4 Myths About Sunscreen

Summer is just about here and the sun is out! It’s time to start thinking about sun protection so you can keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The sun causes so much damage to our skin including skin cancer and premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture. We all “know” we are supposed to wear sunscreen on the daily but what else might we not quite understand? Read on to learn about 4 sunscreen myths so you’re sure not to make these common mistakes:

Myth #1 You don’t have to wear sunscreen when you are indoors. — Definitely not true. Even when you are indoors, you still need to wear sunscreen. Natural sunlight and UV rays can still still travel through windows and damage your skin.

Myth #2 Base tans help prevent burning. — So false. If your skin is changing color, guess what?! It’s getting damaged. The tan color our skin turns after UV exposure is a direct sign of damaged skin cells. UV rays from the sun cause skin cancer. No ifs ands or buts about it. Protect your skin every time it is exposed to the sun and find other artificial ways to get that tan skin color you are hoping to achieve.

Myth #3 The higher the SPF number the longer I can stay in the sun. — Theoretically if you took the time to read the back of your sunscreen label and applied as directed when directed to – this could be true. Higher numbers are meant to protect your skin for longer periods of time BUT who actually reads the label and applies as directed? No one. When you don’t apply your sunscreen evenly or often enough – you don’t get optimal protection. Plus additional factors can come into play when deciding how effective a sunscreen will be – skin tone and type, outdoor aggressors like wind, sand, and water, and your sensitivity to the sun all play into how well your sunscreen works.

Myth #4 Sunscreen is toxic and harmful to your body. — This is also false. When it comes to sunscreen ingredients most are concerned about oxybenzone. Oxybenzone has been used in sunscreen for many years and there is no evidence that says this ingredient is bad for humans. What is proven though is that sun rays cause skin cancer. So it is in your best interest to use sunscreen products. If you would prefer to use more natural protection from the sun – try a product that contains zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that protects your skin from the sun.

Looking for the perfect sunscreen to protect yourself from damaging sun rays? We’ve got you covered. We have so many physician approved sunscreens at Gruene House Med Spa. So stop by either our New Braunfels or San Antonio location to grab yours!