As summer enters full swing, outdoor adventures take center stage, ranging from weekend beach days and backyard carne asadas to walks in the park and parkside gatherings. Amidst the seasonal excitement and warm weather, one constant companion remains overhead: the sun. While enjoying the outdoors is a vital part of the season, maintaining skin health through protective wear and daily sunscreen use is equally essential.
However, within the Latine community and across broader populations, persistent myths surrounding SPF use continue to create hesitation, leaving many to skip sunscreen entirely or underuse it. To address these misconceptions and provide clarity, HipLatina consulted Florida-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bertha Baum. A Colombian-American skin health expert, Dr. Baum shared valuable insights to help debunk common sunscreen myths and offer guidance on incorporating SPF into a sustainable daily skincare routine.
Myth: “Pero tienes la piel morena, you don’t need it”
One of the most widespread misconceptions passed down through families and communities is that individuals with darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. Because melanin offers a degree of natural protection against ultraviolet radiation, many people assume they are entirely immune to sun damage.
Dr. Baum emphasizes that this deeply ingrained belief carries dangerous potential, exposing individuals to sun damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. "While darker skin has more melanin, which offers some natural protection, it’s not enough," Dr. Baum explains. Furthermore, she points out a critical healthcare disparity associated with this myth: when skin cancer does occur in people with deeper skin tones, it is frequently diagnosed at a later stage, resulting in significantly worse medical outcomes. This reality serves as a vital reminder that broad-spectrum UV protection is essential for everyone, regardless of skin tone.
Myth: You don’t need sunscreen while working indoors
Another common misconception is that indoor environments offer total safety from the sun’s harmful rays. For those working in traditional offices or navigating the world of remote work from home, staying indoors might feel like a reliable shield against ultraviolet exposure.
However, if your workspace is situated near a window, UVA rays—the specific wavelengths responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation—can easily penetrate glass, leading to cumulative skin damage despite a lack of direct outdoor exposure. In addition to window glass, Dr. Baum points to modern digital habits as another factor worth considering. "As for blue light from screens, while research is ongoing, we do know that high-energy visible light can contribute to hyperpigmentation, particularly in melanin-rich skin like that of Latinas," she notes, adding that sunscreens formulated with iron oxides can provide enhanced protection against blue light emissions.
Myth: Sunscreen isn’t needed if you’re traveling by car
Similar to the risks associated with working near office windows, daily commuting via car or public transportation exposes individuals to significant UVA radiation. Drivers, in particular, often experience asymmetrical sun exposure on the left side of their bodies as sunlight streams through vehicle windows.
Over time, this routine lack of protection can result in uneven aging, fine lines, and sunspots. To combat daily transit exposure, Dr. Baum recommends keeping a portable product on hand, such as the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 60, which serves as a convenient on-the-go option for daily commutes. Describing its practical benefits, she notes that it spreads easily with an invisible finish, making it mess-free, makeup-friendly, and ideal for quick touch-ups on the face, neck, and hands throughout the day.
Myth: If your makeup has SPF, you don’t need more sunscreen
The beauty market has expanded significantly in recent years, offering an array of cosmetic products infused with SPF. While makeup formulations containing sun protection offer a convenient layer of defense, Dr. Baum cautions that they are rarely sufficient on their own to prevent skin damage.
Because most individuals apply cosmetic products in amounts far smaller than what is required to achieve the labeled sun protection factor, relying solely on makeup leaves the skin vulnerable. To ensure adequate defense, Dr. Baum advises applying a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as Neutrogena’s New Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, as a foundational base before applying any makeup. For subsequent applications during the day, she suggests utilizing SPF-infused setting sprays or powders to refresh protection without disturbing existing makeup.
Myth: If it’s cloudy outside, don’t need to apply sunscreen
Seasonal shifts often bring another widespread misconception: the idea that sunscreen can be retired once autumn and winter arrive and temperatures drop. This belief assumes that a lack of noticeable heat equates to a lack of solar radiation.
Dr. Baum clarifies that up to 80% of ultraviolet rays can easily penetrate heavy cloud cover, meaning overcast days offer a false sense of security. Furthermore, during colder months, UV rays can bounce off highly reflective surfaces such as snow or wet pavement, compounding their impact on the skin. Summarizing the constant nature of ultraviolet exposure, Dr. Baum highlights a simple rule for daily care: if there is light, there are UV rays.
Myth: “I’m just running a quick errand, I don’t need sunscreen”
Everyday moments—such as walking a dog around the neighborhood, stepping out to grab a morning coffee with friends, or running a quick errand—involve brief, intermittent exposures to the sun. While these individual moments may seem insignificant, the cumulative exposure adds up over time, gradually contributing to premature aging and pigmentation issues before they become noticeable.
To combat this gradual accumulation of sun damage, Dr. Baum advocates for treating SPF application as a non-negotiable daily habit, much like brushing your teeth or completing a morning skincare regimen. Incorporating a lightweight, invisible formula into daily routines can significantly ease the transition into consistent sun protection habits. For individuals looking to establish a daily routine, Dr. Baum points to lightweight fluid options that hydrate the skin while delivering reliable defense against both UVA and UVB rays.
