7 sunscreen myths vs facts

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), manufacturers continue to mislead consumers about how well sunscreens protect against the sun's powerful rays. But don't let a little bad news about sunscreen scare you off. It's important to moderate your sun exposure and to wear SPF because there's proof that sunburns and spending excessive amount of time in the sun can lead to skin cancer. A study published in 2014 in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who had at least five sunburns between ages 15 and 20 had an 80 percent increased risk of melanoma.

Given the scary stats on skin cancer, it’s essential that you know how to apply SPF properly to ensure you’re as protected as possible from UV damage. To arm you with this skill and bring you up-to-date on all your sun protection knowledge in general, we asked some top dermatologists to separate fact from fiction regarding what sunscreens are best, worst, harmful (or not), and more. See which common misconceptions they've debunked — and which tips are legit — so that you can make smart sun decisions all year long.

Myth 1: The Higher the SPF, the Better

Reality: “There is very little difference in an SPF 30 or 50 or 100 in terms of the total percentage of ultraviolet light blocked,” says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, a dermatologist. “So it's far better to use an SPF 30 appropriately than an SPF 50 without reapplying.” To get enough coverage, follow these rules: Apply two ounces (about a shot glass worth) of sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every two hours.

Myth 2: Makeup With SPF Offers Adequate Sun Protection

Reality: “Using makeup with SPF doesn’t offer enough protection because makeup is usually applied unevenly onto the skin,” says David Bank, MD, director of The Center for Dermatology, New York. What’s more, the SPF in your makeup only lasts two hours, says Macrene Alexiades, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. You can still use your favorite foundation or powder with SPF — just layer it on over your sunscreen. “Doing this will double your chances of protecting your skin,” says Dr. Bank.

Myth 3: The Ingredients in Sunscreen Cause Cancer

Reality: While this is a common misconception, there’s no strong scientific study linking the ingredients in sunscreen to cancer, says Dr. Tanzi. “However,” she says, “there are many studies linking excessive sun exposure to skin cancer, so the answer to this argument is simple: wear sunscreen. It's a no-brainer.” Not all sunscreens have chemical ingredients, so if you're worried, choose a chemical-free formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead, says Bank.

Myth 4: You Don't Need to Use Sunscreen Everywhere

Reality: If you overlook any areas, you may increase your risk for skin cancer. “I often find the most worrisome moles on the palms and soles,” says Dr. Alexiades. “For starters, these areas have far less pigment — they don’t tan — and second, people rarely put sunscreen on their palms and soles, so they get unprotected intense exposure.” Alexiades recommends saving the more expensive sunscreen for your face and using a cheaper version on your body to make sure you’re actually applying enough. “People tend to under-apply if they use a high-priced sunscreen,” she says.

Myth 5: Kids' Sunscreen Is Gentler

Reality: Sunscreens for both kids and adults contain the same active ingredients; they just have different formulations, explains Tanzi. “Adult sunscreens tend to be more cosmetically elegant — they go on sheer and invisible — whereas kids' sunscreens can be a little thicker and more opaque since kids usually don’t care,” she says. Many kids' sunscreens are formulated to be tear-free so they won’t sting your eyes. If you find sunscreen irritating, opt for a physical sunscreen, which contains natural active ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide, advises Tanzi. “Physical sunscreens are always the better option for sensitive skin because there are no chemicals that can react,” she says.

Myth 6: Lotion Sunscreens Work Better Than Spray Sunscreens

Reality: “There is no real difference — it depends on what you prefer in terms of how it feels on your skin,” says Bank. If you find lotions to be sticky, you might be inclined to apply less than you should because you don't like the texture, says Alexiades. In that case, opt for a spray. “The speed of application of spray-on sunscreens translates to faster, more efficient coverage, which is very helpful if you are already at the beach and need to apply,” she says. According to a recent investigation by Consumer Reports, many people are using both lotion and spray sunscreens ineffectively or inconsistently. For that reason, Tanzi says, "Just make sure you’re using enough — the entire sprayed area should be wet with product." If you're concerned about inhaling it, first spray it into the palm of your hand, then spread it over your body.

Myth 7: You Don't Have to Reapply Water Resistant Sunscreen

Reality: The FDA's newest guidelines state that any water resistance claims must include how much time you can expect to be protected while swimming or sweating: either 40 or 80 minutes, says Bank. Under the new guidelines, which went into effect in June 2012, sunscreen manufacturers can no longer claim their products are waterproof or sweatproof.

Source: everydayhealth.com