Scrubs Remove Tan and 5 Other False Sunscreen Myths

There are many false myths about sun protection that cause confusion.

Furthermore, they can also be the root of mistakes that could lead to damage to our skin.

If you do not use the sunscreen correctly, you are at a greater risk of developing wrinkles, dark spots, and, in the worst-case scenario, skin cancer.

ALL THE MYTHS ABOUT SUNSCREEN

SPF 30 provides twice the protection of SPF 15.

No! SPF 15 filters approximately 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 filters 97%. What about SPF 50? It filters 98% of UVB rays.

High-SPF sunscreen won’t make you tan.

No, you can still get a tan even when using high-SPF sunscreen. No sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays, not even products with SPF 100—at most, they can block up to 99%. That means a small portion of UV rays will still reach our skin.

Using tanning beds before going to the beach to prep your skin for the sun is a good idea.

Tanning this way doesn’t protect your skin at all. The truth is that tanning beds are harmful to our skin: they emit radiation at close range and primarily release UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause greater cellular damage than UVB rays.

Sunscreen blocks vitamin D production.

Scientific studies show that using sunscreen does not affect vitamin D production. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Body scrubs remove your tan.

Body scrubs don’t remove your tan—instead, they exfoliate dead skin cells and help your epidermis tan more effectively.

If I stay in the shade, sunscreen isn’t necessary.

The truth is that shade doesn’t block all of the sun’s rays entirely. Sun rays can penetrate shaded areas, where around 50% of them remain present. Even when the sky is overcast, roughly 90% of ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds. That’s why sunscreen should always be applied, regardless of the weather conditions.