1) If the sun is not out, sunscreen is not necessary
FALSE UVA rays penetrate the earth the same, whether cloud cover is present or not. It has the same intensity during daylight hours and is only not present once the sun is down. According to the CDC, the highest rates of skin cancer are not in the states popular for never-ending days of sunshine. Instead, it is much more prevalent in states with more rain and cloud cover, such as the Pacific Northwest. This is why it is imperative to wear sunscreen every single day. It is one of the best methods to prevent skin cancer.
2) Eating chocolate causes acne
FALSE Research suggests that it isn’t the cacao in chocolate itself that is leading to acne but rather the trans fat, sugar, and milk. If you are chocolate lover, choose chocolates without these ingredients and with at least 60% cacao. Also look for chocolate bars made with cocoa butter instead of hydrogenated vegetable oil.
3) Higher SPF = More Protection
FALSE SPF is an indicator for how well you skin is protected from UVB, the UV ray type that causes sunburns. Your skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, and UVA causes significant skin damage even though it does not result in sunburn. This is why it is suggested to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and to use physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. SPF of the sunscreen isn’t your best indicator for a good sunscreen, the ingredients themselves are. Additionally, as the numbers increase the % difference for blocking UVB rays isn’t that large as it is for lower SPF numbers.
This breakdown shows how much % UVB is blocked for SPF #
* 50% = SPF 2
* 75% = SPF 4
* 90% = SPF 10
* 93% = SPF 15
* 97% = SPF 30
* 98% = SPF 50
* 98.5% = SPF 70
* 99% = SPF 100
4) Drinking water helps treat dry skin
FALSE Although drinking water does hydrate the skin and improve its quality, it is unable to fully moisturize dry skin. To hydrate dry skin, you need to apply rich moisturizing oils to damp skin to properly hydrate and lock in moisture. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and avocado, also help to regulate oil production in the skin and prevent it from drying and flaking.
5) Age spots are signs of getting older
FALSE Age spots or sun spots can occur at any age. The freckle-like spots on the skin are not really age spots, but happen when your skin has been exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun. There are several treatment options and skin care products to remove or significantly fade the sun-induced discoloration.