Stepping out in the scorching heat of the scarlet sun during the sweaty summer days is indeed a dreadful task. Sunscreens, wet wipes and scarfs become your travel besties and you bid a goodbye to your carefree attitude. You become extra cautious for your skin but sadly, fail to realise these 8 lesser known truths about your sun block:

1. Sunscreen sprays may be easier to apply but are way dicier

This fancy upgraded version of your sunscreen may look very enticing at the first glance but in the long run, it makes your skin vulnerable to damage. You’re less likely to apply an even or thick enough coating on your skin for proper sun protection, plus the air-born minerals and chemicals pose an inhalation risk.

2. Extremely high SPFs (above 50) are totally misleading

Many dermatologists agree that these products don’t likely offer better sun protection at all, so people are inadvertently frying themselves. This year, EWG found 61 products claiming to have an SPF of 70 or even higher and 15 advertised as above 100. Even the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) says they “do not have adequate data demonstrating that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection.” As of  now, it’s better to stick with one in the 30-50 SPF range.

3. Expired sunscreen is as good as none

Hello, those dates on your sunscreen matter. Sunscreens typically last about two years unopened, but once you’ve cracked the lid, it’s a case of use it or lose it. Also keeping it in your car (AKA sauna) could expedite the clumping and separation process which will make it no longer effective.

4. Sunscreens that call themselves “sport” or “water-resistant” can be deceiving

FDA doesn’t allow brands to say sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweat proof,” so brands think of creative ways to indicate it. If companies use the permitted term ‘water-resistant’, they must indicate whether it’s for 40 or 80 minutes. Still, it’s almost impossible to gauge their accuracy.  It is advised to re-apply sunscreen as soon as you get out of the shower, towel off, or at least every two hours.

5. Moisturizers with SPF typically have less UV protection

Moisturizers with SPF can deceive you into believing that they work as good as a suncreen. The truth is a little different. The SPF protection in moisturizers doesn’t last all day long so you must use a real sunscreen if you’re in the sun for too long.

6. Stay clear of sunscreens containing Vitamin A

Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are typically thicker in appearance, so people often think they are putting on enough when they’re actually not. Pay closer attention when using these sunscreens to ensure you’re properly covered. The Skin Cancer foundation advises application of 1 ounce (get out your shot glass) every two hours. You should drain half a bottle on a long beach day.

7. You’re probably not putting enough sunscreen on

Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are typically thicker in appearance, so people often think they are putting on enough when they’re actually not. Pay closer attention when using these sunscreens to ensure you’re properly covered. The Skin Cancer foundation advises application of 1 ounce (get out your shot glass) every two hours. You should drain half a bottle on a long beach day.

8. A common misconception is that using sunscreen alone prevents skin cancer

Sadly, this is not the case. There’s just no proof stating the same. Sun-protective clothing is your best bet. No cosmetic sunscreen is capable enough to combat skin cancer all by itself.

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