Common sun protection myths

There are years of research and scientific evidence, and numerous health campaigns including Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which demonstrate the importance of sun protection. But sun protection myths and SPF misconceptions still create confusion about skin health and sun protection.

We separate the myths from the facts, unpicking the common - and often dangerous - misconceptions, and sharing the truth about effective sun protection.

Common sun protection myths and facts

Myth 1: You don’t need to reapply sunscreen

Fact:

An application of sunscreen in the morning is great, but it’s not enough to last the whole day.

A higher SPF number blocks a higher percentage of UV rays, but all SPF efficacy levels will degrade over time, due to sweating, rubbing and natural skin oils.

Choose a high-level, full-spectrum sunscreen like HELIOCARE 360°, and reapply SPF every two hours, regardless of its strength. You should apply even more frequently during long periods of sun exposure, and if you are sweating, swimming or towelling the skin.

Myth 2: A base tan protects you from sunburn

Fact:

There is a common perception that tanned skin equates to healthy skin. Some also believe that a ‘base tan’ protects the skin from burning. However, this is far from the truth.

Tanned skin is actually damaged skin, and a sun tan is a marker for the DNA damage that causes skin cancer¹. And healthy skin is smooth, hydrated, plump and resilient - characteristics that are compromised by sun exposure.

There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ amount of UV exposure, and any level of tan is a manifestation of DNA damage, whether it’s a light tan or a painful sunburn. So rather than seeking out tanned skin, protect it with an SPF that promotes true skin health and prevents premature photoageing.

Myth 3: Natural oils and home remedies work like sunscreen

Fact:

Coconut oil, almond oil, shea butter, avocado… Some natural ingredients may benefit the skin in terms of moisturising and soothing, but they do very little, if anything at all, to protect against the sun’s rays.

These types of plant oil lack the necessary formulation to absorb or reflect UV rays effectively. Even if an ingredient offers a minimal amount of SPF protection, it is far below the recommended minimum level of SPF30 (preferably SPF50+).

Steer clear of speculative natural alternatives and choose a sun protection product like HELIOCARE 360°: clinically proven and backed by science.

Myth 4: You don’t need sunscreen when it’s cloudy

Fact:

It might be tempting to skip sun protection on overcast days, but up to 80% of UV rays will penetrate through clouds. Solar radiation could even be amplified when it bounces off clouds².

Cloud coverage does reduce visible sunlight, but it does not stop the UV radiation that’s responsible for skin damage. So even on dull days, a high-level, full-spectrum SPF should be applied to protect the skin. Explore the HELIOCARE 360° range and find your perfect formulation that you’ll love using every single day, even when it’s cloudy.

Myth 5: Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency

Fact:

People might skip their sunscreen application because they worry that it blocks vitamin D from sunlight. But there is no proof that protecting the skin with SPF leads to vitamin D deficiency, and those who use daily sun protection can maintain healthy vitamin D levels³.

It’s also worth noting that while vitamin D is vital to skin health, skin cell renewal, immune function and healing, an overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can actually deplete vitamin D stores. Furthermore, oxidative stress from UV radiation damages vitamin D receptors, which impacts the skin’s ability to synthesise vitamin D effectively.

Choose a sun protection product from the HELIOCARE 360° range, which contains formulations with ASPA-Fernblock, an incredible bioactive technology that prevents and repairs sun-induced skin damage, whilst optimising and protecting the skin’s natural vitamin D functions with its OptiD effect. This ensures that you are getting only the very best from the sun.

Everyday sun protection habits to keep your skin safe

There are many sunscreen misconceptions circulating, and it can be difficult to distinguish the truth from the myths. But one fact always remains: the best way to protect the skin from solar radiation and photoageing is to apply a high-level, full-spectrum SPF, every single day. This is one of the most important sunscreen facts dermatologists agree on.

Sunscreen should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine, and by far the most important.

Shading is also incredibly important, especially on hot days and during the peak hours of 11am to 3pm. If it’s impossible to avoid the sun, layer up your sun protection with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Don’t seek out a tan, seek shade instead.

Always choose a high-level, full-spectrum SPF that contains clinically-proven ingredients. Natural remedies are simply not an effective alternative to real sun protection.

You could also introduce oral sun protection into your routine, designed to work alongside topical sunscreen. HELIOCARE 360° Capsules work from within to give the skin a better capacity to defend itself. They are not an alternative to topical sunscreen and other sun-safe practices, but they provide an additional line of defence against the sun’s rays.

Using a high-level (SPF50) full-spectrum sunscreen like HELIOCARE 360°, and applying antioxidants every single day, will protect the skin from UVA, UVB, HEV and infrared-A, whilst also helping to resolve existing skin damage. Another benefit of a regular antioxidant SPF routine will be preventing signs of premature skin ageing, such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness and loss of elasticity.

Clinically proven sun protection from HELIOCARE 360°

Protect your skin from solar radiation and free radical damage with HELIOCARE 360°, the award-winning range of sun protection products from the scientists at Cantabria Labs.

HELIOCARE 360° contains Fernblock® and ASPA-Fernblock®, clinically proven to protect the skin from UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A, as well as repair existing skin cell DNA damage. These powerful technologies also prevent collagen breakdown and light-induced pigmentation for healthier, younger-looking skin, as well as protecting the skin’s immune system and vitamin D function. Each proven formulation is packed with intelligent ingredients that protect, repair and nourish the skin in so many ways.

No myths, just facts. Discover your perfect HELIOCARE 360° SPF today.