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When it comes to SPF, it feels like there are an endless supply of information about how and what you should do, but it can be hard to discern what tips you should actually implement when it comes to sunscreen use. Thankfully, skincare experts like Dr. Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-B (founder of Bare Aesthetic + Bare Soul), are here to guide us through the best practices when it comes to sunscreen — and debunk the biggest SPF myths out there! Here's what she wishes more people understood about sunscreen right now. (Your skin will thank you later!)
Scroll to see all the expert-approved summer SPF tips you need to know in 2025!
Are there any SPF guidelines you follow or myths you want to debunk?
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Dr. Coppola had a lot to say about SPF—and for good reason. It’s one of the most misunderstood and underused skincare steps. Here are the myths she says we can stop believing ASAP:
1. “Tinted SPF is less effective.”
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Wrong. Tinted sunscreens are actually more effective for certain conditions like melasma or pigmentation because they contain iron oxides, which block visible and blue light—something traditional SPF doesn’t do.
So, if you're looking to add a little color to your skin while you're protecting it from the sun, we recommend a ton of options here!
2. “I wear foundation with SPF, so I’m protected.”
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You're likely not protected enough with just a foundation containing SPF. Most people don’t apply enough makeup to get the labeled protection. Plus, some foundations can destabilize SPF underneath.
“Always use a standalone sunscreen under your makeup, or go with a multitasking tinted SPF,” Dr. Coppola advised.
3. “You only need SPF on sunny days.”
It may sound shocking, but UV damage happens even on cloudy or cold days. The sun may not be visible to you, but its rays are still really powerful. Dr. Coppola noted, “You need SPF every single day—indoors too, especially if you’re on screens or under LED lighting.”
Ultimately, Dr. Coppola feels very adamant that protecting your skin is important, but that the way it shifts and ages is totally normal. She said, “What I want every woman to know—especially those navigating the shifts of menopause—is that your skin doesn’t need to be fixed. It just needs support, the right tools, and a little patience."
Whether you’re layering on actives or just starting to explore what your skin needs next, her message is clear: aging is normal, and you deserve to feel beautiful in your skin, at every stage. Just be sure to protect it from the sun's harsh rays! 😉
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