When discussing skincare, many men treat sunscreen as optional. Despite growing awareness around skin health, myths about SPF continue to circulate, leading men to skip daily sun protection or use it incorrectly. Several misconceptions surround sunscreen usage, such as believing sunscreen is only important in sunny weather and that those with darker skin do not require SPF. These myths can leave skin unprotected, leading to pigmentation, early signs of ageing, and significant long-term damage from the sun.
Myth 1: “I only need sunscreen when it’s sunny.”
UV rays do not take a day off when clouds roll in. In fact, a significant percentage of ultraviolet radiation can penetrate cloud cover, exposing the skin even on overcast days. If daylight reaches your skin, UV exposure is likely reaching it too.
Myth 2: “One morning application lasts all day.”
Using sunscreen at 8 a.m. does not mean you are protected from sunburn until you come inside later that night. Think of sunscreen as your phone battery: you can only expect it to last until you charge it again. Sweat, pollution, rubbing against clothes or skin, and the natural breakdown of sunscreen all contribute to less effective protection over time. Just as you need to recharge your phone, you need to reapply sunscreen if you will be outside for long periods.
Myth 3: “Higher SPF means complete protection.”
SPF 50 offers a much higher SPF than what is needed for adequate sun protection, but it still does not guarantee complete protection against UVA and UVB rays. Higher SPFs do not give anyone an excuse to skip reapplying sunscreen before going to a different location. Higher SPF does not mean longer duration or intense sun exposure.
Myth 4: “Sunscreen is my entire skincare routine.”
This may be the biggest misunderstanding overall. Using sunscreen helps prevent some upcoming harm; however, having a healthy skin barrier also requires cleaning your skin appropriately, giving your skin sufficient moisture, and maintaining an adequate barrier. Sunscreen provides the foundational structure for any skincare regimen, but it does not represent the entire structural support necessary for healthy skin.
Myth 5: “Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen.”
While melanin offers some natural protection against UV radiation, it does not eliminate the risk of pigmentation, premature ageing, or skin cancer. Sunscreen is a universal requirement, regardless of skin tone.
For a better understanding of the importance of sunscreen application in men, we spoke with Ruta Karve Misra, Founder of INTO IT, who said, “For years, men have approached skincare with a 'less is more' philosophy. While simplicity has its advantages, skin health requires more than a single product. Think of sunscreen as your skin’s first line of defence, not its only one. A simple routine built around cleansing, moisturising, and daily SPF can go a long way in preserving healthy, resilient skin. After all, the goal isn’t merely to avoid sunburn today; it’s to protect the skin you’ll be living in for decades to come.” Many men still view SPF as a seasonal product, something to be used on beach holidays, cricket matches, or particularly sunny days. The truth is that sunscreen is one of the most important daily investments you can make in your skin’s long-term health.
