Science of UV Rays & Skin: Myths & Facts
Did you know?
Excessive UV radiation damages skin cells? We are often exposed to UV radiation while we are busy swimming or going out for a meeting. UV rays penetrate the skin & damage it.
There are primarily two types of UV radiation- UVA & UVB. UVA breaks down elastin & collagen as it penetrates through the dermal layers, resulting in the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles (Lan et al., 2019). UVB radiation burns the superficial layers of the skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation, sunburn & damaged cells (Dupont, Gomez and Bilodeau, 2013).
Various sun protection measures such as wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing, shades, sunglasses, lotions & sunscreens are used around the world. Among all the existing sun protection measures, a sunscreen offers a wide-spectrum & effective radiation-shielding benefit, i.e., it protects against both UVA & UVB. However, there are certain existing myths related to sun damage & sunscreens among people that must be debunked.
Let us break the common Myths with some solid Facts!
MYTH #1:
Dark-skinned people do not experience sun damage. It is believed by many that the darker skin texture protects the skin layers against the harmful UV rays. Therefore, the question of sun protection is irrelevant.
FACT #1:
Dark-skinned people are indeed less susceptible to sun damage due to increased melanin production. But prolonged exposure to sun rays, irrespective of any skin color & complexion, increases the chances of sun damage like sunburn & premature aging (Brenner and Hearing, 2008). So, active sun protection is necessary even for dark skinned people.
Takeaway: Everyone, regardless of skin color, needs daily sun protection.
MYTH #2:
A common belief is that people are exposed to sun damage only on sunny days. The rationality for the belief is that the sun's rays get absorbed by the cloud & stratospheric layers, which prevents skin damage.
FACT #2:
UV A & UV B rays can penetrate clouds, resulting in sunburns, dark spots & signs of aging like fine lines & wrinkles (Tang et al., 2024). It is essential to use sunscreen even on a cloudy day as it shields against the harmful UV rays, for sun safety (Kaur, Thatai and Sapra, 2014).
Takeaway: Apply sunscreen even when it’s cloudy — UV radiation is still active.
MYTH #3:
Sunscreens with chemical ingredients are mostly harmful for the skin. Therefore, it is better to avoid chemical-infused sunscreens to dodge any further skin complications.
FACT #3:
All sunscreens are made of chemical ingredients- both organic & inorganic (Gupta et al., 2022). The chemical ingredients have no side effects. Widely used chemical ingredients of sunscreens are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). However, sunscreens with ingredients like oxybenzone must be avoided as they may have adverse effects.
Takeaway: Most chemical sunscreens are safe for everyday use , but always check the ingredients. Opt for broad-spectrum formulas and avoid products with controversial compounds like oxybenzone if you have sensitive skin or health concerns.
MYTH #4:
Sunscreens draw out hydration from the skin & leave the skin dry, itchy & dull. So it is better not to use sunscreen.
FACT #4:
Sunscreens protect against sun damage (Kaur, Thatai and Sapra, 2014). Most sunscreens contain hydrating agents like Hyaluronic acid & Glycerin, but those with astringents may shrink tissues and reduce moisture (Goswami, Samant, and Srivastava, 2013). Choosing the sunscreen wisely ensures effective protection & avoids skin dehydration.
Takeaway: Pick a sunscreen suited for your skin type to stay hydrated and protected.
MYTH #5:
Sun rays do not penetrate through a swimming pool or other water bodies. So, considering any sun protection like sunscreen application is not required.
FACT #5:
Water molecules reflect & refract almost 30% of UV radiation that potentially increases the risk of sun damage (Nih.gov, 2025). Therefore, sunscreen use is a must while swimming or participating in any water activity. Using a water-resistant sunscreen & reapplying the sunscreen every 2 hours is advisable as it will shield your skin against any possible sun damage, even in water.
Takeaway: Always reapply water-resistant sunscreen every 2 hours when swimming or sweating.
Summing up!
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation results in sun damage. Sunscreen has been identified as the best possible means of preventing sun damage. However, some existing myths need debunking, related to sun damage & sunscreen use. By this myths & facts section, we believe some of your misunderstandings are clarified.
Bonus FAQ:
Does sun damage occur only on sunny days & not on cloudy days?
Not at all. Sun damage can occur even on cloudy days. Therefore, application of sun protection is necessary even if there’s no overhead sun.
Do sunscreens dehydrate skin & do more damage?
Not every sunscreen dehydrates skin. Several sunscreens are infused with skin hydrating agents. However, some contain astringents that dehydrate the skin. Therefore, selecting a sunscreen after judging the ingredients is necessary for complete protection
Is it possible to experience sun damage while swimming?
Yes! An effective Sun protection, preferably sunscreen application, is necessary while swimming or spending time in water, as it makes us less susceptible to sun damage.
Are darker-skinned individuals affected by sun damage?
Yes, Dark Skinned people are affected by sun damage when they are exposed to UV radiation for prolonged hours. Therefore, irrespective of any skin color, sun protection is necessary for every individual.
Are sunscreens safe, as they are made of chemicals?
Sunscreens are completely safe to be applied on the skin, even though they are made of chemicals, as the chemicals are widely recognised as safe & effective.
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References:
Brenner, M. and Hearing, V.J., 2008. The protective role of melanin against UV damage in human skin. Photochemistry and photobiology, 84(3), pp.539-549. Click Here
Dupont, E., Gomez, J. and Bilodeau, D., 2013. Beyond UV radiation: a skin under challenge. International journal of cosmetic science, 35(3), pp.224-232. Click Here
Goswami, P.K., Samant, M. and Srivastava, R., 2013. Natural sunscreen agents: A review. Sch. Acad. J. Pharm, 2(6), pp.458-463. Click Here
Gupta, A., Sahu, S., Gond, S.P., Singh, B., Rajendiran, A. and Singh, A., 2022. Pharmacological review of chemical agents used in sunscreen preparations. J. Pharm. Negat. Results, 13, pp.2692-2702. Click Here
Kaur, A., Thatai, P. and Sapra, B., 2014. Need of UV protection and evaluation of efficacy of sunscreens. J Cosmet Sci, 65(5), pp.315-345. Click Here
Lan, C.C.E., Hung, Y.T., Fang, A.H. and Ching-Shuang, W., 2019. Effects of irradiance on UVA-induced skin aging. Journal of Dermatological Science, 94(1), pp.220-228. Click Here
Nih.gov., 2025. Solar and ultraviolet radiation, Radiation. Available at: Click Here
Tang, X., Yang, T., Yu, D., Xiong, H. and Zhang, S., 2024. Current insights and future perspectives of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure: Friends and foes to the skin and beyond the skin. Environment international, p.108535. Click Here
Who.int., 2025. Ultraviolet radiation, World Health Organization. Available at: Click Here
