Sun Lies You're Telling Yourself Right Now

  • Sun Lies You're Telling Yourself Right Now

    When it comes to the sun and what's actually safe, there's a lot of speculation going on. We asked NYC dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger to share what's true (and what's false) in order to establish some facts. Here, eight facts to know before you spend another minute in the sun.

    beach lounging woman square

    True or False: It's OK to go in the sun without sunscreen if you need vitamin D.

    False. "The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people get their vitamin D from diet, not from purposeful UV exposure," says Dr. Schweiger.

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

  • clinique sunscreen square

    True or False: High SPF is unnecessary—SPF 15 is plenty.

    False. "An SPF of 45 will block more of the rays and have a longer-lasting sun protection affect than an SPF 15. This is especially important for people with a fair complexion who burn easily. It's also crucial to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays."

    Photo Credit: CN Archive

  • clock square

    True or False: The sun is strongest between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. After that, you won't get burned.

    False. "UV levels are actually at their peak from about 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Although it is less likely, it is still possible to get sunburn before or after those hours."

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

  • tan lines square

    True or False: If you don't get burned, your skin isn't damaged.

    False. "Suntans can also signify that the skin has been damaged and can lead to early signs of aging."

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

  • woman getting facial square

    True or False: You can erase physical signs of past sun damage with a chemical peel or use of retinoids.

    True. "Chemical peels can help remove the top layer of skin and any visible sun damage. Retinoids will increase cell turnover and also help boost collagen regeneration, which helps slough off brown spots and halt the production of melanin."

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

  • clinique acne square

    True or False: Some skin care products and medications make you more sensitive to the sun.

    True. "Retinoids as well as topical acne medications can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight." Always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and avoid direct sun exposure when you're using them.

    Photo Credit: CN Archive

  • nivea square

    True or False: Most eye creams and lip balms contain sunscreen, so you don't need to apply extra.

    False. "Make sure to read the label. If it contains broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, then you should be safe."

    Photo Credit: CN Archive

  • woman waving at sun square

    True or False: If you're naturally tan or dark-skinned, you're not likely to get melanoma.

    False. "Every skin tone is susceptible to melanoma without the proper protection from UV rays."

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

1 OF 8