Written by: Ffion Collins
Image Source: Boston University
You may believe that SPF 15 is sufficient protection for a full day outdoors, or that you are protected from the damaging effects of the sun on overcast days, but these widespread misconceptions might leave your skin dangerously exposed. Here are 10 myths about sun protection you need to be wary of:
“Clouds Prevent Sunburn”
UV radiation, not temperature, causes sun damage. Thus, even when the sun is not out, or when temperatures are cooler, you can still harm your skin. In actuality, UV rays can pass through clouds and become much stronger as a result of reflection. If you develop a red face in windy or cloudy conditions, it is probably sunburn. This is why you should look at the daily sun protection schedule, which indicates when UV levels are expected to be three or higher.
“People with Dark Skin Don’t Need Sun Protection”
Some people think sunscreen is unnecessary for persons with higher melanin in their skin. This is due to the fact that melanin diffuses UVB rays and may provide some protection from sunburn. Even if darker skin types are more shielded from the sun, full-spectrum sunscreen is still recommended for them. Melanin does not protect the skin from UVA rays in the same way, which can cause wrinkles and early aging. Additionally, melanin cannot shield the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun, such as prolonged exposure without protection. Furthermore, darker-skinned people are not immune to skin cancer. Hispanic and Black populations experience a higher prevalence of late-stage melanoma diagnoses than non-Hispanic white populations; 52 percent of non-Hispanic black patients and 26 percent of Hispanic patients receive an initial diagnosis of advanced-stage melanoma, versus 16 percent of non-Hispanic white patients. For this reason, you should still be practicing sun safety!
“The More Sun Exposure, The More Vitamin D”
Research suggests that extended exposure to the sun raises the risk of skin cancer but does not raise vitamin D levels further. Most people can obtain adequate vitamin D with just a few minutes of protected sun exposure while performing daily duties, such as walking to the car or shopping, when UV levels are three or higher. It is critical to protect your skin during periods of high UV exposure to lower your chance of developing skin cancer. Spending time outdoors during the day and engaging in physical activity can help maintain vitamin D levels if you reside in an area of the world with low UV levels.
“UV Radiation Can’t Penetrate Car Windows”
Untinted glass, which is frequently used in car side windows, lessens but does not totally stop UV rays from passing through. This implies that prolonged exposure to an untinted side window in an environment with high UV levels can still result in burns. People are more likely to be burned in cars with the windows down because they are exposed to more UV rays. Additionally, burning increases UV exposure's cumulative effect, which can result in skin cancer.
“UV Radiation Is Stronger When It’s Hot”
Sunlight's UV rays damage skin and can cause cancer, yet they are not hot and you can not feel them. A different kind of beam known as infrared is responsible for the sun's heat. When the sun is at its highest point in the sky, UV radiation is most intense. The temperature fluctuates more during the day than the UV level and is typically at its maximum a little later in the afternoon. However, keep in mind that you should consider adopting sun protection precautions, regardless of the time of day.
“Aftersun Completely Repairs Sun Damage”
No, they don't. Aftersun treatments can help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of sunburn, but they will not repair any harm to your cells' DNA. Therefore, seek shade and cover up right away if you begin to detect the symptoms of burning. Even with sunscreen, avoid spending extra time in the sun that day. Additionally, aftersun cannot repair the harm, so do not rely on it. You are the one who knows your skin the best, therefore whenever you are caught, attempt to learn from it.
“Makeup SPF is Enough”
To even approach the level of sun protection indicated on your cosmetics label, you would need to apply multiple times the recommended amount of foundation. Additionally, you are quite unlikely to reapply makeup frequently throughout the day, which is necessary to maintain protection. Therefore, the only thing that will work if the weather calls for it is sunscreen on your face! SPF-containing moisturizer or makeup will not be sufficient to shield you from damaging UV radiation. Furthermore, even if you do not wear SPF moisturizer or makeup, you need to adequately apply and reapply the product to maintain protection. It is recommended to apply 2 mg of sunscreen for every cm2 of skin. Sunscreen can be applied at this dose on the face and neck if two strips of sunscreen are squeezed out onto both the index and middle fingers.
“Glass Blocks Penetration of All Forms of UV Radiation”
UVA rays, which pierce deeper into the skin, can get through glass, while UVB rays, which cause sunburn, are largely prevented indoors. Therefore, you may be in danger of long-term skin damage from UVA rays if you spend a lot of time driving or sitting in a conservatory when the sun is strong.
“A Tan Is Healthy”
Even if you did not intentionally aim to get tanned, any tan is an indication of UV harm. We refer to this as "incidental" damage because it typically occurs when we are out and about doing things like hanging laundry in the backyard, running errands, or taking a lunchtime walk. Over time, all forms of UV damage—intentional sunburns, unintentional sunburns, and intentional sun tanning—increase our risk of developing skin cancer. For this reason, if you are outside during sun protection hours, you should always protect your skin.
“More Expensive Sunscreens are Better”
This is not true. In actuality, the SPF and star rating are more significant than the brand or price. Sunscreens are strictly controlled, so you can believe what the label says. Finding a product that works for you is also crucial; choose one that you enjoy the feel of finding simple to apply. The reason for this is that to achieve the SPF listed on the container, you must apply a lot of sunscreens and reapply it frequently throughout the day. And you are more inclined to do it if you enjoy the way it feels!
References:
Bradford, Porcia T. Skin Cancer in Skin of Color. Dermatol Nurs 2009 Jul-Aug; 21(4): 170-178.
Cancer Council Victoria. “7 Myths about Sun Protection - Cancer Council Victoria.” Cancervic.org.au, 1900, www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/stories/7-myths-about-sun-protection.html.
Cancer Council. “10 Myths about Sun Protection.” Www.cancer.org.au, www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/10- myths-about-sun-protection.
“Sunscreen: 12 Myths and Facts.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318290#Twelve-myths-about-sunscreen.
Vincent, Beth. “12 Myths about Sun Safety Debunked.” Cancer Research UK - Cancer News, 31 July 2023, news.cancerresearchuk.org/2023/07/31/12-myths-about-sun-safety-debunked/.
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