The untold truths behind your daily skin shield

Sunscreen SPF 50 – What They Don’t Tell You

In 2025, wearing sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s a flex. Whether you’re on a beach trip, stuck in traffic under blazing sun, or just doom-scrolling in your room, SPF is now part of the daily lineup—or at least it should be.

But here’s the thing…
Even though SPF 50 has become the gold standard in sun protection, there are a lot of things people don’t know about it—things that can make or break your skincare results.

So let’s break it down. Here are 7 lesser-known, science-backed facts about SPF 50 that they don’t tell you enough about—and why it matters for your skin health, glow goals, and long-term confidence.

☀️ 1. SPF 50 ≠ 100% Protection

A lot of people think SPF 50 means you’re fully protected all day.
False. SPF 50 blocks around 98% of UVB rays—not 100%.

🔍 What this really means: You can still get sun damage even with SPF 50—especially if you don’t reapply.

And let’s be honest: most people forget the 2-hour reapplication rule, especially indoors.
Yes, UV rays can still penetrate windows, so if you’re working near one all day, you’re still exposed.

🧴 Myriad Tip: Our Myriad SPF 50 Sunscreen is light and breathable enough for reapplication—no greasy feel, no white cast. So, no excuses.

🕶️ 2. SPF Only Measures UVB—Not UVA

Here’s a plot twist: SPF only measures UVB protection, the rays that cause sunburn.
But UVA rays? They’re sneakier—they go deeper into the skin and cause:

– Premature aging

– Pigmentation

– Skin sagging

– Even DNA damage

Unless your sunscreen says “broad spectrum”, you might only be protected from burns—not wrinkles or hyperpigmentation.

✅ Look for labels like: “Broad Spectrum,” “PA+++,” or “UVA/UVB protection.”
Bonus: Myriad Sunscreen has full-spectrum UVA + UVB protection—plus antioxidants to defend from pollution too.

🌡️ 3. Your Skin Still Heats Up Under SPF

Even with SPF on, the heat from the sun still penetrates your skin.
And here’s the kicker: heat can worsen melasma, redness, and inflammation, especially in people with melanin-rich skin (hello, Filipinos 👋).

This is called infrared radiation, and it’s not blocked by regular SPF.
That’s why you might still feel flushed or tanned even when you apply sunscreen.

🌱 Solution: Look for sunscreens with soothing ingredients like:

– Green tea

– Centella asiatica

– Niacinamide
Which help cool the skin and reduce sun-triggered inflammation.

FYI: Myriad SPF 50 is infused with gentle, hydrating ingredients to help keep your skin calm under pressure (literally).

📏 4. You’re Not Using Enough Sunscreen (Yes, Still)

Here’s the official rule: use 2 fingers worth of sunscreen for your face and neck—every single time.
Most people only use half of that, or worse, just a few dots.

That reduces your SPF 50’s actual protection to something closer to… SPF 15.
Yikes.

🤳 Gen Z Hack: Use the “two-finger” TikTok trend to measure your sunscreen before blending. It’s more than just content—it’s derm-approved.

📸 5. Sunscreen Is Your Best Anti-Aging Cream (No Cap)

You’ve probably heard that vitamin C, retinol, and collagen serums keep you young. But guess what tops them all?

➡️ Daily sunscreen.
No matter how expensive your skincare routine is, it’s useless if you’re not wearing sunscreen.

According to dermatology studies, 90% of visible aging is caused by UV exposure. SPF is literally your time-freeze button.

And if you’re using actives like:

– Niacinamide

– Vitamin C

– AHAs or BHAs
You must wear sunscreen or you risk undoing your progress (and even burning your skin).

🌎 6. Not All Sunscreens Are Safe for the Environment

Some chemical sunscreen filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to coral reef damage.
That’s why countries like Hawaii and Thailand have banned them from beaches.

So if you’re beach-bound this summer, check your ingredients.
Look for reef-safe, non-nano, or mineral sunscreen formulas.

🌊 Myriad’s SPF 50 is formulated with skin- and reef-safe ingredients, making it both glow- and eco-friendly.

🧬 7. SPF = Skin Barrier Saver

Your skin barrier is like your phone screen protector: once it’s damaged, everything goes wrong.
Dryness, acne, breakouts, flaking—you name it.

The sun is one of the fastest ways to damage your barrier, even when you don’t burn.
That’s why sunscreen isn’t just for looks—it’s preventive skincare.

Paired with ingredients like niacinamide (which strengthens the barrier), SPF creates a duo that keeps your skin calm, clear, and protected.

⚡️ Fun fact: The Myriad Sunscreen formula is designed to pair perfectly with our Niacinamide Soap—for a glow that’s barrier-safe and balanced.

💬 Final Thoughts: SPF Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

Sunscreen is your skin’s silent protector.
Even though you don’t “see” its effects instantly, it’s working hard behind the scenes—every day, every layer, every drop.

So the next time you skip sunscreen because you’re indoors, in a rush, or it’s cloudy—remember this:
UV damage is invisible. But its results are permanent.

✨ Try This: Level-Up Your SPF Routine

If you want to get serious about skincare in 2025, here’s the ideal 3-step combo:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Cleanse with Myriad Niacinamide Soap 

                  2. Hydrate with a lightweight toner or serum

                  3. Seal and protect with Myriad Sunscreen SPF 50

It’s not just a “routine.”
It’s an act of self-respect.