Six SPF Myths Busted
What you need to know about sunscreen and being safe in the sun.
The sun is finally out and every year I hear so many misconceptions about sun protection. Despite how important it is for our skin health, there’s still a lot of confusion about how SPF works, how to use it correctly and whether you really need it at all. Let’s clear things up and debunk some common myths.
Myth: Make-up with added SPF offers enough protection
It’s a bonus if your foundation or tinted moisturiser contains SPF, but it’s not enough to offer full protection. Make-up usually isn’t applied thickly or evenly enough and it’s unlikely to be reapplied throughout the day as sunscreen should be. Think of SPF in make-up as an added extra, not your main shield against UV damage. For proper protection, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine. Our Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser is a lightweight formula that works brilliantly under make-up.
Myth: You don’t need to wear sunscreen inside
UVA rays are responsible for ageing and can penetrate both clouds and glass. This means that even if you’re sitting near a window while working from home, driving or flying, your skin is still exposed. In fact, UV levels are significantly higher on planes due to altitude, so I always recommend applying sunscreen before boarding, especially if you’re seated by the window.
Myth: SPF 100 offers double the protection of SPF 50
It’s easy to assume that a higher SPF means significantly more protection, but the truth is more nuanced. SPF 30 blocks about 97 per cent of UVB rays, SPF 50 about 98 per cent and SPF 100 around 99 per cent. No sunscreen blocks 100 per cent of UV rays, so the difference between high SPFs is minimal. What’s far more important is how much you use and how often you reapply it. Most people use far too little sunscreen. For effective coverage, you’ll need about a teaspoon for the face and a shot-glass sized amount for the body. Make sure to cover commonly overlooked areas like the ears, back of the neck, hands and even the lips with an SPF infused balm.
Myth: You don’t need to reapply waterproof sunscreen
Water-resistant doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. Even the best formulas last between 40 and 80 minutes if you’re swimming or sweating. It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after any activity that could wear it off. Skipping reapplication is one of the biggest reasons people still burn despite using SPF.
Myth: Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen
One of the most common and harmful misconceptions I hear is that people with darker skin don’t need sunscreen. While melanin does offer some natural protection against UV rays, it’s not enough. Daily SPF is essential for every skin tone. People with darker skin are still at risk of sun damage, including hyperpigmentation, premature ageing and even skin cancer – which is often diagnosed later in these groups. Darker skin can also get sunburn – it might not look red or peeling like it does on lighter skin tones, but it can feel sore, itchy and irritated.
Myth: I need to be in the sun to top up my vitamin D levels
A little sunshine can go a long way in helping our bodies make vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones and immune support. Lighter skin tones usually need just a few minutes outdoors, while darker skin tones may need a bit longer to get the same benefit. However, there’s no need to sunbathe. Once your body is topped up, it stops storing extra vitamin D, so more sun doesn’t mean more benefits. You can also get vitamin D from food and supplements. The NHS advises everyone to consider a daily supplement in autumn and winter and if you have darker skin, you may benefit from taking one all year round.
Whether you have fair or darker skin and regardless of whether you’re indoors or outdoors, SPF is a year-round essential. If there’s one message I want to leave you with, it’s this: it’s never too late to start protecting your skin.
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.
