Sunscreen myths busted: What every man should know about SPF protection
When we talk about skincare, many men treat sunscreen as optional. Despite growing awareness around skin health, myths about SPF continue to circulate, leading men to skip daily sun protection or use it incorrectly. There are several misconceptions surrounding sunscreen usage, such as believing sunscreen is only important in sunny weather and that those with darker skin do not require SPF. These myths may cause our skin to be unprotected and lead to pigmentation, early signs of ageing, and significant long-term damage from the sun.
Myth 1: “I only need sunscreen when it’s sunny.”
UV rays don’t take a day off when the clouds roll in. In fact, a significant percentage of ultraviolet radiation can penetrate cloud cover, exposing the skin even on overcast days. If daylight is reaching your skin, UV exposure is likely reaching it too.
Myth 2: “One morning application lasts all day.”
Using sunscreen at 8 a.m. doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn until you come inside later that night; think of sunscreen as your phone battery - you can only expect it to last until you charge it again. Sweat, pollution, rubbing against your clothes/skin and the natural breakdown of the sunscreen all contribute to less effective protection as time goes on. Just like you’ll need to recharge your phone, you’ll need to reapply your sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time.
Myth 3: “Higher SPF means complete protection.”
SPF 50 has a much higher SPF than what is needed for adequate sun protection; however, they still do not guarantee complete protection against UVA/UVB rays. Higher SPFs do not give anyone an excuse to skip putting on another layer of sunscreen before going to a different location. Higher SPF does not mean longer duration or intense sun exposure.
Myth 4: “Sunscreen is my entire skincare routine.”
This may well be the biggest misunderstanding overall. Using sunscreen is helpful in preventing some upcoming harm; however, having a healthy skin barrier requires also cleaning your skin as appropriate, giving your skin sufficient moisture, and maintaining an adequate barrier. Sunscreen provides the foundational structure for any skincare regimen; however, it does not represent the entire structural support necessary for healthy skin.
Myth 5: “Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen.”
While melanin offers some natural protection against UV radiation, it does not eliminate the risk of pigmentation, premature ageing, or skin cancer. Sunscreen is a universal requirement, regardless of skin tone.
For a better understanding of the importance of sunscreen application in men, we had a conversation with Ruta Karve Misra, Founder of INTO IT, who said, “For years, men have approached skincare with a 'less is more' philosophy. While simplicity has its advantages, skin health requires more than a single product. Think of sunscreen as your skin’s first line of defence, not its only one. A simple routine built around cleansing, moisturising, and daily SPF can go a long way in preserving healthy, resilient skin. After all, the goal isn’t merely to avoid sunburn today; it’s to protect the skin you’ll be living in for decades to come.”
Many men still view SPF as a seasonal product, something to be used on beach holidays, cricket matches, or particularly sunny days. The truth is that sunscreen is one of the most important daily investments you can make in your skin’s long-term health.
Myth 1: “I only need sunscreen when it’s sunny.”
UV rays don’t take a day off when the clouds roll in. In fact, a significant percentage of ultraviolet radiation can penetrate cloud cover, exposing the skin even on overcast days. If daylight is reaching your skin, UV exposure is likely reaching it too.
Myth 2: “One morning application lasts all day.”
Using sunscreen at 8 a.m. doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn until you come inside later that night; think of sunscreen as your phone battery - you can only expect it to last until you charge it again. Sweat, pollution, rubbing against your clothes/skin and the natural breakdown of the sunscreen all contribute to less effective protection as time goes on. Just like you’ll need to recharge your phone, you’ll need to reapply your sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time.
Myth 3: “Higher SPF means complete protection.”
SPF 50 has a much higher SPF than what is needed for adequate sun protection; however, they still do not guarantee complete protection against UVA/UVB rays. Higher SPFs do not give anyone an excuse to skip putting on another layer of sunscreen before going to a different location. Higher SPF does not mean longer duration or intense sun exposure.
Myth 4: “Sunscreen is my entire skincare routine.”
This may well be the biggest misunderstanding overall. Using sunscreen is helpful in preventing some upcoming harm; however, having a healthy skin barrier requires also cleaning your skin as appropriate, giving your skin sufficient moisture, and maintaining an adequate barrier. Sunscreen provides the foundational structure for any skincare regimen; however, it does not represent the entire structural support necessary for healthy skin.
Myth 5: “Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen.”
While melanin offers some natural protection against UV radiation, it does not eliminate the risk of pigmentation, premature ageing, or skin cancer. Sunscreen is a universal requirement, regardless of skin tone.
For a better understanding of the importance of sunscreen application in men, we had a conversation with Ruta Karve Misra, Founder of INTO IT, who said, “For years, men have approached skincare with a 'less is more' philosophy. While simplicity has its advantages, skin health requires more than a single product. Think of sunscreen as your skin’s first line of defence, not its only one. A simple routine built around cleansing, moisturising, and daily SPF can go a long way in preserving healthy, resilient skin. After all, the goal isn’t merely to avoid sunburn today; it’s to protect the skin you’ll be living in for decades to come.”
Many men still view SPF as a seasonal product, something to be used on beach holidays, cricket matches, or particularly sunny days. The truth is that sunscreen is one of the most important daily investments you can make in your skin’s long-term health.
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