We all want to protect our precious skin from the harmful effects of the sun. While we now all collectively know some definitive truths about sun care like how tanning beds are no-gos, there are still some sun care myths that rear their damaging heads every summer.
We tackle the most common, pervasive myths once and for all—and lay down the law for what the facts of the matter really are.
Myth 1: You only need to apply sunscreen once per day
Fact: Your sunscreen is only protecting your skin from sun damage for as long as it’s active. You need to apply before you leave the house, and reapply every 2-4 hours. You’ll have to reapply even more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
While you should definitely apply sunscreen everyday, reapplying is crucial to keeping your skin protected.
Myth 2: As soon as you’ve applied sunscreen, you can head out into the sun
Fact: As with so many things in life, good things come to those who wait—especially those who wait 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before sun exposure. This time is essential for allowing your sunscreen to form a protective barrier on your skin.
Myth 3: You don’t need sunscreen when it’s raining or cloudy
Fact: Summer in Australia isn’t always all blue skies and sunshine, but even on soggy summer days, sunscreen should be applied. UV rays are always present during the day and even when it’s overcast or you’re indoors, they can stress out your skin and cause sun damage. So, before you leave the house, be sure to check the UV index for the day to help you plan.
It’s easier to build a daily habit of wearing SPF when you choose a sunscreen that feels nice on the skin. Introduce a non-greasy, non-sticky sunscreen like NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen Shine Control SPF50+ or NIVEA Sun SPF 50 UV Face Sensitive. They’re specially formulated for use on facial skin, with broad spectrum protection and skin compatibility that’s been dermatologically approved.
Myth 4: Dark skin doesn’t burn
Fact: Darker skin has more melanin however, it still needs protection from the effects of the sun. All skin types can experience sun damage and sunscreen is recommended for all skin types daily
Myth 5: Water resistant sunscreen stays on between swims
Whether you’ve been sweating or swimming, once your skin has gotten wet, water resistant sunscreen will need to be reapplied.
Unlike regular sunscreens which will stop being effective once they come into contact with water, water resistant sunscreen will protect your skin for varying amounts of time depending on your activity. Of course, you’ll need to reapply more often if you’ve been sweating, swimming or towelling.
Opt for a very high broad spectrum sunscreen like NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF50+ Sunscreen. In addition to water resistance, it’s dermatologically tested for all skin types with added moisturisation and Vitamin E—essential given how summer activities can dry out your skin.
Myth 6: Once you have makeup on, you can’t add any more sunscreen
Fact: Sun safety and a full face of makeup aren’t mutually exclusive. Not only can you reapply sunscreen by tapping it (instead of rubbing it in) onto your skin over makeup, there are also spray sunscreens that make topping up your sun protection a breeze.
Tinted BB creams with broad spectrum protection such as NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen BB Cream SPF50+ are also a dermatologically approved alternative to layering primer and foundation and sunscreen—especially in summer when a light skin feeling with zero greasiness is ideal.
Myth 7: If you’re wearing a hat and long sleeves, you don’t need sunscreen
Fact: Covering up during sun exposure is just another sun safe action you can take. It doesn’t replace the need to wear sunscreen.
Instead, do all of the above and then some: wear sunscreen and sunnies, opt for protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and try to stay in the shade.
Myth 8: Sunscreen will clog your pores and cause breakouts
Fact: Finally, this myth just refuses to go away. Gone are the days of greasy, tacky-feeling sunscreens. There are plenty of sunscreen options that dispel this myth, such as NIVEA Sun SPF 50 UV Face Sensitive, NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen BB Cream SPF50+ or NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen Shine Control SPF50+, that’s been designed to have a light skin feeling with a non-greasy and 0% sticky feeling formula.
While these sunscreens already are dermatologically approved, use an oil cleanser to take off your sunscreen at the end of the day to really help remove all traces of sunscreen before you hit the hay.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.
