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With medical misinformation so widely available online, young people in particular can be easily swayed to believe myth over fact. When it comes to protecting your skin from the summer sun with sunscreen and the appropriate SPF, it’s best to take the advice of medical professionals rather than social media influencers. 91������Ƶ dermatologists share the truth about sunscreen. 

Dermatology resident Dr. Erica Ogwumike says that your social media algorithm can heavily influence you.

“I think that’s why we are seeing the rise of clinicians on social media, which is great to limit misinformation,” said Ogwumike. “From what I have seen, social media influencers who pride themselves on being skincare content creators will sometimes focus on the chemicals in sunscreen and produce fearmongering [in their content] about the chemicals being applied to your skin.” 

Here’s the truth about sunscreen. Choose one with: 

• Broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB.
• At least 30 SPF.

"Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outside, every two hours thereafter, more frequently if swimming or sweating, and even on a cold or cloudy day, especially if you’re near reflective surfaces such as water, snow or sand,” said Dr. Vicky Ren, associate professor of dermatology at Baylor. 

Tinted sunscreen contains iron oxide, which offers protection against visible light, Ren said. If you have sensitive skin, choose a mineral or physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Such sunscreens also are considered appropriate for infants over six months of age. 

“Most people underapply sunscreen. Even if you use a high SPF sunscreen, you’re not reaping the full benefits of it unless you are thoroughly covering the sun-exposed areas and reapplying,” said Ren. “Most adults need about 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, of sunscreen to fully cover the body.” 

When the sun’s rays are the strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., seek shade. Wear sun-protective or UPF clothing, like tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

“Denim offers more protection than other fabrics. Dark-colored, dry clothing is more protective than light colored, wet clothing,” said Ren.

Not properly protecting your skin from the sun can lead to premature aging, sunburns and skin cancer, the deadliest form being melanoma. It can affect anyone, no matter the skin color.

Before listening to someone online about sunscreen, do your research.

“Just like with any other products you are using, look at peer-reviewed articles and journals and credible clinicians who have a background in skin health,” said Ogwumike. “Look for advice that is backed by science. This can calm a lot of fears that people on social media might have when using sunscreen.”