Doctors Debunk 12 Sunscreen And Suncare Myths | Debunked

Summary

Dermatologists Dr. Jeremy Brauer and Dr. Michelle Henry debunk common sun care myths, emphasizing the importance of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for adequate UVA/UVB protection. They refute the idea of 'healthy tans,' warn of the dangers of even one sunburn, and highlight the need for comprehensive sun protection, including shade and protective clothing. They also address the misconception that sunscreen alone is sufficient, explaining that sun damage can occur indoors and in the shade.

Takeaways

• ☀️ SPF is crucial for UVB protection, but also look for broad-spectrum coverage for UVA rays.
• 🌡️ Higher SPF doesn't always mean better; SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 only blocks 99%.
• 🚫 'Healthy tan' is a myth; any tan indicates skin damage and increases skin cancer risk.
• 🏖️ Base tans offer minimal protection, approximately equivalent to SPF 3, and increase skin cancer risk.
• 🌤️ You can still get sunburned in the shade due to reflections from various surfaces.
• 🏠 Sunscreen is necessary indoors near windows or while driving, as UVA rays can penetrate.
• 🤲 Don't forget to apply sunscreen to often-missed areas like the backs of hands, tops of feet, and lips.
• 🔥 Getting sunburned even once can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.
• 👨‍⚕️ Regular skin checks by a dermatologist are important for early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
• 🌡️ The sun's UV rays are strongest during peak hours, typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., not necessarily when it feels hottest.
• 🧴 Everyone, regardless of skin color, needs sunscreen; darker skin provides some natural protection but not complete immunity to UV damage.

Q & A

What is the myth about SPF that Dr. Michelle Henry debunks?

Dr. Henry debunks the myth that a higher SPF is always better. While SPF is important for protecting against UVB rays, it's also crucial to have broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Additionally, beyond SPF 50, the increase in protection is minimal.

Why is the idea of a 'healthy tan' considered fake news by dermatologists?

Dermatologists consider the concept of a 'healthy tan' as fake news because UV light is a known carcinogen, and there is no safe dose of UV light. Tanning indicates skin damage, which increases the risk of skin cancer.

How does Dr. Henry suggest achieving a tan safely?

Dr. Henry recommends using sunless tanning creams, lotions, and sprays to achieve a tan safely without exposing the skin to harmful UV rays.

What is the truth about getting a base tan providing protection from sunburns?

A base tan provides minimal protection, roughly equivalent to an SPF of 3, which is not significant. It does not prevent sunburns effectively but increases the risk for skin cancer and accelerated aging.

Can you get sunburned in the shade?

Yes, you can get sunburned in the shade because UV rays can reflect off surfaces like sand, snow, and concrete, even under shade structures.

Why is it a myth that you only need sunscreen when going outside?

It's a myth because you can still get exposure to UVA rays indoors, especially near windows, and while driving in a car. UVA rays can penetrate through glass and clouds.

What areas of the body are often overlooked when applying sunscreen?

Areas often overlooked include the backs of hands, tops of feet, lips, parts of the scalp, chest, behind the legs, and underneath the chin.

How does getting sunburned once impact the risk of skin cancer?

Getting sunburned even once can increase the risk of skin cancer. Having five sunburns before the age of 18 can double the risk for melanoma.

Why is it important to have regular skin checks by a dermatologist?

Regular skin checks help identify any potential issues early and allow for preventive measures or treatment. They also provide an opportunity to discuss skin care and sun protection strategies tailored to the individual.

Is it true that the sun is strongest when it's hottest?

No, the sun's UV rays are strongest during midday hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., not necessarily when it feels hottest, which is often later in the afternoon.

Do people with darker skin types need sunscreen?

Yes, everyone needs sunscreen regardless of skin type. Darker skin has some natural protection from melanin, but it's not enough to prevent sun damage or skin cancer.

How do chemical and physical sunscreens differ in their mode of action?

Chemical sunscreens work by bonding with the skin and converting UV light to heat, while physical sunscreens, like those containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, lay on top of the skin and reflect UV light.

Why is it not recommended to mix sunscreen with other skincare products?

Mixing sunscreen with other products can dilute its effectiveness and may not provide the intended SPF protection. It's best to apply sunscreen as a standalone product for optimal results.

Does using sunscreen prevent the body from getting enough vitamin D?

Sunscreen does not completely block sunlight, so some vitamin D can still be synthesized. However, it's recommended to get vitamin D through other means like supplementation or diet to avoid skin cancer risks.

