Sunscreen - this topic has a lot of conflicting information available. From the so-called experts to the media, it seems that practically everyone is volunteering to give new information and releasing a new wonder product to ensure sun protection. After all, sunscreen is one of the biggest anti-aging weapons out there! It can be exhausting and confusing to try to weed out the useful information from all the fluff.

How about if we put the common myths and misconceptions about sunscreen once and for all? Below are some common myths about sunscreen, that once, debunked, will give you and your family some valuable protection.

Myth #1: Tanning is super safe and won’t give you wrinkles.

Definitely not! Let’s break this down. First, remember that suntan - in whatever form - is not safe. There are some who argue that they need to get some precious vitamin D from the sun; however there are safer and more health-complimentary ways that you can get this vital nutrient. Second, tanning will lead to thinning of the skin, wrinkles, dull skin, and age/sun spots. Is tanning worth that to you? We hope not! Sun protection is one of the most important way for you to have radiant, beautiful skin for the rest of your life.

Myth #2: I can use any form of sunscreen, right?

No, absolutely not. Don’t just choose one from the aisle and be done with it. While it’s true that sunscreen selection can be a daunting task because there are too many kinds available, but keep in mind that your skin health largely depends on the type of sunscreen you use. Here are some tips:

a. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. This is a must and an absolute non-negotiable!
b. Do not ever use an expired sunscreen product. It’s like spoiled milk, it’s no good. If expired, the sunscreen’s protective ingredients break down, leaving you and your family unprotected from the sun’s damaging rays.
c. If you are out in the sun for hours, you need to keep reapplying sunscreen, and you need to apply it thoroughly.
d. Wear protective sun gear, like UV blocking sunglasses, wearing clothes that cover your skin, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and seeking the shade from time to time.

Myth #3: Morning, afternoon, and winter sun are safe.

Of course not. All sun, regardless on where or when it shines is equally intense in terms of UVA rays. Also, these rays causes wrinkles and fine lines in the worst possible way. To block UVA, always, always use a broad spectrum sunscreen. There are so many people who have had the unpleasant experience of going out on a cool and overcast day, only to go home with a nasty sunburn. Don’t think that you are safe from the sun’s rays when the clouds are shrouding the sun. Clouds can have the effect of reflecting some damaging UV rays, and while it’s true that some clouds have the ability to block some radiation, a huge part, in fact, 80% still reaches the earth’s surface. In fact, unlike warmth or light, the sun’s UV radiation cannot be directly perceived.

Myth #4: You can get some sun protection from a base tan.

Some thought that you must get a tan before you go on a vacation to help protect you from getting burned. Keep this in mind: sun exposure is never safe!

In fact, getting a tan means that your body is trying to repair the damage done to it by too much sun exposure. When exposed to UV rays, your skin creates greater amounts of melanin (the one responsible for giving your skin a dark color), hence your tan. Therefore, getting a base tan actually means that your skin has been exposed to the sun far too much (at least more than it should!). It doesn’t protect you from future sun exposure, but instead tells you that your skin has already been sun-damaged.

Myth #5: “I don’t have fair skin, so I don’t need to worry about the sun.”

This is radically and profoundly false. Sure, some people are more susceptible to sunburn, and people with more skin pigment have a lower skin cancer risk – however, it doesn’t mean that they are immune to it. Melanin does absorb some wavelengths of UV radiation, however, this natural shield doesn’t give complete and absolute sun protection. According to studies, melanin offers an SPF value of only 1.5 to 2, meaning that it is not effective in blocking the most damaging form of UV rays (UVA radiation), which penetrates deeper into the skin.

Looking for good-quality sunscreen? Here are our recommendations:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Art Naturals SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray
Obagi Medical Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Matte Sunscreen Lotion
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Lotion

Need nourishing skin protection? YEOUTH’s Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid effectively protects the skin from free radicals, reviving aged and sun-damaged skin.Vitamin E acts as your skin’s shield from harmful UV rays, natural Vitamin E works hard to even skin tone and build a protective barrier for  your skin. Note that the product works best for your skin when used hand in hand with a quality sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and in conjunction with YEOUTH’s other anti-aging skincare products. For more information, visit www.yeouth.com.