{"id":12729,"date":"2024-07-14T05:53:09","date_gmt":"2024-07-14T12:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=12729"},"modified":"2025-08-18T08:48:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T15:48:44","slug":"sunscreen-truths-and-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/sunscreen-truths-and-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Is SPF 30 vs 50 better? Do you need sun protection indoors? 7 sunscreen truths and myths you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to sun protection, the array of advice and opinions out there can be overwhelming, leaving us wondering what’s actually true. From SPF 30 vs 50 comparisons<\/a> numbers to reapplication rules, there are so many misconceptions<\/a> that can cloud our judgment and potentially put our skin at risk. To help with this, we chatted with two dermatologists to separate fact from fiction by debunking common myths and highlighting essential truths about sunscreen.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: Deeper skin tones don\u2019t need SPF <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA deep skin tone contains more melanin<\/a>, which provides more protection from UV rays than fair skin,\u201d explains Dr. Brendan Camp<\/a>, MD, a dermatologist in New York. \u201cBut even deeply pigmented skin can be damaged by the effects of UV radiation and is susceptible to sunburn, sun damage and skin cancer.\u201d In other words, everyone, no matter their skin tone, needs SPF to protect their skin.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth: You need to reapply every 2 hours <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve wondered whether your morning application of sunscreen is enough to keep your skin protected all day long, the answer is no. \u201cThe ingredients break down over time, especially with exposure to UV light,\u201d explains Dr. Lauren Penzi,<\/a> MD, a dermatologist in New York. She adds that activities like sweating, water exposure, rubbing your face or putting on clothing can also remove sunscreen. So, it\u2019s true that you need to reapply sunscreen<\/a> throughout the day. Ideally, every two hours as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association<\/a>. How long does SPF 30 vs 50 last? The answer is the same for both: about two hours before reapplication is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Myth: You only need SPF on sunny days <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even on cloudy days, you should still apply sunscreen. Here\u2019s why: \u201cUp to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate through the clouds,\u201d Dr. Penzi says. \u201cUV exposure is also cumulative, so even low level exposure, like walking your dog daily, can add up over time and contribute to skin cancer.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth: You don\u2019t need sunscreen indoors <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a myth that if you\u2019ll be spending the day indoors sunscreen isn\u2019t needed. Dr. Camp recommends making sunscreen part of your daily routine no matter what your plans for the day entails as UV rays can still penetrate through windows.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: Wearing sunscreen can lead to vitamin D deficiency  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re concerned that wearing sunscreen regularly can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, don\u2019t worry. \u201cSunscreen<\/a> reduces skin’s production of vitamin D, but it doesn’t block it completely,\u201d Dr. Penzi says. \u201cYou can still get enough through small amounts of sun exposure and diet.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth: A higher SPF offers more protection  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sorta. It\u2019s true that sunscreens with a higher SPF provide more protection than those with lower SPFs, according to Dr. Camp. However, he notes that the difference narrows as the SPF number increases. For example, SPF 30 vs 50 sunscreen comparison shows that an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays while an SPF 50 blocks around 98 percent of UVB rays. This explains why an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended, Dr. Penzi adds, since the theoretical percentage of UV filtering levels off at SPF 30 and above.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth: You don\u2019t need sunscreen if your makeup has SPF <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are tons of makeup products on the market that contain SPF<\/a>, however, Dr. Penzi says in general these products shouldn\u2019t take the place of sunscreen in your routine. Makeup products typically have lower levels of SPF<\/a> and don’t usually offer broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays like a sunscreen would. Also, many people don’t apply as much makeup as they would sunscreen, which lowers the level of protection. Additionally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, but many people don’t reapply their makeup throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What is the best sunscreen for my skin type?”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes down to what is the best sunscreen for you, lean-in to your skin type. Advances in skincare technologies mean sunscreens are as customized to your skin type and feel as wearable as a moisturizer or serum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n