10 Sun Care Myths Dr. Polla Wants You To Stop Believing
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding sunscreen, tanning, and UV exposure. As a dermatologist, our Founder Dr. Luigi L. Polla is always educating his patients about the importance of sun protection.
Here are 10 common sun care myths Dr. Polla and dermatologists everywhere want you to stop believing to better protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer.
Common Sunscreen & Sun Care Myths
“I only need SPF at the beach.” Most UV exposure is incidental and cumulative: driving, walking the dog, sitting near windows, outdoor lunches. Daily exposure contributes significantly to premature aging and hyperpigmentation, and potentially to skin cancer.
“If it’s cloudy, cold, or winter, I don’t need sunscreen.” Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, and UVA rays are present year-round. Snow can even reflect UV radiation and increase exposure.
“Darker skin tones don’t need SPF.” While melanin provides some natural UV protection, all skin tones can experience UV damage and skin cancer. Natural melanin in skin is not enough to prevent sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or skin cancer.
“SPF in makeup is enough.” Most people apply far too little foundation or tinted moisturizer to achieve the labeled SPF protection. Makeup SPF is best viewed as a bonus layer, not primary protection.
“Higher SPF means I can stay in the sun all day.” Consumers often misunderstand SPF math. Consider SPF 20 vs SPF 40: the increase in UVB protection is incremental, not double. Reapplication and behavior matter more than chasing extremely high SPF numbers.
“One morning application lasts all day.” Sweat, touching the face, oil production, and UV degradation reduce protection over time. Sunscreen needs reapplication — especially outdoors.
“Sunscreen prevents vitamin D completely.” Real-world sunscreen use is imperfect, and most people still synthesize vitamin D. This fear often becomes an excuse for under-protection.
“A base tan protects my skin.” A tan is a visible sign of DNA damage. The “healthy tan” narrative is inaccurate; there is no level of tanning that is safe or protective to the skin.
“Tanning beds are a safer, controlled way to tan.” There is no such thing as safe tan. As stated above, a tan is a visible sign of DNA damage, whether it came from a tanning bed or from being outdoors.
“SPF is only about preventing skin cancer.” UV exposure causes inflammation, wrinkles, loss of firmness, uneven tone, redness, and collagen breakdown. SPF is about preserving skin health beyond skin cancer.
