Sunscreen is an essential part of daily skin care, helping to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure and UV radiation-induced aging. However, there are some facts about sunscreen you may not know. Let’s explore them in the following article. This article is consulted by Diep Cao Thi Ngoc, MD, a dermatologist at the 19-8 Police Hospital.
1. The higher the SPF sunscreen, the better
This statement is true, but it still depends on the circumstances. When you are active, spending time at the beach, exposed to intense sunlight, sweat, and seawater, sunscreen tends to wear off more quickly. Therefore, you need to choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF and reapply it more frequently.
SPF ratings for sunscreens vary from 15, 30, 50, and so on
On the other hand, if you are indoors, in an office, without direct sunlight exposure, you should reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. For instance, if you apply sunscreen at 7 in the morning, you should reapply it at 10-11, and the third application would be around 2 in the afternoon. Moreover, there is a common misconception that being indoors, away from direct sunlight, means you don’t need sunscreen. Even when indoors, you can still be affected by infrared rays, UV rays from phones, computers, and other sources.
In cases of continuous outdoor activities in the sun, you should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Therefore, doctors recommend using sunscreen regardless of the weather, whether you are outdoors or indoors to protect your skin.
2. Using SPF-containing cosmetics eliminates the need for sunscreen
Dr. Diep Cao Thi Ngoc emphasizes that many people believe that if their cosmetics contain SPF, they don’t need to use sunscreen. However, this is a misconception. The sunscreen components in cosmetics serve as additional protection and cannot replace dedicated sunscreen products. Other products like foundation and moisturizers are often advertised to have sunscreen abilities, but their sun protection is not high enough to optimally safeguard your skin. Hence, sunscreen should be used separately and can be applied after your moisturizer in your morning skincare routine.
3. Taking sunscreen pills eliminates the need for sunscreen
Sunscreen pills contain ingredients that help protect against UVA and UVB rays. These pills offer internal support in addition to sunscreen, so using both simultaneously achieves optimal skin protection. Particularly, people with sensitive or easily damaged skin due to continuous sun exposure or travel are advised to use both types of protection. Doctors recommend combining both methods, and you should not solely rely on sunscreen pills while neglecting sunscreen application.
4. Using sunscreen will prevent skin darkening
From a medical perspective, sunscreen helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVA, UVB, infrared radiation, blue light, and other factors. However, it is important to note that sunscreen alone cannot entirely prevent skin darkening. Darkening of the skin can occur due to various reasons such as sun exposure, pigmentation, and other factors. Using sunscreen contributes to overall skin health and helps prevent further damage. That is one of 6 facts about sunscreen you may not know.
Sunscreen pills help support sun protection from within
Sunscreen is just one part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. In addition to using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, such as masks and hats, and taking sunscreen pills, all play essential roles in directly countering harmful environmental elements. Therefore, while sunscreen is vital for skin protection, it should be part of a holistic approach to safeguarding your skin.
5. Using sunscreen does not require makeup removal
Many people believe that makeup removal is only necessary when they wear makeup. However, even if you only use sunscreen or no cosmetics at all, it’s important to remove your makeup in the evening. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to dust, pollutants, and harmful environmental elements. Additionally, screen time from computers and phones also affects your skin. Therefore, the first step in your evening skincare routine should always be makeup removal. In particular, for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, makeup removal is considered the most important cleansing step.
Makeup removal is an essential step even if you don’t apply sunscreen
Not removing makeup can lead to clogged pores, excess oil, and an increase in acne, as well as accelerate the aging process, as dirt, sunscreen, and harmful substances accumulate under the skin over time.
This article has shared some facts about sunscreen you may not know. We hope that it provides you with a more scientifically informed perspective on sunscreen-related beliefs, ultimately leading to more effective and accurate usage.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
Comprehensive cooperation with hundreds of hospitals and clinics, thousands of doctors and medical experts to join hands in building a medical content and service platform on the Doctor Network application.
