Even though you can easily find information and expert articles online about sun damage to our skin and body, the number of skin cancer cases in Lithuania increases every year. In this article, we’re going to bust 10 myths about sun protection. So, if you’re still unsure whether sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine, make sure you read on.
10 myths about sun protection
Myth: You only need sunscreen if you get sunburned
This is one of the 10 most common myths about sun protection. Sunscreen and other protective products are not just for people with sensitive skin. Even if you don’t feel a sting or see redness after a day in the sun, it doesn’t mean your skin is safe from harmful UV rays.
Myth: You won’t tan if you use sunscreen
Sunscreen cannot block 100% of UV rays. The higher the SPF (usually ranging from SPF 15 to SPF 100), the more you reduce the number of harmful rays that penetrate your skin. However, perfect protection is impossible, and you will still tan even if you use sunscreen.
Myth: sunscreens don’t expire
Some people think they can use sunscreen bought years ago for this year’s holiday, but that’s not true. Never use expired sunscreen. It’s important to remember that most sunscreens are good for about 6 months after opening. So, if your sunscreen expires in 2027 but you opened it last summer, it’s no longer safe to use.
Myth: sunscreen is waterproof
Although some sunscreens are formulated to be water-resistant, you should always reapply after swimming in the sea or lake to ensure you maintain high-level protection.
Myth: You don’t need sunscreen in winter or on cloudy, windy days
We hear this myth often. If the sun is behind clouds or it’s raining, that doesn’t mean you can skip sun protection. Even in the cold months, your skin can be damaged if you don’t use sunscreen. For more info about winter skincare, check our article on winter skincare. If you’re still unsure whether you need sun protection, read our article on why you should use sun cosmetics.
Myth: my makeup base has SPF, so I don’t need sunscreen
Even if your cosmetics have a high SPF, you shouldn’t skip this important skincare step. Why? We usually apply makeup only to the face, not to areas like the neck, ears, or body. Also, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. That means your morning makeup base won’t protect you from the sun all day.
Myth: sunscreen blocks Vitamin D
You only need 3-5 minutes in the sun to make enough vitamin D. Staying out longer doesn’t increase the amount your body produces. However, if you skip sunscreen, longer exposure greatly increases your risk of skin cancer. If you worry about vitamin D, consider supplements.
Myth: clothing provides enough sun protection
In summer, when temperatures are high and we usually wear light and thin clothes like shorts or t-shirts, clothing alone won’t protect your skin. Many areas, including your face—which stays uncovered even in winter—remain exposed. That’s why a light beach scarf or a thin hat is not a reason to skip your sunscreen routine.
Myth: self-tanner or tanning beds mean you don’t need sunscreen
Dark skin does not work as a natural barrier against the sun. Whether you have a “fake” tan or use tanning beds, you still need sunscreen. Experts agree that sun protection is necessary for everyone, not just for people with fair skin. Therefore, you should never base your decision to use sunscreen on your skin color.
Myth: You don’t need sunscreen when driving
It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking, walking by the sea, riding a train, driving, or even cooking at home—sunscreen is always important. Hats and windows are not enough. If you want to avoid skin problems and stay healthy, make sunscreen your number one daily essential.
High-quality sun protection
All our favorite sun care products come from the DERMEDIC SUNBRELLA line. We trust and have tested these products in different conditions. At home and while traveling, we always have them on hand, and the whole family can use them—even the kids. These products are dermatologically and clinically tested, suitable for sensitive skin, and have soothing and moisturizing properties. They use Aqua-proVita D3, a precursor to vitamin D3. Most importantly, they provide four-spectrum protection: a four-level protection system for delicate children’s skin against UVA, UVB, infrared, and visible light.
Our favorite Dermedic Sunbrella Baby products
DERMEDIC SUNBRELLA BABY sun protection milk in spray SPF 50+ (150 ml) is our absolute favorite, and it’s super easy to use. Just spray and spread—it covers all exposed areas quickly, which is especially important with active little ones. It’s non-sticky and leaves no white marks. It is suitable from 6 months old.
Active ingredients: mineral and chemical filter complex UVA + UVB + VL + IR, Aqua-proVita, vitamins C and E, glycerin, D-panthenol.
DERMEDIC SUNBRELLA BABY sun protection milk SPF 50, from 6 months (100 g) provides high-level SPF 50 protection. It’s made for kids and babies from 6 months (or from the first month if needed).
The formula contains a special complex of mineral filters that are safe for sensitive baby skin. These filters form a protective film on the skin’s surface, blocking UV rays from penetrating.
The lotion spreads easily, is non-sticky and non-greasy, and is highly effective. Additionally:
- It helps accelerate epidermal renewal.
- It maintains optimal skin moisture levels.
- It contains only mineral filters—no chemical filters.
- You can use it for babies and children older than six months (in special cases, from the first month).
- It is water-resistant.
Our favorite Dermedic Sunbrella sun care products for adults
DERMEDIC SUNBRELLA SPF 50+ age defense sunscreen. The ultra-light, water-based texture delivers very high protection, helping to fight skin aging, loss of firmness, and discoloration. Moreover, this sunscreen is perfect for daily use, even under makeup.
The patented MELAOX+H™ complex (niacinamide, astaxanthin, Lightderm Gly, and bearberry extract) provides a protective barrier against free radicals. The innovative Lacto-PDRN ingredient, based on the DNA of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus, boosts skin firmness, density, and elasticity. Thermal water soothes, hydrates, and enhances your skin’s natural glow.
It is a great product for Daily protection for your skin from UVA, UVB, visible light (VL), and infrared (IR) rays.
DERMEDIC SUNBRELLA after-sun cooling lotion. This lotion is recommended for sensitive, dry, very dry, and sun-exposed skin. The carefully developed formula provides a feeling of comfort and cools the skin after sun exposure.
The cream regenerates and nourishes the skin, thoroughly hydrates, and gives a refreshing cooling effect. It hydrates and softens the skin, soothes irritation, and protects against cracking. It also does not leave marks on clothing.
We highly recommend DERMEDIC SUNBRELLA sun care products, as we have tested and used them even in the intense sun of the Canary Islands and in Thailand, where average temperatures often exceed 30°C.
