Latina Dermatologist Debunks Common SPF Myths in the Latine Community

Now that summer is in full swing, we’re all about beach days, backyard carne asadas, and every outdoor adventure in between. But what do they all have in common? You guessed it: the sun!

While we are meant to enjoy the sun and warm weather, we are also responsible for taking care of our skin along the way through protective wear and especially, with SPF. In the Latine community, and in general, there are multiple myths surrounding SPF use that leave people hesitant to use sunscreen regularly or believing they don’t need it at all.

HipLatina tapped Florida-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bertha Baum, a Colombian-American expert, to help debunk common sunscreen myths within the Latine community. Read on to learn the truth about sunscreen and how to make it a part of your daily routine.

Myth: “Pero tienes la piel morena, you don’t need it”

More often than not, in our families and community we are told that because we have darker skin, SPF isn’t needed. Being such a common phrase and belief among Latines, it has dangerous potential that can expose us to sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Dr. Baum told HipLatina, “While darker skin has more melanin, which offers some natural protection, it’s not enough…when skin cancer does occur in people with deeper skin tones, it’s often diagnosed later, making outcomes worse.” Let this be a reminder that SPF is important for everyone and for all skin tones.

Myth: You don’t need sunscreen while working indoors

Sunscreen is still essential while working daily, even if your job is indoors. Working an office job or being able to work from home can seem like a safe haven from the sun, but if you’re near a window, the UVA rays—those causing aging and pigmentation—can actually penetrate the glass leading to skin damage despite staying indoors. According to Dr. Baum, the blue light from our screens is another thing to consider when it comes to protecting our skin. She says, “As for blue light from screens, while research is ongoing, we do know that high-energy visible (HEV) light can contribute to hyperpigmentation, particularly in melanin-rich skin like that of Latinas. Using sunscreens that contain iron oxides can offer added protection from blue light.”

Myth: Sunscreen isn’t needed if you’re traveling by car

In the same way office or remote jobs can expose us to sun damage through windows, driving or taking public transportation also exposes us to UVA rays, especially on the left side as a driver. Over time, this uneven exposure can lead to asymmetrical aging and sunspots. For these commutes, Dr. Baum recommends a portable SPF stick, such as the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 60,  as the perfect on-the-go option. “It’s great for quick touch-ups, especially on the hands, face, and neck. I also find that it spreads easily with an invisible finish, so it’s mess-free, makeup-friendly, and great for on-the-go protection,” she says.

Myth: If your makeup has SPF, you don’t need more sunscreen

If you love getting glammed up, you have likely tried makeup with SPF which has become more available to us in the past few years. Despite the protection in the makeup, it is often not enough to fully protect yourself from skin damage. Dr. Baum says that since most people don’t apply enough product to reach the SPF level labeled, she recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like Neutrogena’s New Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, under makeup first. In addition to that sunscreen base before applying your makeup, SPF powders or setting sprays can help touch up and reapply throughout the day without disrupting the makeup.

Myth: If it’s cloudy outside, don’t apply sunscreen

Another myth that we might fall for is that when wintertime rolls around we can toss our sunscreen to the side. That could not be further from the truth! We still need to protect our skin with SPF even if we’re not actively feeling the heat. Dr. Baum tells us that, “up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. In winter, UV rays bounce off reflective surfaces like snow or pavement, so they’re still affecting your skin.” 

The bottom line is: “If there’s light, there’s UV.”

Myth: “I’m just running a quick errand, I don’t need sunscreen”

From taking our perritos on a walk or quickly getting a cafecito with amigas, we have smaller, daily exposures to the sun that can add up over time, leading to aging and pigmentation issues before we realize it. This is why Dr. Baum recommends making SPF a daily habit, like your morning skincare routine or brushing your teeth. She says, “A lightweight, invisible sunscreen makes it easy to form a sun protection habit. The Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid SPF 70 is also one that I’d recommend to someone who’s starting to add SPF to their daily routine, because it hydrates the skin while protecting it from UVB and UVA rays.”