB and IR-A rays, and from HEV light. Other options include Award-winning Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 by AlumierMD. It is a sheer physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide while moisturizing with vitamin E. This formula is also packed with free-radical-quenching antioxidants, including a stable vitamin C, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and glutathione.
2. HIGHER SPFS ARE BETTER SINCE YOU DON’T NEED TO REAPPLY:
Sun protection comes in a variety of strengths, from lower SPFs to SPF 50 and higher. Choosing products with higher SPF can offer significant protection from the sun, if used as directed.
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, higher SPFs in products can mislead patients into thinking they do not need to reapply, since the product offers higher protection against UV rays. Regardless of the SPF number, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours for continuous protection throughout the day, especially following swimming and sweating.
3. PEOPLE WITH DARKER SKIN TONES DON’T NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN
This is one of the most common sunscreen myths. Sunlight can damage your skin whether you experience sunburn or not, says The Skin Cancer Foundation. It’s important for everyone, regardless of skin type and skin tone, to wear sunscreen daily to protect themselves against the risks associated with sun exposure and sunburn, such as increased fine lines + wrinkles to serious conditions like melanoma.
4. YOU DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN IF THERE IS SPF IN YOUR MAKEUP:
Makeup with SPF included in its formulation can provide a false sense of security for patients. Most makeup is most likely not applied liberally enough to provide proper coverage or the makeup is not reapplied throughout the day to refresh your sun protection. Additionally, many makeup powders, lotions and foundations may not offer protection against both visible and invisible light. One option is to apply sunscreen prior to makeup application. Another is to consider a SPF
powder product. Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum is perfect for on-the-go reapplication throughout the day and is available in three shades. It’s an easy way to touch-up your sun protection and also ideal to create buildable coverage for an all-day luminous glow.
5. YOU HAVE TO DIAL BACK YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE DURING SUNNIER MONTHS:
Long-term, unprotected sun exposure contributes to the increased appearance in the signs of aging, such as fines lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more. Many patients believe that they cannot continue working as aggressively on their preventative and corrective care due to increased sunlight during summer months, since many anti-aging and brightening products contain active ingredients like retinol.
During summer months, Daily Power Defense and Brightalive® are the perfect combination to counteract the sun’s impact on the skin. Daily Power Defense offers powerful antioxidant benefits, which help protect against environmental aggressors and can minimize the appearance of free-radical damage. Newly remastered Brightalive® Skin Brightener is retinol
and hydroquinone free, which makes it an ideal brightening solution for all skin types all year round. It is clinically proven to increase luminosity and visibly improve skin clarity for a brighter, more even complexion. After application of both Daily Power Defense and Brightalive® complete your regimen with a sunscreen to both protect your skin and maximize anti-aging and brightening product benefits.
To find the best sunscreen for you, speak with one of our skincare specialists over a complimentary consultation!