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Last updated on September 27th, 2024 at 07:19 am
Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine, yet there are many misconceptions and lesser-known facts about this protective product. Whether you’re hitting the beach or just stepping out for a quick errand, understanding how sunscreen works and why it’s so important can help you make the most of it. Here are 10 essential sunscreen facts that everyone should know.
10 Essential Sunscreen Facts Everyone Should Know
Fact 1: SPF Isn’t Just About Sunburn Prevention
On a typical sunny day, both UVA and UVB light reach the earth. UVA is known to be more dominant but UVB is the main cause of skin cancer, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation because it acts on the epidermal layer of the skin and breakdown the skin’s DNA. UVB is usually at its peak within the time of 10 am to 4 pm
UVA, on the other hand, appears all year round. It penetrates through the glass even if you are sitting quietly in your room. It is the main cause of saggy and wrinkled skin because it goes deep into the skin to damage both collagen and elastin fibres.
That is why the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is advisable. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, to ensure comprehensive protection.
Fact 2: SPF 30 Is the Dermatologist-Recommended Minimum
To know how sunscreen works, we would have to know what SPF means. SPF (Sun Protection factor) is the ability of sunscreen to delay sunburn. You must have come across so many sunscreens with this important claim ranging from SPF 4, 15, 30, 50, and so on. It gives you the measure of how long it takes to burn.
- SPF 4 – 50% Protection
- SPF 8 – 88% Protection
- SPF 15 – 94% Protection
- SPF 30 – 97% Protection
- SPF 50 – 98% Protection
When choosing a sunscreen, aim for at least SPF 30. While higher SPF values provide slightly more protection, SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98%. No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, but SPF 30 offers a good balance of protection and practicality for everyday use.
Fact 3: Do I Have To Wear Sunscreen For Dark Skin?
The answer is simply YES because everyone is predisposed to the adverse effects of overexposure to the sun. However, some skin types are more vulnerable than others. So you need to check your Fitzpatrick Scale to find out what your skin type falls in. Fitzpatrick’s skin type explains which skin tone is likely to burn and which isn’t. To check your Fitzpatrick skin type, read how to determine your skin type and the best sunscreens for black skin.
Fact 4: Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens: Know the Difference
Physical sunscreen
Physical sunscreens are also known as barrier sunscreen, they scatter UV light, visible light, infrared light, and are mostly recommended under intense sunlight. They are generally great for sensitive and acne-prone skin types as they barely irritate the skin. You would mostly find Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide in this type of sunscreen.
Physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into the skin and because of this, they give off a white cast. The white cast is the downside of most physical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation into the skin and then release it back as heat. You would mostly find chemical sunscreens mixed with other physical sunscreen ingredients to improve its efficacy. Since chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, they may disrupt hormone levels and can be found in urines. They may also cause acne and skin sensitivity. You would mostly find oxybenzone, avobenzone, cinnamates, and other physical sunscreens ingredients mixed together.
Since chemical sunscreens are absorbed, they are great for use as a primer, they sit well into the skin without any form of white cast. The downside is the hormone disruption and not a great option for children under 2 years.
Fact 5: How Long Does It Take For My Skin To Burn Without Sunscreen?
This answer depends on what your skin type and the UV index on the Fitzpatrick Scale. You can obtain your UV index from your local weather stations or EPA’s website. UV index range from 0 -11, with 0 meaning low, and 11+ meaning high.
While sunscreen is essential, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense against the sun. Complement sunscreen use with other protective measures like wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating can also provide additional protection.
Fact 6: How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply?
If you look at most sunscreen, they will write “apply liberally” and you are left with “what does liberally even mean?”.
Well, the general rule to apply sunscreen is by following the TEASPOON RULE per the skin’s surface. Meaning the whole skin must be covered up with approximately 30ml of sunscreen for adults. To apply this amount, the best advice is to use the size of a “shot glass” for the whole body and a quarter teaspoon for the face.
SPF ISN’T JUST FOR THE FACE
Your lips, scalp, and even your hair need protection from the sun too. The lips are prone to sunburn and skin cancer because they lack melanin, the pigment that provides some natural protection. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. For your scalp, especially if you have thinning hair or part your hair, consider wearing a hat.
Fact 7: Sunscreen Should Be Reapplied Every Two Hours
If you are applying skincare products such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, ensure that the sunscreen is the last step of the skincare routine. This will ensure that you are not limiting the effectiveness of your sunscreen. If you are using chemical sunscreens, then apply it 20 minutes before you leave the house and reapply after swimming
Sunscreen doesn’t last all day. It breaks down over time due to sun exposure, sweat, and water. To maintain protection, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied after towel drying.
Fact 8: Is My Foundation SPF Enough?