Outlines

00:00

🌞 Debunking Sun Care Myths

The first paragraph of the script features two dermatologists, Dr. Jeremy Brauer and Dr. Michelle Henry, discussing common misconceptions about sun protection. They address the fallacy that a base tan offers protection against sunburn, explaining that a tan is a sign of skin damage and that even one sunburn significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. The doctors refute the idea that a higher SPF is always better, emphasizing that broad-spectrum protection is more important. They also dismiss the notion of a 'healthy tan,' clarifying that UV light is a carcinogen with no safe exposure level. Instead, they recommend sunless tanning products for those seeking a tanned look. Additionally, they warn against the belief that one can't get sunburned in the shade, highlighting that reflected UV rays can still cause damage.

05:01

🌡 Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Risk

In the second paragraph, Dr. Henry and Dr. Brauer continue to dispel myths about sun exposure. They explain that sunburn at any age, especially before 18, can double the risk of melanoma, underscoring the importance of early protection. The doctors suggest regular skin checks by dermatologists to prevent skin cancer and discuss the myth that the sun is strongest when it's hottest, clarifying that UV rays are most intense during midday hours regardless of perceived heat. They also address the misconception that darker skin doesn't need sunscreen, noting that even dark skin types are at risk and can develop skin cancer, albeit often with different presentations that require careful diagnosis.

10:02

🧴 The Importance of Sunscreen and Sun Protection

The final paragraph focuses on the nuances of sunscreen use and broader sun protection strategies. The dermatologists clarify that not all sunscreens are created equal, distinguishing between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens and their respective mechanisms of action. They discuss the importance of reapplication, especially after swimming or sweating, and caution against relying on makeup with SPF for adequate protection. The doctors also debunk the myth that sunscreen use leads to vitamin D deficiency, recommending alternative sources of vitamin D. They conclude with three key takeaways: starting sun protection early in life, the importance of reapplication, and the necessity of a comprehensive sun protection plan that includes more than just sunscreen.

Keywords

💡Sunburn

Sunburn is a form of radiation damage to the skin caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and discomfort. In the video, sunburn is emphasized as harmful and not a trivial issue, as it can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. The script mentions that 'All it takes is one blistering sunburn' to raise this risk.

💡SPF

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of the effectiveness of sunscreens against UVB rays. It indicates how much UV radiation the cream will protect against before causing skin reddening. The video clarifies that while higher SPFs offer more protection, there is a point of diminishing returns beyond SPF 50, where the additional protection is minimal.

💡UVA and UVB rays

UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet light rays emitted by the sun. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can also lead to skin cancer. The video stresses the importance of using broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

💡Skin cancer

Skin cancer is a malignant growth of skin cells. It is often caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun. The video underscores that skin cancer is directly related to UV exposure and that even one sunburn can increase the risk. It also mentions that skin cancer is more likely to be severe in areas not commonly protected, such as the scalp and the backs of hands.

💡Tanning

Tanning is a natural response of the skin to UV radiation, resulting in a darker complexion. The video refutes the idea of a 'healthy tan,' stating that any tan indicates skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. It suggests using sunless tanning products as a safer alternative.

💡Base tan

A base tan is a tan achieved before sun exposure, with the misconception that it offers protection against sunburn. The video debunks this myth, stating that a base tan might only marginally extend the time before sunburn occurs and significantly increases skin cancer risk.

💡Shade

Shade is the protection from direct sunlight provided by an object, such as a tree or an umbrella. The video clarifies that shade is not full protection against sunburn, as UV rays can reflect off surfaces like sand, water, and snow, still posing a risk.

💡Sunscreen application

Applying sunscreen involves spreading it evenly on the skin to protect it from harmful UV rays. The video emphasizes that sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas, including often-missed spots like the tops of feet, backs of hands, and lips. It also stresses the importance of reapplication.

💡Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and the body synthesizes it upon sun exposure. The video addresses the myth that sunscreen use leads to vitamin D deficiency by suggesting alternative sources like supplements and fortified foods, and by stating that even with sunscreen, some sun exposure occurs.

💡Skin types

Skin types refer to the Fitzpatrick scale, which classifies skin based on its response to sun exposure. The video notes that everyone, regardless of skin type, needs to use sunscreen. It also points out that darker skin, while having some natural protection, is not immune to sun damage or skin cancer.

💡Sunless tanning

Sunless tanning refers to methods of achieving a tan without sun exposure, such as using tanning creams, lotions, or sprays. The video promotes sunless tanning as a safe alternative to UV-induced tanning, which causes skin damage.

Highlights

A tan is temporary, but your skin never forgets the damage.

Higher SPF is not always better; SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 only blocks 99%.

Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB-protective sunscreen is more important than a high SPF alone.

There is no such thing as a 'healthy tan'; tanning indicates skin damage.

90% of skin cancers are related to exposure to ultraviolet A and B rays.

A tan is your skin's stress response, indicating it is distressed.

Sunless tanning creams, lotions, and sprays are recommended for a safe tan look.

Getting a base tan offers minimal protection, similar to an SPF of 3.

A base tan increases your risk for skin cancer and accelerated aging.

Skin cancer risk increases significantly with just one blistering sunburn.

Five sunburns before the age of 18 can double your risk for melanoma.

Everyone should have a skin check by a board-certified dermatologist.

Once you've had one skin cancer, you're at an increased risk of having another.

The sun is strongest for UV exposure, not necessarily when it's hottest.

You can get sunburned in the shade as UV rays reflect off surfaces like sand, snow, and concrete.

You need sunscreen even when indoors near windows or driving in a car.

Don't forget to apply sunscreen to often-missed areas like the backs of hands, tops of feet, and lips.

People with darker skin still need sunscreen; melanin provides some protection but not complete.

Different sunscreen types work differently; physical sunscreens reflect UV light, while chemical sunscreens convert it to heat.

There is no waterproof sunscreen; water-resistant sunscreens need reapplication after swimming or sweating.

Sunscreen with makeup is not enough; apply a separate sunscreen for adequate protection.

You can get enough vitamin D from supplements or diet without risking skin cancer from sun exposure.

Transcripts

"Getting a base tan will protect you

from a sunburn later on."

You know, a tan is temporary, but your skin never forgets.

"I'm covered -- I applied sunscreen

on my face, arms, and legs."

You're not covered.

"Getting sunburned once is harmless."

All it takes is one blistering sunburn.

One.

Hi, my name is Jeremy Brauer.

I am a board-certified dermatologist

and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.

I have a new practice in Westchester, New York,

called Spectrum Skin and Laser

as well as practicing in Manhattan for about a decade.

Hi, I'm Dr. Michelle Henry.

I'm a board-certified dermatologist and skin-cancer surgeon.

I have a practice called Skin & Aesthetic Surgery

of Manhattan. I specialize in high-risk skin cancers,

lasers, aesthetics, and general dermatology,

and today we'll be debunking myths about sun care.

"A higher SPF is always better."

So, that, I would have to say, is a myth.

SPF is great when we think about UVB,

or ultraviolet B, rays,

but we also have to worry about our ultraviolet A rays,

which also cause sun damage and skin cancer.

So in that regard, you're looking more for

a broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB-protective sunscreen.

The other part of this that makes it a myth

is higher is not always better.

Yes, 30 is better than 15, 50 is better than 30,

but at some point, roughly around 50,

you're already at 98% blocking of your UVB rays.

And SPF 100 only takes you 1% more, to 99%,

and is that really significant? Likely not.

What's most important to me is that

you're wearing 50 when you're outdoors,

but you also want to make sure you're wearing sunglasses,

utilizing shade structures, you're wearing a hat,

you're paying attention to your skin.

"You can have a 'healthy tan.'"

Absolutely not.

So, this is complete fake news.

We know that UV light is a known carcinogen,

so there really is zero safe dose of UV light.

I would agree.

Healthy and tan do not go together, by definition.

When your skin is tanned, it's damaged.

And when you have damaged skin,

you increase your risk of skin cancer.

We know that approximately 90% of all skin cancers

are directly related to exposure

to ultraviolet A and B rays, and guess what?

Those are what causes a skin to tan.

Exactly. You know, a tan is essentially

just your skin's stress response.

So your skin is distressed when it's tan.

If you want tan skin,

A, understand that your skin is OK

and beautiful the way it is.

But if you for the summer want to look a little bit tanner

and you want to do that in a safe way,

there are many companies that provide very safe

sunless tanning creams, lotions, and sprays

that can give you the look that you want

but also keep you safe.

And that is my singular recommendation for being tan.

"Getting a base tan will protect you

from a sunburn later on."

The tanning salons will tell you

that if you get a base tan before you go out into the sun,

it's going to protect you.

So, a base tan probably gives you about an SPF of 3.

So if you burn in 20 minutes,

now you're going to burn in 60 minutes.

That's nothing. It doesn't really help you significantly.

But what it has done

is increase your risk for skin cancer,

increase your risk for accelerated aging.

And, you know, a tan is temporary,

but your skin never forgets.

So what I tell my patients is that skin cancer

is like the straw that broke the camel's back.

You never know when you're getting that one last exposure

that is now going to tip your skin cells

over into being cancerous.

