Myth or reality: Taking a look at some of the common summertime sunscreen misconceptions

WINNIPEG — There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to protecting your skin.

How much sunscreen? Which sunscreen? How often do you re-apply? These are just a few of the many questions we ask ourselves during summertime. Or maybe that we should be asking ourselves.

Reality or Myth? Sunscreen is ineffective past SPF 30.

MYTH

Dermatologist, Dr. Victoria Taraska, from the Derm Centre said it’s a safer bet if you actually go with a higher one because most people don’t put on a thick enough layer of sunscreen. Explaining, if you’re slapping on SPF 30 like most people do, it’s probably only giving you SPF 15 coverage.

Reality or Myth? Waterproof sunscreen means no re-application after going into the water.

MYTH

“If it’s water proof you have a better security, but it’s not completely waterproof. It will stay on to the skin better, it will be better but I would still re-apply,”suggested Taraska.

RELATED: Sun safety: What you need to know about sunscreen, protecting your skin

View image in full screen

Reality or Myth? One application of sunscreen for the whole day is good enough

MYTH

A few of the people we spoke to said they repeat maybe once or twice a day. They should probably hear what the doctor has to say about that.

“If you really want to be safe, every two hours would be recommended,” said Taraska.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If you really want to be safe, every two hours would be recommended," said Taraska.

Reality or Myth? Bug spray and sunscreen are deemed ineffective if worn together.

MYTH

Dr. Taraska said sunscreen can increase the absorption of the bugspray you use. One does not cancel out the other. However, she said you don’t want to keep re-applying chemicals such as deet from the bug spray, but you do want to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours so don’t get a two-in-one bug spray and sunscreen if you can avoid it.

And if you’re looking for a safer sunscreen option. She said get a mineral only product which has zinc and titanium.

RELATED: Here’s how much you’ll lower your skin cancer risk by applying sunscreen

A fun fact you probably weren’t aware of, well two fun facts. You should be using at least a shot glass full of sunscreen every time you apply. Also, if you’re doing it right, you should usually use a bottle of sunscreen a week according to Dr. Taraska.