7 Sun and SPF Myths Debunked by Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Emma Wedgeworth

Do you really need sunscreen every day? Can makeup with SPF replace actual sun protection? And does sunscreen block vitamin D production?

Sun protection remains a hot topic among skin professionals and skincare enthusiasts alike — but myths and misinformation are everywhere. To set the record straight, we spoke with Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, a leading Consultant Dermatologist based in London, to uncover the truth about sun exposure, SPF, and why protecting your skin should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Emma Wedgeworth

Dr. Emma Wedgeworth is a London-based Consultant Dermatologist with over 15 years of experience. Working from her Harley Street clinic, she specialises in sun damage, acne, eczema, and rosacea, and advocates for a holistic approach to skincare. She has published numerous scientific articles and has participated in clinical trials and cutting-edge dermatological research.

☀️ Why Sun Protection Matters

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and sun exposure is a leading cause. Whether from long-term exposure or short bursts that result in sunburn, UV rays can damage your skin’s DNA, leading to mutations and increasing the risk of skin cancer.

In addition to serious health risks, sun exposure contributes to premature ageing — including dark spots, pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and loss of firmness and elasticity.

In support of Sun Awareness Week, Dr. Wedgeworth breaks down some of the most common SPF myths to help you stay protected, informed, and confident in your sun care choices.

🧴 Myth 1: “I only need sunscreen in the summer or when I’m abroad.”

FALSE.

While protecting your skin during summer holidays is important, incidental UV exposure from daily activities (like walking outside or sitting by a window) can add up and cause cumulative sun damage.

In particular, UVA rays are present year-round — even on cloudy days — and are responsible for premature ageing, including wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. To truly protect your skin, Dr. Wedgeworth recommends wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day on all exposed areas.

🌤️ Myth 2: “If I wear sunscreen daily, I won’t get enough vitamin D.”

FALSE.

There is no strong evidence that sunscreen blocks the body’s ability to make vitamin D. In fact, UVB radiation is required for vitamin D production, and in the UK, UVB levels from October to April are too low for sufficient synthesis — regardless of sunscreen use.

Additionally, the face only accounts for about 3% of your total skin surface area, which isn’t enough to produce adequate vitamin D even if left unprotected. Dr. Wedgeworth recommends a vitamin D supplement, especially during autumn and winter months.

🧑🏾‍🦱 Myth 3: “I have dark skin or tan easily, so I don’t need sunscreen.”

FALSE.

Darker skin tones may have more natural melanin, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to UV damage. Sun exposure can still cause hyperpigmentation, textural changes, and skin cancer in deeper skin tones.

Dr. Wedgeworth acknowledges that many people with darker complexions avoid sunscreen due to the fear of a white cast. However, modern formulations like Heliocare 360° Water Gel offer invisible finishes suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types.

👵 Myth 4: “It’s too late to start using sun protection.”

FALSE.

Even if you’ve had years of unprotected sun exposure, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Continued exposure can worsen existing DNA damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer and accelerating ageing.

The good news? Some research suggests that daily sunscreen use may reverse some sun damage over time. Dr. Wedgeworth recommends sunscreens like Heliocare 360°, which contain DNA repair enzymes that may help to undo some of the UV-related cellular damage.

☁️ Myth 5: “You can’t get sunburnt in the shade or on cloudy days.”

FALSE.

UV rays can reflect off surfaces like sand, water, snow, and concrete — meaning you can still get sunburnt even in the shade. What’s more, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, so don’t be fooled by overcast skies. Daily protection is essential no matter the weather.

💄 Myth 6: “My makeup or moisturiser has SPF, so I don’t need a separate sunscreen.”

FALSE.

Makeup with SPF may offer some level of protection, but it’s usually not broad-spectrum, and most people don’t apply enough to reach the labelled SPF rating. To get the proper level of protection, you’d need to apply around 2ml per cm² of skin — far more foundation than most of us wear.

Dr. Wedgeworth recommends applying a dedicated sunscreen first, then layering makeup on top — or using a tinted sunscreen like Heliocare 360° Color Gel Oil-Free, which offers SPF 50+ coverage along with a matte finish and foundation-like tint.

🏖️ Myth 7: “Tanning is safe as long as I don’t burn.”

FALSE.

Any change in skin colour caused by the sun indicates DNA damage. Even if you don’t burn, tanning is a sign your skin is trying to defend itself by producing more melanin.

While some pigmentation change during summer is natural, intentionally seeking a tan can result in long-term damage, including wrinkles, sun spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

🌞 Final Thoughts from Dr. Wedgeworth

“Having good sun awareness means making sun protection part of your daily routine. I’m a huge fan of Heliocare and often recommend it to my patients because it offers broad-spectrum protection against all four types of radiation: UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared-A. The range also contains Fernblock® technology, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost skin health from within and combat premature ageing, as well as DNA repair enzymes to reverse sun damage.”

With so many elegant, high-performance options available today, there’s truly a sunscreen for every skin type and tone.

🧴 Recommended Products from Dr. Wedgeworth:

Heliocare products are available in Venus Method Shop

• Heliocare 360° Water Gel – lightweight, invisible finish for all skin tones

• Heliocare 360° Color Gel Oil-Free – tinted SPF 50+ with a matte finish

• Products with Fernblock® technology – for antioxidant protection and DNA repair