FIVE BIG SPF MYTHS

By: Doctor Matete C Mathobela

Dermatologist

Skin, Hair, Nail and Cosmetic Specialist

1. Sun damage is not possible on a cold cloudy day

FALSE You can get sun damage on windy, cloudy and cool days. Sun damage is caused by UV (Ultraviolet radiation), not temperature. A cool or cloudy day in summer can have similar UV rays to a hot, sunny day. UV radiation can penetrate some clouds, and may even be more intense due to reflection off the clouds.

2. Sunscreen is not necessary when using make-up, as my make-up has SPF in it. 

FALSE Make-up tends to absorb and becomes lighter as the day goes on. For longer periods of time in the sun, use a separate sunscreen and reapply it every two hours – not just once in the morning. Be aware that most cosmetic products offer either no protection or protection that is much lower than the recommended SPF50.

3. I work indoors all day, there is no sun – why should I use an SPF and reapply it every 2 hours?

FALSE  the blue light emitted from digital screens — including your computer, phone, tablet and TV — can affect your skin in two ways; Blue light can increase the production of pigmentation in the skin, which could lead to melasma and age spots. Second, blue light can also create free radicals, which might cause inflammation and lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue in the skin.

4. Those with darker skin are not at risk of Cancer and getting sunburned. 

FALSE Although, dark-skinned people won’t get sunburned as quickly, they will still burn and are still susceptible to sun-induced damage, such as sun spots, wrinkles and cancer.

5. Wearing an SPF 50 allows you to be in the sun longer than wearing an SPF 30. 

FALSE Though it may sound like there is a big difference, SPF50+ only offers marginally better protection from UVB radiation, which causes sunburn and adds to skin cancer risk. SPF30 sunscreens filter about 96.7% of UV radiation, SPF50+ sunscreens filter 98% of UV.  The Cancer Council recommends applying a sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher before heading outside, and re-applying it every two hours.