Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Debunking the Myths

The sun is one of the greatest sources of energy on our planet, but unfortunately also one of the biggest threats to our skin. Every sunny day we’re reminded to apply sunscreen and put on sunglasses. Yet there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding these two essential accessories.
As skin therapists, it’s our job not only to emphasize how important it is to protect your skin, but also to debunk the myths that persist about sunscreen and sunglasses. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common misconceptions and share the facts.

Myths About Sunscreen

1. “Sunscreen is only necessary in sunny weather”
   This is perhaps the biggest myth. Even when the sun isn’t shining brightly, harmful UV rays can still reach your skin. Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds. Even in winter, or when you’re not directly in the sun, UV exposure can still occur — especially near snow, water, or sand, which reflect radiation. Sunscreen is not just for sunny days!
2. “Dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen”
   This is a common misconception. While darker skin may have a lower risk of burning, it is by no means immune to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Higher melanin levels do provide some protection, but not enough to skip sunscreen. UV rays can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and increased risk of skin cancer — regardless of your skin tone.
3. “A high SPF gives better all-day protection”
   While it’s true that higher SPF provides more protection, it doesn’t mean you’re safe all day. SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks 98% — the difference is minimal. More importantly, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB.
4. “You only need sunscreen on your face”
   Your entire body is vulnerable to sun damage. Areas like the back of your neck, ears, hands, and feet are often forgotten — but they need protection too. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.
5. “Sunscreen lasts all day without reapplying”
   No sunscreen stays effective all day, especially when exposed to water or sweat. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or being physically active.

Myths About Sunglasses

1. “Sunglasses are only needed in bright sunlight”
   Wrong. Sunglasses are a must regardless of weather. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your eyes. Your eyes need protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure can lead to cataracts or macular degeneration. Even when the sun isn’t directly visible, wearing sunglasses is a smart choice.
2. “All sunglasses offer the same protection”
   Not true. Many sunglasses only reduce brightness without filtering UV rays. Always check the label to ensure they provide 100% UV protection. Some fashion sunglasses offer little to no protection, so investing in a high-quality pair is worth it.
3. “Light-colored eyes don’t need extra protection”
   Actually, people with blue, green, or gray eyes are more sensitive to UV rays. The lighter iris provides less natural protection, making light-colored eyes more susceptible to sun damage. Wearing proper sunglasses is especially important for them.
4. “Polarized lenses aren’t important”
   Polarized lenses reduce glare from surfaces like water, snow, or wet roads, making your eyes less strained. They enhance vision, comfort, and safety. They not only help you see better but protect your eyes more effectively.
5. “Not wearing sunglasses won’t cause lasting damage”
   Your eyes can absolutely be damaged by UV exposure. It can lead to inflammation, premature aging of the eye, and even conditions such as cataracts or eye cancer. Even short periods of unprotected exposure can be harmful — so wear your sunglasses every time you’re out.

Our Approach: Professional & Personal

At Huidzorg West, we believe in honest advice tailored to your skin type and lifestyle. As a paramedical team, we see sun protection not as a luxury but as an essential part of skin health.

That’s why we offer:

• ✅ Professional skin analysis for tailored sun advice
• 🧴 Medical-grade Heliocare sunscreen, suitable for every skin type
• 📍 Walk-in consultations at our clinics in Delft and Rijswijk

We’re here to help you make informed choices, backed by facts and clinical expertise.

Want to know which sun protection suits your skin best?

Visit our walk-in consultation hour (or make an appointment) to explore the Heliocare product line and receive personalized advice. Want to find out what suits you best? Take the sunscreen quiz on our website!

Are you dealing with skin problems  and want to find out which treatment suits your skin best? Schedule a free consultation at Huidzorg West in Delft or Rijswijk. Our experienced skin therapists are here to help you.

Simply click the button below!
You can also book an appointment by phone or email.

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If you have any questions after reading this information, feel free to contact us at info@huidzorgwest.nl or call us at +31 (0)15 – 2561 806.
Our team is happy to help and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you in our clinic soon!

Team Huidzorg West