Sunscreen and its protection factors are surrounded by many myths that we intend to debunk in this article so that you have clearer information and can use your sunscreen without so many doubts.
It was 1975 when a dermatologist from Harvard University, Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, classified the different existing phototypes among people. A phototype is nothing more than our capacity to assimilate solar radiation. He made a numerical classification, numbering the different existing phototype classes as 6, and for this, he took into account skin tone, how easily we burn, and our ability to tan. Thus, very fair skin corresponds to phototype 1 and can stay unburned for about 10 minutes.
Myth: If I buy a higher protection factor, I will get less tan.
Reality: The difference between protection factors primarily serves to protect you from solar radiation for a longer or shorter time. To explain it with an example: If you have very fair skin that corresponds to phototype I and your skin can withstand, as we said before, 10 minutes without burning, and you apply a sunscreen with a protection factor of 20, your skin will remain protected and unburned for:
10 minutes x 20 = 200 minutes
If you decide to opt for a factor of 50, this same skin phototype will last 10 minutes x 50 = 500 minutes.
Therefore, if you want to save money, have more comfort, and be protected from solar radiation for longer, our advice is to buy a protection factor of 50.
MYTH: If it's cloudy, there's no need to use sunscreen.
REALITY: Of course, you should wear it! UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and you'll find that your skin will still tan even if the sky is covered with clouds.
MYTH: Sunscreen only works if I apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure.
REALITY: This only happens with a chemical sunscreen, as we told you in this other post. However, if you opt for a physical sunscreen like Maminat's, applying the protector at the moment you are going to sunbathe is enough.
MYTH: If I don't use sunscreen, I'll get more tan.
REALITY: More than tan, you'll probably end up looking like a shrimp and might suffer from sunburn.
MYTH: Sunscreen completely loses its effect when entering the water.
REALITY: It depends. If your swim is very long, it is likely that the cream has disappeared. If you then rub yourself with a towel, most of the product will certainly disappear. It won't be the same if you take a very short swim. Our recommendation is that after getting in the water and with dry skin, you reapply your sunscreen.
MYTH: Last year's sunscreen is no longer valid.
REALITY: Sunscreens, like any other cosmetic, have their own expiration date. For example, this first batch of Maminat sunscreen will expire in November 2020. Therefore, you can use it without problems next summer if you already opened it this season. You should always keep the usual considerations: store it in a cool, dry place.