It’s no secret that sunscreen is important. It helps prevent skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging. So why do so many people still refuse to use it? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why people don’t use sunscreen and debunk the myths surrounding them.

1. “I don’t need sunscreen because I don’t spend a lot of time in the sun.”

This is one of the most common excuses for not wearing sunscreen, but it’s also one of the most misguided. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors, you’re still exposed to UV rays every time you step outside. UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass, so even if it’s cloudy or you’re driving in your car, you need to be wearing sunscreen.

2. “I don’t like how sunscreen feels on my skin.”

There are now so many varieties of sunscreen available that there’s bound to be one that suits your needs. If you don’t like the way traditional sunscreen feels, try a mineral sunscreen that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as its active ingredient. These sunscreens provide just as much protection as traditional sunscreens without feeling heavy or greasy on your skin.

3. “I don’t need sunscreen because I have dark skin.”

It’s true that people with darker skin have more melanin, which gives them some natural protection against UV rays. However, everyone is still susceptible to skin cancer, regardless of their skin color. In fact, melanoma rates are rising among young Hispanic and black women in the U.S., likely due to a lack of sunscreen use.

4. “Sunscreen is bad for you because it contains harmful chemicals.”

Many sunscreens do contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to be harmful to humans and ecosystems when they enter the water supply. However, there are now many mineral sunscreens on the market that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredient instead of these harmful chemicals. These sunscreens are just as effective at protecting your skin without causing harm to yourself or the environment.

5. “I don’t need sunscreen because I take vitamin D supplements.”

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus, two minerals essential for strong bones and teeth. However, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend time in the sun to get enough vitamin D—you can get it from dietary sources like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk and cereal—so there’s no excuse not to wear sunscreen when you go outside.

6. “Sunscreen is unnecessary because I’m just going to get tan anyway/I like being tan.”

A tan may make you look good now, but it increases your risk for skin cancer later on down the road. Just one severe sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – later in life. So if you’re looking for a way to protect yourself from skin cancer, skipping the sunscreen is not the answer!

7. “You don’t need sunscreen if it’s cloudy or rainy.”

Many people believe that they don’t need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days, but this isn’t true! It’s actually offensive to the sun to think that she cannot penetrate clouds and rain… She is powerful. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so it’s still important to wear sunscreen even when it’s overcast.

8. “I don’t like how it smells.”

Many modern sunscreen formulations are now available in scented and unscented options so you can find one that suits your preference. And remember—the scent of sunscreen should never be overpowering or offensive; it should simply smell clean and fresh without being too noticeable.

9. “It’s too expensive.”

When it comes to skincare products, you often get what you pay for—and that certainly holds true for sunscreen! Cheap drugstore brands may seem like a good deal but they often contain lower levels of SPF which means less protection against the sun’s harmful rays. So, when it comes to sunscreen, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a quality product that will better protect your skin in the long run.

There are many excuses people give for not wearing sunscreen, but none of them hold up to scrutiny. The bottom line is this: EVERYONE needs to be wearing sunscreen all year round, regardless of their skin color or how much time they spend in the sun. So the next time you reach for your cosmetics bag or beach bag, make sure you grab a bottle of sunscreen too!