Summer Skincare Myths: Busted
Posted by Skinsider Team on 16th Jul 2025
When it comes to summer skincare, there’s a lot of misleading information out there, and it can seriously affect your skin health. While sunny days might inspire us to reach for SPF, too many people fall into seasonal skincare traps that leave their skin vulnerable to damage. Let’s clear the confusion and bust the most common summer skincare myths once and for all.
Myth 1: You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days
Busted: Just because the sun isn’t blazing doesn’t mean your skin is safe. Up to 80% of harmful UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is still at risk of sun damage on overcast days. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or rainy, daily SPF is non-negotiable. Make sunscreen a year-round habit to prevent premature aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer.
Myth 2: You can’t get sunburnt in the shade
Busted: Sitting under a tree or a beach umbrella might help reduce direct UV exposure, but it’s not foolproof. UV rays can reflect off surfaces like sand, water, grass, or concrete, reaching your skin even when you're in the shade. Shade is a helpful addition, but it doesn’t replace the need for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Myth 3: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser in summer
Busted: High temperatures and humidity can leave your skin feeling greasy, but skipping moisturiser can cause dehydration. This leads to increased oil production, clogged pores, and breakouts. The solution? Use a lightweight, oil-free or gel-based moisturiser to balance your skin without the heaviness.
Myth 4: You don’t need to reapply sunscreen if it’s water-resistant
Busted: Water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Sunscreen, even those designed to last longer, will still wear off after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. To stay protected, always reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after water exposure or wiping your skin.
Myth 5: Exfoliating in summer will make your skin more sensitive
Busted: When done correctly, exfoliation helps remove build-up from sunscreen, sweat, and dead skin cells, keeping your pores clear and skin glowing. The key is to use gentle exfoliants, like chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs), no more than 1–2 times a week. Avoid harsh scrubs and never exfoliate sunburnt or irritated skin.
Myth 6: Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen
Busted: While melanin provides some natural UV protection, it’s not nearly enough to prevent sun damage. People with darker skin tones are still at risk of hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and skin cancer. Daily SPF is essential for every skin tone to maintain long-term health and even skin tone.
Misinformation about summer skincare is common, but with the right knowledge, you can protect your skin all season long. Sunscreen, hydration, and gentle exfoliation are just as important in July as they are in January. Don’t let these myths stop you from giving your skin the care it truly deserves.