So there really is zero safe level of UV.

"You can't get sunburned in the shade."

Incorrect. So, you can absolutely

get sunburned in the shade.

Are you skiing? Are you at the beach? Is there sand?

Are you sitting right next to an aluminum garbage can?

No matter where you are, the sun can reflect

off of the concrete, the sand, the snow especially.

With snow, about 80% of the sun's rays actually reflect.

So you're actually still at risk

and still quite vulnerable,

even if you're under a shade structure.

"You only need sunscreen if you're going outside."

That is definitely a myth.

We know for sure that whether you're indoors

sitting by a window or if you're in a car driving,

you are going to get exposure to ultraviolet light.

Primarily it's ultraviolet A,

but as we've been talking about,

ultraviolet A is just as dangerous as ultraviolet B.

And even then, while these windows do protect you

against most of ultraviolet B,

it's not all of ultraviolet B.

Henry: Curtains aren't perfect, because, you know,

clouds aren't even perfect, right?

So UVA makes its way completely through the clouds.

So curtains alone won't do it.

You know, sunscreen alone won't do it.

It is a comprehensive plan to keep your skin safe.

"I'm covered -- I applied sunscreen

on my face, arms, and legs."

You're not covered.

We also think about arms,

but what about the backs of your hands?

And if you're outside wearing flip-flops

or open-toed shoes, sandals,

the tops of your feet as well

need to be protected with sunscreen.

Henry: The lips. That's an area that's really high risk

for skin cancer, and as skin-cancer surgeons,

we know that's one of the areas

where skin cancers can metastasize.

Another area: the part.

When men lose their protective covering

on the scalp, you want to make sure

that you're protecting those areas.

The chest, behind the legs, underneath the chin.

I treat skin cancers underneath the chin all the time.

So even if you're just out on a patio

having lunch with a friend,

that light is getting reflected.

So don't forget underneath the chin as well.

"Getting sunburned once is harmless."

No. This is absolutely incorrect.

All it takes is one blistering sunburn

in your lifetime to increase your risk of skin cancer.

One.

Henry: Those young formative years,

not only are they psychologically important,

but they're clinically important to keeping you safe.

We know that five sunburns before the age of 18

can double your risk for melanoma.

So it's really important

that you're protecting your skin early.

I would say the best way to stay away from us

is actually coming to see us.

Henry: Oh, yes, I like it!

Brauer: Everyone, as you said,

everyone is incurring sun damage.

Everyone should have a skin check

by a board-certified dermatologist.

And the idea is not just

for the dermatologist to take a look at your skin,

but also have a conversation with you

about what your skin looks like

and how you can prevent future sun damage,

prevent development of skin cancer,

what sunscreens might be appropriate for you.

Henry: Once you've had one skin cancer,

you're at an increased risk

of having another one in the next year.

And so it's just, once you've accumulated that damage,

you continue to have them,

and you continue to have them.

And so it's really important

that you take every sun exposure seriously,

because you never know when you're near your tipping point.

And so, yes, what has happened has happened,

but it doesn't mean that it's too late,

and we absolutely can do things for you

to help minimize the risk

of development of skin cancer in the future.

"The sun is strongest when it's hottest."

This is not necessarily true.

The heat that you feel over the course of the day

is actually cumulative, so for most of us,

we actually feel the hottest

a little later in the day, usually about 3 o'clock.

So if you're out at 10, 11 o'clock

and you don't feel it's all that hot outside, guess what?

That's when the UV is actually strongest.

There are certain times of the day

where the sun is at the highest in the sky.

And at that period of time, we believe

that the ultraviolet light that we've talked about,

UVA/UVB, is at its strongest and most damaging.

In general, we talk about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It can vary slightly, maybe 11 to 4,

but that doesn't necessarily mean

that's when it's hottest during the day.

A little trick that I often use is the shadow trick.

If your shadow is shorter than you,

the sun is higher in the sky.

If your shadow is a little bit longer or taller than you,

so in the late morning or the late afternoon,

then the sun is likely not at its peak.

The other thing to think about is on a cool day,

on a cloudy day, even on a winter day

high up in the mountains, when you're skiing,

you're getting ultraviolet damage occurring.

"People with darker skin don't need sunscreen."

So, everyone needs sunscreen.

It does not matter your skin type.

So we know that melanin is protective,

but melanin is not perfect.

So even the deepest, darkest skin

ranges from an SPF, let's say, 4 to SPF 13.

And what do we recommend?

SPF 30 and above.

So even dark skin is not 100% protective.

We know that we see skin cancers in darker skin types.