If you have a foundation with SPF in it, it is simply not enough to protect you from the sun. If you have to follow the teaspoon rule, then you would need about 11 pumps of foundation to cover your whole face. That would be too much and cakey.
So it is best to use sunscreens underneath then use makeup with SPF to protect your face further.
Fact 9: Will Sunscreen Deprive Me Of Vitamin D?
Sunscreen is not capable of providing 100% protection from sun radiation so the tiny amount of UVB that sunscreen does not shield us from is enough to synthesize Vitamin D. Although this depends on your skin type, the UV index, weather, and age. So it is always a good idea to supplement with vitamin D to have optimal vitamins for the skin. I would highly recommend you take vitamin D supplements instead of relying on the sun’s rays.
Fact 10: My Best Sunscreen Recommendations For Different Skin Types
For acne-prone/oily skin
For acne-prone or oily skin, you really want to avoid products that contain oxybenzone or chemical sunscreens in general because of how this type of sunscreen acts on the skin. Oxybenzone has been shown to cause skin allergens and since it can penetrate the skin, it can cause sebum oxidation leading to more breakouts.
For acne-prone skin, go for a sunscreen with a high amount of zinc oxide and rich in antioxidants. Zinc oxide is known to be beneficial due to its ability to heal and soothe the skin, it helps reduce redness.
for sensitive skin type
For sensitive skin types, you may go for sunscreens that include both physical and chemical ingredients in sunscreens or just physical sunscreens. Choose sunscreens rich in antioxidants.
for dry skin type
You can either use chemical or physical sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients. Pick a sunscreen that is really mild, gentle and does not irritate the skin
Conclusion
Understanding these essential sunscreen facts can help you protect your skin more effectively and reduce the risk of sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. By making sunscreen a daily habit and using it correctly, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy, radiant skin for years to come. Remember, sunscreen is your skin’s best friend—use it wisely!
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I always love that you include a handy list of recommendations for different skin types! You hit the nail on the head because I never know what ‘apply liberally’ means on most packages. It will be handy to have the teaspoon rule to go by, and it is good to know foundation does not keep back UV rays!
Thanks for sharing!
This was very helpful. I recently started having reactions to chemical sunscreens so I’m going to go try some physical now!
Oh great, chemical sunscreens can be quite sensitizing. Thanks for reading
Very informative article. I loved the way you listed the recommendations for all the skins. I must say that you covered almost all the tips and carrying regarding skins. Thanks for sharing….
This is such a great post about sunscreen! I learned so much reading this! I usually just buy whatever is on sale, and I really should research what products are better than others too. Thanks for sharing!
This was so interesting! I always wondered what the different numbers on the bottle meant and which ones to get. Thank you for your insight on this. Would you ever do a post on different skin things, like autoimmune diseases that affect the skin? Or things like rosaeca?
Oh, sure. I can write about Rosacea on my next post. Thanks for requesting and thank you for reading 💜
No problem! I’m excited for it!
This was such a useful post I didn’t know some of these things! Thank you for sharing!
Amber – The Unpredicted page
This was super interesting and informative! I honestly learnt so much for your blog post! Especially how the numbers correlate to the percentages. There are so many different factors to consider when purchasing a sunscreen. I’ll definitely take all these points into consideration next time I’m buying sunscreen.
This is such a detailed and interesting post! For something that we use almost daily in the summer, it is funny how there is so much we don’t know about the products we consider essentials! Thank you for sharing, I am feeling very educated now
Em x
A lot of this i didnt know, Really interesting, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for writing how much sunscreen should you apply,because sometimes I overdo it 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️. Love this post,you are great as always 💛💜💛💜💛💜
This is so useful! I think the misconception is that if it isn’t sunny, you don’t need to wear protection, but the rays can and do burn through clouds, don’t they, so you till need that protection? My bb cream has an spf, but I didn’t realise I should sill put some on, becuase the aamount wouldn’t be enuough! I always learn so much from your blog posts!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Hey Rayo – great post and thanks for all the info. I stopped wearing sunscreen a long while ago and the reason for this is that some sunscreens have been found to have harsh chemical ingredients, which could cause cancer. Is this a myth? Or is there some true in there and do you have any recommendations. I try to keep as chemical free as I can. Hope you are well xx
Some sunscreen contain some ingredients that can cause some side effects but I am not so sure about it causing cancer. Just like in the post, chemical sunscreen has ingredients that penetrates into the skin which can be found in our urines that ends up affecting coral reefs especially avobenzone and oxybenzone so I would suggest you avoid those two. But skincare industry is advancing and making things safer.
To be on the safe side, use physical sunscreens, check the ingredient list. It’s always better to use sunscreens than not use one. Thank you for reading ☺️
Brilliant! Thank you for your reply. x
This is a really informative post about sunscreen. So important to protect skin! Thank you for sharing!
