Sunscreen is a topical product that helps to protect you against sun damage by absorbing and/or reflecting UV rays.
Exposure to UV radiation increases your risk of skin cancer and can increase some skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, and fine lines.
Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so it’s just as important to wear sunscreen on cloudy days as well as sunny days.

WHY IS SUNSCREEN IMPORTANT TO PREVENT SUN DAMAGE?
Our Skin Therapists will tell you that an important part of healthy skin is using sunscreen to prevent sun damage. However, there can be a lot of false information about the subject. So, once and for all, we’re busting some of the top sunscreen myths we hear most often—from the treatment room to influencers online.

MYTH: All types of sunscreen protects against all sun rays
How much sunscreen you apply and reapply matters just as much as the number of SPF you choose. This is because the SPF won’t function at the number it’s labelled as unless you apply the recommended amount throughout the day. We recommend ½ teaspoon for your face and 3 tablespoons for your whole body. Make sure to try and reapply throughout the day; we recommend about every 2 hours especially after swimming, sweating, or spending the day outside in high UV exposure.

In terms of SPF numbers, we recommend that you use a minimum of SPF 30. A good example is the following: SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.

MYTH: All types of sunscreen protects against all sun rays
Sunscreen does not protect you from both UVA and UVB rays unless it’s labelled as Broad Spectrum. This is because SPF is only a measure of protection from the sun’s UVB rays. So make sure your sunscreen is labelled Broad Spectrum to ensure total coverage!

MYTH: Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen, or as much.
All skin tones benefit from daily sunscreen use, as it will be beneficial in preventing skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, skin damage, and premature aging.

MYTH: Makeup with SPF is enough protection for the day.
Even if all your makeup products claim to have some SPF in them, this still won’t give you sufficient protection from the sun. Because chances are, these products aren’t providing Broad Spectrum protection. Plus, the amount you apply simply doesn’t stack up to the coverage a regular, liquid sunscreen can provide. So, make sure to apply your sunscreen in the morning, followed by your makeup.

MYTH: I’m hardly outside, so I don’t need to use it.
Outside is not the only place that you interact with the sun. From working at a desk by a window to traveling via car or plane, there are plenty of moments throughout the day (even indoors) that expose you to UVA rays, which can contribute to skin cancer and skin damage. Getting in the habit of putting on sunscreen in your morning routine is one of the best things you can do for your long-term skin health, no matter what your plans are for the day.

MYTH: I only need sunscreen in the summer, as the winter sun is not that hot.
Simply put, the strength of the rays that burn and/or age your skin isn’t dependent on heat; it’s based on the UV Index. The UV Index provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun, and it’s expressed on a scale of 0 (low) – 11 (extremely high). So even when it seems cloudy and cold, sun protection is still a must.

MYTH: I have to go outside without sunscreen to get vitamin D.
You can get adequate amounts of vitamin D through your diet and just about 5-10 minutes in the sun each day while still wearing sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation confirms that “clinical studies have never found that everyday sunscreen use leads to vitamin D insufficiency.” In fact, they’ve found the opposite: “the prevailing studies show that people who use sunscreen daily can maintain their vitamin D levels.” If your vitamin D levels are still low, you can speak to your doctor about starting a supplement, but don’t skimp on sunscreen.

MYTH: There isn’t a sunscreen out there that won’t clog my pores.
Ugh, we’ve been there. However, likely, some ingredients in your products aren’t compatible with your skin type. If you think your current sunscreen is causing congestion or breakouts, your best bet is opting for a physical sunscreen or one that’s specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, like DMK Soleil Protect SPF 15+ or DMK Soleil Defence 50+ sunscreens Same goes for sensitive skin types—stick to a physical blocker. Plus, we’re more than happy to chat at your next facial about sunscreens and ingredients that are best for your skin. Clogged pores should not be a reason to not be keeping yourself safe.

MYTH: I did the damage as a kid already, so it’s too late.
Better late than never! No matter if you grew up by the beach, “never burn,” or think it’s too late—it’s never too late to start good habits. And wearing sunscreen every day is a good habit to start at any age. Plus, incorporating a product with retinol and other reparative ingredients can be great for soothing past damage.