What's also important is that in darker skin types

there's often a lower index of suspicion,

so we find them later.

And because of this, the outcomes can be quite worse.

So in darker skin types,

we see that the five-year survival

for melanoma is about 65%.

In lighter skin types, it's about 90%.

And part of that is because

of that lower index of suspicion.

The thing about skin of color

is that redness looks different,

sun damage looks different, but it's still there.

Skin cancers look different.

So some of the most common skin cancers,

like basal cell skin cancers,

which we classically describe as a pearly pink papule,

in a darker-skin patient might look brown.

It might, instead, it's a pearly brown papule.

And so, you know, it's not that it doesn't happen.

It's about being trained in a way

to read those changes, because they're there,

they're present, and it's critical to find them.

"All sunscreen works the same."

Fortunately, they do not,

because variety is really important,

because different skin types have different needs.

And so the two broad categories of sunscreens

are your physical sunscreens

and then your chemical sunscreens.

So, chemical sunscreens work by bonding with your skin,

and they convert UV light to heat.

Physical sunscreens lay on top of the skin,

and they reflect UV light.

When we're talking about physical sunscreens

or physical blockers, those are the mineral sunscreens.

In general, we think of titanium dioxide

and zinc oxide as the two prominent ingredients

found in those sunscreens.

If someone has really sensitive skin,

they may not want to use a chemical sunscreen,

not only because of the chemicals,

but because of that release of heat.

Brauer: In the news, very recently,

there's a lot of talk about contaminants, such as benzene,

as well as the concern about whether or not,

yes, are we getting that SPF protection?

Are we getting that sun protection

that the label is claiming that we do?

We definitely need stronger regulation by the FDA.

We need more consistency and standardization

in the industry, but that being said,

applying your sunscreen and using your sunscreen as directed

is definitely better than not using it at all.

Absolutely. The best sunscreen for you

is a sunscreen that you will use.

It's a wonderful thing that we have different variations.

Creams for those who may have drier skin

and enjoy that feeling of a richer cream.

Lotions for those who don't.

Gels for those who may have oilier, acne-prone skin.

Powders for those who want to reapply on their makeup.

Sprays for those who are looking to

catch their kids running away on the beach.

But don't inhale.

But don't inhale. But don't inhale.

Brauer: The important point to make is

there is no waterproof sunscreen.

So while it's great that if you feel like you're

either going swimming or you're going to be sweating

or very active, you want to use a water-resistant sunscreen,

I think it's just as important that you realize

once you get out of that pool

or once you're ready to towel off

after a lot of sweating, you reapply.

"You don't need sunscreen if your makeup has SPF."

No. And this is a common question I get in the office.

Frankly, we don't apply our foundation

the same way that we apply our sunscreen.

Our sunscreen is a much more even application.

If you're applying, let's say, eye shadow with SPF,

most of us aren't applying a thick sheet

of eye shadow over our eyelid,

and so there are going to be areas of vulnerability.

And as we've spoken about before,

it's not just about that SPF number.

You want to make sure that it's UVA protective too.

And that's going to be found in your sunscreen,

most likely not in your moisturizer.

For physical blockers,

I usually tell people that will go on last.

But the chemical sunscreens,

you maybe want to put that on

prior to any other makeup that you'll be using.

A big problem that happens

is that we've become these mad scientists

and these chemists that we're not.

And so when you start mixing formulations

and you don't understand how to formulate,

frankly what you're doing is you're diluting your sunscreen.

And so if you're mixing your SPF with your moisturizer,

now you have less protection.

And we don't even know

how these formulations work together.

Maybe it's less than half.

It's just far too risky.

"You won't get enough vitamin D if you use sunscreen."

There are more than enough ways to get vitamin D

that don't cause skin cancer.

So, I recommend supplementation,

or, you know, dairy products also have vitamin D.

So there are many ways you can get adequate vitamin D

that's not a carcinogen.

And if what Michelle said is not enough,

sunscreen, sunblock is not perfect.

So you're still getting sun exposure

even when you apply sun protection perfectly.

So it's not as though you're completely blocking the sun

and you're not making any vitamin D.

You are making vitamin D.

You do not need much sunlight to make vitamin D.

So, if I had to say three things to leave you with,

start young, reapply -- it's not just about

that first application first thing in the morning --

and it's not just about sunscreen.

We've talked about all the other

things that are involved in a comprehensive plan

for skin care and sun protection.

We're excited about going outdoors.

Our beaches are going to be busy.

We want to make sure that while we're having fun,

we're still being responsible.

So sunscreen to me is an evergreen topic.

We should talk about it year-round,

but it's particularly important right now.