| Myth: | All Sunscreens block some UVA. |
| Truth: | Many sunscreens provide some UVA protection; but to be a broad-spectrum sunscreen, that protection must be across the UVA range, ingredients found in broad-spectrum sunscreens include Avobenzone (Parsol ® 1789), Ecamsule (Mexoryl®), Zinc, and Titanium Dioxide. |
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| Myth: | There is a significant difference between SPF levels above SPF 30 an SPF 60 is twice as effective as SPF 30. |
| Truth: | There is a 1.6 percent or less difference between SPF 30, 45, and 60 in terms of effectiveness in filtering UVB rays. SPF 60 is not twice as effective as SPF 30. |
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| Myth: | A high SPF sunscreen will protect me all day long with one application. |
| Truth: | Research has shown that high SPF products can actually lead to changes in behavior that will result in a higher incidence of sunburn. |
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| Myth: | Some sunscreens are “no tears”. |
| Truth: | The FDA has deemed the terms ‘waterproof’ and sweat-proof’ as misleading. The allowable description is ‘water-resistant’ to better reflect the reality that no topical products can be ‘waterproof’ |
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| Myth: | Some sunscreens are actually sun blocks. |
| Truth: | This is another term the FDA no longer allows as it creates the erroneous implication that a sunscreen can actually ‘block’ UV radiation. In fact, all sun protection products allow some level of UVA and UVB radiation to penetrate the skin regardless of the claimed SPF level of protection. |
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| Myth: | Some sunscreens are ‘all natural’ or ‘organic”. |
| Truth: | There are actually several ‘all natural sunscreens (ex. Clay, hippopotamus sweat, coral amino acids, and mud). |
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