As a top dermatologist in sunny Central California, Dr Kathleen Behr see the effects of long-term sun exposure every day- from sunspots and premature aging to more serious skin concerns like melanoma. And despite growing awareness around SPF, She still hears the same myths and mistakes from patients.

To round out Melanoma Awareness Month, we sat down with Dr. Behr to set the record straight on sun protection- and get the record straight on sun protection and skin enhancement.

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Clinical results:

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-89% said it made their skin feel radiant and healthy*

Q: As a board-certified dermatologist practicing in California, what are the most common misconceptions you hear from patients about sun exposure?

A:There are quite a few recurring myths I hear in my office. One of the most common is, "I don't need sunscreen if I'm not spending time outside," when in reality, UV rays penetrate through windows, so even activities like driving or sitting near a window can cause damage.

Another one I often hear is, "I never get sunburned, so I don't need SPF." But sunburn isn't the only sign of UV damage-much of it is silent and accumulates over time.

Some patients worry that "the chemicals in sunscreen are more harmful than the sun itself," but this is simply not true. The damage caused by unprotected UV exposure- especially over the long term- far outweighs any concerns about well-regulated sunscreen ingredients. Additionally there are excellent chemical free sunscreen options, including the new Mineral sunscreen just released by Ourself.

I also hear concerns about vitamin D, with people saying they avoid sunscreen to get their daily dose, While it's true that sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, you only need a small amount- and it's easy to get safely through diet and supplements without risking your skin.

And Lastly the myth that having a tan is healthy or that we need 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure every day is a dangerous misconception. A tan is actually a sign of skin damage-not health.

UVA rays are especially harmful because they penetrate more deeply into the skin, damaging collagen and elastin and creating free radicals that accelerate aging. They're also major culprits in pigmentation issues like melasma, which can be difficult to treat.

Unlike UVB, UVA is present year-round, even on cloudy days and through glass- so daily protection is non-negotiable. That's why a high UVA protection rating , PA++++, is so important. It helps guard against long-term damage and visible aging that patients often don't realize is sun-related.

For daily wear, I always recommend a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, ideally with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I also love tinted formulas that include iron oxide, which can offer added protection against visible light and help with pigment condition.

The sunscreen has to feel good on the skin. If it's chalky, greasy, or leaves a white cast, people won't wear it- and consistency is key. it should be moisturizing but not heavy, and most importantly, cosmetically elegant. The goal is to make sunscreen a non-negotiable step in someone's routine- just like brushing their teeth.

If you're investing in your skin, daily SPF is your insurance policy. Treatments like lasers, fillers, and neuromodulators can turn back the clock-but they don't stop it. Sun exposure accelerates aging and can undo your results faster than you think.

Sunscreen helps you maintain your results longer and supports overall health, which means better outcomes from future treatments. Healthy skin responds better, heals faster, and looks more radiant over time.

Wear SPF every single day, no matter what. Whether you're indoors, outdoors, driving, whether it's sunny, cloudy, rainy, or snowy-it doesn't matter. UV rays are constant, protection should be too. It's the simplest, most effective thing you can do for you skin.

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