Healthy You - Every Day

Debunking Sunscreen Myths: Don’t Get Burned by Bad Info

What to remember as you have fun in the sun

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Debunking Sunscreen Myths

John Devany, DO, with LVPG Family Medicine, separates sunscreen fact from fiction in a recent interview with WFMZ-TV.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed each year, but it’s also one of the most preventable.

“The risk of skin cancer comes from our cumulative lifetime risk of sun exposure, and there’s things we can do to protect ourselves,” Dr. Devany says.

Busting myths and breaking down truths:

All sunscreens are the same. 

  • Myth: Sunscreens come in all different forms. “What you’re looking for is something with an SPF of 30+ or higher. You want a broad spectrum, covering both UVA and UVB, as well as a water-resistant sunscreen,” Dr. Devany says.

I’m putting on enough sunscreen.

  • Myth, for many: It’s recommended to put sunscreen on dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply minimally every two hours.

All sunscreen is “good.”

  • Myth: Keep your eye out for key ingredients. Seek sunscreens with the mineral zinc oxide and avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acids or oxybenzone.

You can safely tan.

  • Myth: Tanning is a sign of skin damage. “From the sun, there is no safe way to get tan, but spray tans can be a little bit safer,” Dr. Devany says.

You can skip sunscreen sometimes to soak up vitamin D.

  • Myth: There is no evidence that vitamin D deficiency comes from wearing sunscreen.

You’re protected once you put sunscreen on your skin.

  • Myth, unless you remembered to protect your lips, eyes and scalp with things like SPF 30+ lip balm, sunglasses and a hat.

You can only get sunburned if you’re outside.

  • Myth: You may need to protect yourself in some circumstances when you’re near windows, too. This includes during long summer road trips, as not all windows are tinted or have UV protection.

There’s never too much sunscreen.

  • True: “Apply generously and often. It’s the safest bet to keep our skin protected,” Dr. Devany says.

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