Sunscreen Myths and Facts With Dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo

11 Sunscreen Myths, Debunked

Daily sun protection is essential, regardless of your age, skin tone, or lifestyle. To help you get the most out of your sunscreen products, we’ve compiled a list of 11 myths about sunscreen to be aware of.

Myth #1: You don’t need sunscreen in the winter or when it’s cloudy outside

It’s a common misconception that you can skip sunscreen if it’s cloudy or cold outside. In actuality, there are still harmful UV rays present, even if it’s cloudy or during the winter months. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation.¹ And, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UV rays can also pass through up to 80% of light cloud cover.²

“It’s important to wear SPF all year round, during both the summer and winter months,” says Dr. Ugonabo. “I remind my patients that UV rays are present on cloudy days as well.” Her mantra is: “Just because you can’t see the sun, doesn’t mean it can’t see you.” In other words, it’s just as important to wear sunscreen on days when it’s not obviously sunny.

Myth #2: Sunscreen is bad for you

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe’s sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF are formulated to be gentle on your skin, fragrance-free, benzene-free, and allergy-tested. “Numerous research studies have demonstrated that wearing sunscreen can minimize short-term and long-term damage to the skin from the sun’s rays,” explains Dr. Ugonabo.^3,4 Additionally, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreen products to ensure that they meet their safety and effectiveness standards. You can find the most up-to-date information on sunscreen safety regulations by visiting the FDA website.³

Myth #3: A higher SPF value means you don’t need to reapply as often

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. “It corresponds to how much UV radiation is needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin, compared to unprotected skin,” explains Dr. Ugonabo. “Thus, the higher the SPF number, the higher the protection from a sunburn.” According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sunscreen products with SPF 30 can block up to 98% of UVB rays—the type of UV rays that cause sunburn.⁴

However, using a product with a higher SPF value doesn’t mean that you can reapply it less often. “It’s recommended to reapply your SPF [sunscreen] every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or activities involving excessive sweating,” says Dr. Ugonabo. This remains true regardless of the type of product or its SPF value.

Myth #4: You don’t need to reapply sunscreen if it’s waterproof

According to the FDA, no sunscreen product can be considered completely “waterproof” (or “sweatproof”).³ Rather, they can be “water-resistant.” Formulas labeled “water-resistant”—such as CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen—help keep your sunscreen's active ingredients from washing off your skin while you’re in the water. Keep in mind, however, that water-resistant sunscreens still need to be reapplied at least every two hours during the day, as well as after sweating or swimming. “I recommend carrying a travel-sized version around so that it’s easy to reapply,” says Dr. Ugonabo.

Myth #5: Darker skin tones don’t need sun protection

Another common misconception is that people with darker skin tones don’t need to use sunscreen. “Some people may be less likely to get sunburned as quickly, but this does not mean that their skin is not affected by sun exposure,” explains Dr. Ugonabo. “As a dermatologist, I recommend that everyone—regardless of skin type, tone, or texture—wear sunscreen every day, year-round.” All skin tones can experience sun damage, which can lead to skin cancer and visible signs of skin aging. “Many of my melanin-rich patients are concerned by premature aging as well as the worsening of dark spots,” she says.

Dr. Ugonabo finds that her patients with skin of color often prefer tinted sunscreens, particularly ones with a range of shades or a universal tint that blends in well with their skin tone. One example is CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint, which has a subtle tint that’s designed to blend seamlessly into all skin tones, while leaving a sheer, natural finish.

Myth #6: You can skip sunscreen if you stay in the shade

“Seeking shade, such as under an umbrella, can be helpful to protect from the harmful effects of the sun,” says Dr. Ugonabo. “However, I don’t recommend this as your only method of sun protection.” In addition to protective measures, such as avoiding sun exposure during peak hours and wearing protective clothing (like hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses), it’s important to apply (and reapply) sunscreen daily.

Myth #7: You can use makeup with SPF instead of sunscreen

Some makeup products contain SPF, but these alone are generally not enough to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. So, although makeup products with SPF 30 or higher may offer some protection, they shouldn’t replace your daily face sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF. “I advise my patients to choose a lightweight sunscreen that won’t feel heavy on the face,“ says Dr. Ugonabo. When it comes to reapplying sunscreen, Dr. Ugonabo says that many of her patients who wear makeup prefer to use sunscreen sticks, powders, and sprays.

CeraVe Tip: Use a lightweight CeraVe moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30, like our Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, to hydrate and help protect your skin before applying makeup.

Myth #8: You don’t need sunscreen when you’re driving or staying indoors

The sun’s rays aren’t only a concern when you’re outside. According to Dr. Ugonabo, a shadow or window won’t provide adequate protection from harmful UV rays, since UVA rays can penetrate through glass. She recommends that people still use sunscreen even if they’re not planning to go outside. Applying sunscreen each morning can also help protect your skin when you need to head outdoors for unexpected, last-minute errands.

CeraVe Tip: If you’re looking to streamline your skincare routine on days when you’re staying indoors, try CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. This multitasking moisturizer is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30, ceramides, and niacinamide to hydrate and help protect your skin from the sun’s rays in a single step*. If you’re looking for higher SPF coverage, try CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 to hydrate your skin up to 10 layers deep and provide 24-hour hydration.

*For sunscreen protection, reapply at least every two hours.

Myth #9: All products with sunscreen leave a white cast

“White cast” is a term used to describe the white-colored residue that some sunscreen products can leave behind on your skin. “Some patients say they hate the white cast look and want to avoid it,” explains Dr. Ugonabo. “I usually tell them that sunscreens have come a long way, and the newer formulations are more elegant.” Many modern sunscreens are specially formulated to blend in easily, without leaving a white cast. Dr. Ugonabo also recommends considering tinted sunscreens, which often blend better on darker skin tones. 

Myth #10: I won’t get enough vitamin D if I use sunscreen

“Several studies have shown that people can wear sunscreen daily and still maintain adequate levels of vitamin D,” explains Dr. Ugonabo.⁵ She advises her patients to focus on getting their vitamin D from food or from a supplement rather than [just] the sun. If you have questions about your nutritional health, schedule a visit with your doctor for personalized guidance.

Myth #11: Sunscreen products never expire

Sunscreen does expire. According to the FDA, all sunscreen products must have an expiration date included on their label or remain effective for at least three years.^6,7 Dermatologists generally recommend throwing away any sunscreen products that are past their expiration date. Avoid keeping your sunscreen in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures, as this may cause your products to expire faster or become less effective.

For help choosing the right sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF for your skin type and skin concerns, head to CeraVe’s Find My Skincare Solution tool.