When we think of sun protection, we often picture it tied to summer, the beach and the hottest days. In reality the skin needs protection all year round, because the sun's rays reach us even when the sky is overcast or the weather is cold. Many widespread but mistaken beliefs circulate around SPF, and they can lead us to underestimate a simple, precious gesture for the skin's daily wellbeing. In this article we debunk five myths, with some practical advice on choosing and using your sun protection at its best.
Myth 1: SPF is only needed in summer
Myth: sun protection is only useful in the warm months, when you go to the seaside.
Reality: UVA rays are present all year round, in every season, and they pass through clouds and even window glass: as the Skin Cancer Foundation points out, their intensity remains almost constant throughout the year. Unlike UVB rays, which are stronger in summer, UVA rays reach the skin even on grey winter days. This is why applying daily protection is a good habit in every season, not just under the beach umbrella, and it is worth understanding how to adapt your routine to the change of season too. A light, practical format to add to your morning routine is Daily Shield Drops SPF50, designed for everyday use.
Myth 2: with an SPF day cream I am covered all day
Myth: if your morning face cream already contains a protection factor, you are covered until evening.
Reality: SPF is not a shield that lasts indefinitely. As the hours pass, sweat, friction and simple contact with hands and clothing reduce the protective film. On this point, the guidance of the American Academy of Dermatology is clear: to maintain effective protection you need to reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, and always after swimming or heavy sweating. An SPF day cream such as Hyalu-SPF30 Day Cream is an excellent starting base in the morning, but if you spend a lot of time outdoors, remember to renew the application during the day.
Myth 3: dark skin does not need protection
Myth: those with dark skin are naturally protected and can do without SPF.
Reality: melanin offers a certain natural defence, but it is not enough to fully screen out the sun's rays. All skin phototypes can benefit from sun protection: in addition to contributing to the comfort of sun-exposed skin, SPF helps limit the appearance of discolouration and preserve a more even complexion over time. If this is the aspect closest to your heart, in the Photoaging and UV protection collection you will find the formulas designed precisely for this goal. Daily protection is therefore a good habit for every skin type, whatever its tone.
Myth 4: SPF blocks tanning completely
Myth: if you use sun protection, you never tan.
Reality: SPF does not entirely prevent your colour from changing, but it helps you manage exposure in a more balanced way. The skin can still take on colour, more gradually, while the protection contributes to comfort during hours in the sun. For moments of direct exposure on the face, a high-protection solution such as SPF50 High Protection Face is a valuable ally: remember to apply it generously and to reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Myth 5: sunscreen feels heavy and greasy
Myth: all sun protection leaves the skin shiny, sticky and heavy.
Reality: today's formulas have increasingly light, pleasant textures, some almost invisible on the skin. There are fluids, gels and sprays that absorb quickly and fit easily into your routine, even under make-up. For those seeking absolute lightness, the SPF50+ Invisible Spray is easy to spray on and almost imperceptible. Even with the lightest textures, the rule still applies: apply generously and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
How to choose and use SPF
The right protection depends on your needs: a light texture for everyday use in the city, very high protection for days of intense exposure, a spray format for quick touch-ups. If you are looking for a single solution to take on holiday and use on both face and body, SPF30 High Protection Face & Body simplifies your suitcase. In all cases, the gestures that make the difference are always the same: apply generously, spread evenly over all exposed areas and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Choose a protection factor suited to your phototype and the context, and integrate SPF into your morning routine as the last step of your skincare. Discover all the sun protection in our range and take a look at the Protections section to find the format that suits you best.
Unlike many fads that come and go, daily SPF is a habit that stays: if you want to understand which innovations are really worth backing, read our verdict on the 2026 skincare trends, what to try and what to skip.
In short
- UVA rays are present all year round: SPF is useful in every season, not just summer.
- An SPF day cream is a good base, but it needs renewing: reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Every phototype, including dark skin, benefits from sun protection.
- SPF does not completely block tanning, but it helps manage exposure in a more balanced way.
- Modern textures are light and almost invisible: no heavy or greasy feeling.
- Golden rule: apply generously and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
