Myth or Fact: What You Actually Need to Know About Sun Protection

Shawn Allen, M.D., a dermatologist practicing in Colorado and a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, said it’s a myth that people with darker skin tones don’t need to worry about skin cancer. While the risk is lower due to differences in melanin protection, Allen said African American individuals face roughly a 1% to 2% risk, Asian individuals face a 2% to 4% risk, and skin cancers account for 4% to 5% of all cancers among Hispanic individuals. He also noted that melanomas on the palms, soles of the feet or under the nails, areas with little natural pigment even in people with darker skin, tend to be detected later and are more dangerous as a result.

Clouds and Windows Don’t Block Everything

Allen confirmed that sunburn can happen on cloudy days. Clouds block about 80% of UVB rays, he said, but UVA rays pass through largely unaffected, and those rays contribute to both cancer risk and premature skin aging. That same UVA penetration applies to car and office windows, according to Allen, who recommends UV-filtering screens or window tinting for people who spend significant time driving.

SPF and Reapplication Myths

A higher SPF number doesn’t mean sunscreen can be reapplied less frequently, Allen said. Chemical sunscreens break down after sun exposure through a chemical reaction that reduces their effectiveness over time, while mineral sunscreens containing zinc or titanium reflect and scatter light instead. Regardless of formula or SPF level, Allen recommends reapplying every two hours. He also said moisturizers or foundations with SPF generally aren’t sufficient for full-day outdoor protection, since most people don’t apply nearly enough product to achieve the labeled SPF value. For more on how to choose and properly use sunscreen, The Skin Cancer Foundation breaks down the basics here.

Tanning and Safety Misconceptions

Allen said a base tan offers only minimal protection and is itself a sign of existing skin damage, since tanning reflects the body’s attempt to guard against further harm. He also addressed claims that sunscreen ingredients approved in the U.S. are unsafe, calling this a myth unsupported by scientific evidence. Allen said avoiding sunscreen due to unfounded safety concerns leaves people more exposed to UV radiation, which contributes to nearly 90% of all skin cancers. Readers concerned about sunscreen ingredient safety can find a closer look at the evidence here.

Early Detection Remains Key

Allen confirmed that most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early. He said early detection generally leads to simpler treatment, lower risk of spread and significantly better outcomes, citing a 99% five-year survival rate for melanoma when detected early.