Like any season, there are plenty of skincare myths that prevail in the summer months. Whether passed on through old wives’ tales or misspoken about on social media, it’s easy to fall for well-intentioned advice if your motto is “What’s the harm, even if it’s not true?” Unfortunately, following the advice that comes with these four popular summer skincare myths can result in, at best, disruptions in your routine and, at worst, increasing your chances of developing skin cancer.

Let’s dive into some of these common myths and uncover the truth behind them.

Myth 1: “You shouldn’t get chemical peels in the summer because of the heat and extra UV radiation.”

Think you need to pause your chemical peel regimen in the summer? Think again!

The origins of this myth are based on how chemical peels work: They exfoliate and peel away the surface layers of skin to remove dead skin cells, promote new skin cell production, and give you an overall healthier, more youthful complexion.

Of course, this new skin is more vulnerable to damage, which is why dermatologists recommend avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Getting a peel in the summer, when the sun’s at its brightest and hottest, would be counterproductive to that advice.

The Truth

When your dermatologist tells you to avoid prolonged sun exposure after your treatment, they don’t mean that you have to hide out indoors until the healing process is complete.

Rather, think of it more as a warning to schedule your beach vacation a couple of weeks after your peel. As long as you apply your SPF (which you should do every day regardless!), you’re perfectly safe to get a chemical peel in the summer and continue to do your everyday activities. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50 is a quick and easy way to apply and reapply the sunscreen you need after a treatment. If you would prefer a chemical-free lotion for your outdoor activities following your treatment, Elta MD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum  SPF 47 or Revision Skincare TruPhysical Broad-Spectrum  SPF 45 and Revision Skincare TruPhysical Clear Broad-Spectrum  SPF 45 are excellent choices for protection. We would also recommend wearing a hat for extra protection of your fresh skin. At AST we offer a variety of stylish Wallaroo Hat Company visors and hats for women, men and children.

Myth 2: “Using retinol in the summer can do serious damage to your skin.”

One of the most common warnings about using retinol is that it can cause photosensitivity, a condition in which one is more sensitive to UV radiation, resulting in sunburns and rashes.

So, it’s best to put the vitamin A away in the summer, right?

The Truth

In reality, this myth confuses causation with correlation.

Yes, the first 2-4 weeks of retinol use can result in redness, peeling, and burning—all symptoms that mimic sunburn—but recent studies have shown that a more likely culprit is a reaction called retinoid dermatitis.

Bear in mind that the research is ongoing, but the overall findings are that this supposed sun sensitivity ends right around the same time that retinoid dermatitis ends, so there’s a good chance it’s the latter rather than the former causing your discomfort. Choosing a retinol that is buffered, like Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5 buffered with the antioxidant bakuchiol, may help your

What UV radiation does do, for sure, is make your retinol less effective, because it breaks down the active ingredients into other chemicals. And, because we know that UV rays are an every-season problem, there are some retinol best practices to render the best results:

  • Apply your retinol as part of your nighttime routine. This allows your skin time to absorb the ingredients overnight before UV rays can break them down.
  • Always wear SPF 30+, retinol use, or otherwise.
  • If you are new to retinol, talk with your dermatologist about the lowest effective dosage that will allow your skin to acclimate, then gradually increase the concentration as your skin becomes more tolerant.
  • Keep your skin hydrated! Retinoid dermatitis can dry your skin out, so give it a quenching boost by drinking plenty of water and applying a high-quality moisturizer.

Myth 3: “If I use SPF, I’m not going to get enough vitamin D.”

You’ve likely heard vitamin D called the “sunshine vitamin,” thanks to our body’s ability to convert UVB rays into vitamin D3. Without it, we can face a host of issues, particularly with our bones, because vitamin D helps the skeletal system absorb calcium from the food you eat.

So, some people believe that in order to avoid issues like osteoporosis, we have to spend at least some time letting our skin soak up the rays without sunscreen to avoid a deficiency.

The Truth

There’s never a good excuse for skipping sunscreen, not even for vitamin D production. Not only are there foods that are naturally rich in the nutrient—oily fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms—but many others are fortified with vitamin D to prevent a deficiency.

Instead of putting yourself at risk of skin cancer, just start your day off with cow’s milk, soy milk, orange juice, oatmeal, or cereal, then add a 500 IU supplement for good measure.

Myth 4: “Once I get some base color in a tanning bed, I’m safe to tan in the sun.”

One of the most egregious myths about summertime skincare is that, somehow, getting a “base tan” with artificial sun helps your body build up a natural tolerance to UV radiation and supposedly reduces the likelihood of getting a sunburn.

The Truth

When tanning beds became popular, they made many claims about being a safe alternative to sunlight, which the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce found to be “false and misleading.”

A few of their findings included:

  • 90% of the salons stated that indoor tanning did not pose a health risk
  • 78% of the tanning salons claimed that indoor tanning would be beneficial for our health by helping address vitamin D production, depression, low self-esteem, arthritis, weight loss, cellulite, and immune issues.
  • Several salons said that tanning would prevent cancer.

In 2014, Minnesota became the 8th state to prohibit those under 18 from using tanning beds.

Back in 2009, Howard County, Maryland, became the first local jurisdiction to ban indoor tanning for minors. California became the first state to do so in 2012, quickly followed by Vermont. During the following six years, 13 more states plus the District of Columbia completely banned indoor tanning for anyone under 18.

Who can use tanning salons is still left to state and local government to decide. To date, 44 states and the District of Columbia either ban or regulate indoor tanning by minors, and numerous counties and cities have enacted their own laws or regulatory measures. This has resulted in varying levels of indoor tanning restrictions across the country.

The truth being, there’s no such thing as a “safe” tan unless it’s artificial. Tanning beds work because they, like the sun, emit harmful UV radiation. This radiation damages the DNA in skin cells and can lead to mutations that spur the development of cancer. In fact, indoor tanning can emit 10 to 15 times more UVA radiation than the sun and a similar amount of UVB radiation. The American Academy of Dermatology also warns that studies have found a 59% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning.

You don’t have to get a sunburn to develop skin cancer. Yes, it’s true that fair-skinned people are more prone to the condition, those who don’t burn are by no means immune to melanoma.

So, for that “Golden Glow” or “Deep Bronzed” look of summer, choose from the many amazing  St. Tropez tanning products for the face and body. A couple of our favorites are the St.Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops for the face and St Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Mousse for a dark summer tan.

Want Your Summertime Skincare Myths Busted? Contact ADCI!

It’s easy to fall for information shared by people we feel are reliable, but in reality, your dermatologist is the only person you should trust with something as important as your skin’s health.

If you have questions about sun safety and skin concerns, reach out for an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Briden!