As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, summer presents a unique set of challenges for our skin. To navigate these sunny months, it's essential to separate fact from fiction. Here, we'll debunk some common summer skin myths and provide tips on what really works to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Myth 1: You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
The Truth:
UV rays can penetrate through clouds and still cause damage to your skin. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, which means you’re still at risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage even on overcast days.
What Works:
Always apply moisturizers with broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF, regardless of the weather. Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Myth 2: Higher SPF Sunscreens Provide Complete Protection
The Truth:
While higher SPF moisturizing sunscreens do offer protection, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The difference in protection is minimal, but higher SPFs can give a false sense of security, leading to prolonged sun exposure.
What Works:
Use a moisturizers with sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and apply it generously. Youthful Bounce Nourishing Moisturizer contains SPF 20 and quenches your thirsty skin.
Myth 3: Oily Skin Doesn’t a Face Oil
The Truth:
All skin types need face oil, even oily skin. Using a face oil can help balance the ph level of your skin..
What Works:
Choose a lightweight, face oil designed for oily or combination skin. Look for ingredients like rose hip oil, which balances your ph levels. Inner Glow Illuminating Face oil is a lightweight face oil containing 6 Ayurvedic oils like rose hip is made for combination skin.
Myth 4: You Should Stop Using Retinol for the Summer
The Truth:
Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, but that doesn't mean you have to stop using it during the summer. Instead, try using Bakuchiol, an Ayurvedic plant based alternative to retinol that is safe for the most sensitive skin
What Works:
Use products containing bakuchiol and always follow up with a moisturizer with broad-spectrum spf. This way, you can maintain your skincare routine without risking increased sun sensitivity.
Myth 5: The Sun Clears Up Acne
The Truth:
While a little sun exposure might temporarily dry out pimples, it doesn't clear up acne in the long run. UV exposure can actually make acne worse by causing more oil production, clogging pores, and leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What Works:
Stick to your acne treatment regimen, and protect your skin from the sun with non-comedogenic sunscreen. This helps prevent further irritation and damage that could exacerbate acne.