Wow, this post is really informative! I often wondered about the usage of sunscreen and the amount that we should apply. Thank you for sharing 🙂
This was really insightful, I didn’t realise there was so much to learn about suncream haha! I especially liked the section about recommendations for different skin types.
Great reminder about sunscreen. I wear a hat most of the time and I’ve vowed to be better this year! I love Blue Lizard so this is a great reminder for me to stock up!
Also, have you read about CereVe sunscreen? It’s got a little tint to it and supposedly SPF 30.
Thanks so much!
No, I haven’t read about CeraVe sunscreen, did you write a post about it?
Wow this is such an in depth and informative post. We all know that we need sunscreen but we don’t really think about the other things you’ve mentioned, especially sunscreen for certain skin types. Thank you for those suggestions! xxx
This is such a helpful post. I learnt the hard way how much damage you can do to your skin by not wearing suncream so I completely agree that everyone should wear it. Its great to know more about how it actually works and how often it should be applied.
http://www.thekellydianereport.co.uk
I love this because I can see my skin type having a different recommendation set! Thanks!
Great post! Thank you for sharing this information! It is very useful!
Super informative! I’ve been researching different sunscreen products recently and it really helped to learn more about sunscreen and how to use it effectively. thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the information and providing a list of sunscreens to use! Very good information!
Thank you so much for reading
Such good info, always always!
I’ve nominated your for the Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award. More info at http://www.tidbitsofcare.com
This is amazing, thank you so much. I’m super glad for this
Sunscreen is so important for your skin. The last thing you want is to harm your body because you didn’t take the necessary steps to protect yourself. I always make a point to wear sunscreen when I go out. I found myself having to pick specific sunscreens because of my sensitive skin. Luckily there are tons of options out there. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
This was really interesting. Honestly, while I understood that a higher SPF would mean that it had a higher level of protection, I never did fully understand the relationship between the numbers or how they associated the numbers to anything. They were just a random numbering system to me and higher was better hahaha
This is so interesting! I have seen SPF numbers before, and knew I needed a higher one for my ghost skin, but never really understood the numbers until now! Thanks for sharing.
Great post! This is so well-written and information. I don’t know much about suncreams, so this was a really interesting read for me. I love that you included products too, I never know where to start!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Thank you for this blog post! I think its so important to wear sunscreen and SPF!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
When I think back to my school days and we used to apply baby oil to get a tan – eeeeek! Nowadays I don’t venture out with anything less than factor 50 on my face and 30 on my body. I didn’t know about the best sunscreen for oily skin so that was very helpful, thank you! Lisa
This is such a great and informative post. I’ve never quite understood how my sunscreen works even though I put it on every time I leave the house.
Yes! I’m glad you know how it works now, thanks for reading
Thank you for this! I never really looked into how sunscreen works. And I wondered about the Vitamin D issue too. Very informative post!
Thank you so much and thanks for reading 💜
This is really informative. It helps to understand how it works better with the way you have broken it all down.
This is great advice, thank you!
This is a great article! Thanks for all the thoughtful advice. I started wearing sunscreen way too late…ugh. The Laroche Porsay you have on your recommended list is one of my favorites, it took many trial and errors to get to that one as my face is so sensitive to everything. I can’t wait to test out the other recommendations you have on the list. Have a great weekend!
And you too, thank you so much for reading 💜
This is such an important post, especially now the weather is heating up again. People always think they don’t need to wear sunscreen!
Love, Amie ❤️
The Curvaceous Vegan
You’ve provided a lot of useful information here, thank you. I try to remember to wear my sunscreen everyday.
This information was very helpful. I’m a mess when it comes to sunscreen. Every year I try to apply it but somehow I end up with a blotchy burn. Every. Single. Year. Then I have to not apply any sunscreen and just keep burning until I’m even. (The struggle is real.) My other concern is with the chemicals in the sunscreen. Thank you for your suggestions. Hopefully this will help me next year. I’ve already burned to perfection for this year. 🤣
Wow, hopefully next year you don’t get to burn… fingers crossed 🤞🏾.
Your post was informative and easy to understand. I like how you give an example computation of how long it will take for your skin to burn and an easy estimation of sunscreen amount using a shot glass or a teaspoon. What are your thoughts on how effective those sunscreens that has SPF 100 or higher? And do you think we still need to apply sunscreen before going to sleep like other skin care routines recommend?
Thank you so much… SPF 100 in my opinion gives a false idea of how effective it is and could make people forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours. It may be much more protective than SPF 50 but the effect is insignificant. It all depends on how much we apply sunscreens liberally.
I don’t think you should wear sunscreen to sleep. You could wear vitamin A or C serum but please don’t use them together or just a moisturizer/plant oils is enough for nighttime
Thank you for your advice ☺️ I am trying to improve on my skin care during this quarantine and hopefully I can continue even after this.
Yes 💪🏾… I like this energy