Safe sun behaviors are invaluable, and it is never too early to start. In fact, the sun is responsible for 90 percent of skin cancer. I am a firm believer of enjoying your life but do so with healthy happy skin. Part of protecting your skin from the damaging rays of ultraviolet radiation (UV) is wearing daily sunscreen, which is why dermatologists always say, the best preventative or anti-aging skincare product is sunscreen. Using daily sunscreen is a must for skincare regardless of the time of year.
Here’s my take on some of the biggest suncare myths:
Myth #1: Sunscreen causes cancer.
There is no medical evidence that sunscreen causes cancer, but there is proven and consistent research that demonstrates that UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is carcinogenic and causes skin cancer. There are concerns of certain (not all) chemical sunscreens being absorbed and causing other cancers. For those who would like to avoid chemical sunscreens, I recommend using a sunblock with physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are not absorbed into the skin but rather sit on the skin’s surface to reflect the damaging UV rays.
Myth #2: I don’t need to wear sunscreen, because I have dark skin.
This is wrong. While it is more difficult to see a sunburn or the damaging effects of UV rays on skin with higher melanin content, every skin type is at risk of developing skin cancer.
Myth #3: I don’t need to reapply, because my sunscreen is waterproof.
All sunscreen needs to be reapplied. Sunscreen only lasts for 40 minutes to two hours. UVB penetrates water, especially shallow water. Also, sunlight can reflect off the water, leading to increased UV exposure on the parts of your body that are not in the water.
Myth #4. I don’t have to reapply, because I wear the highest SPF 50+ or even 100+.
False! The SPF number is how much protection you have from UVB rays over a period of two hours.
Myth #5. I don’t need to wear sunscreen in addition to my makeup, as there is SPF in my makeup.
Unfortunately, this is false! Only fewer than a quarter of people apply the recommended amount of sunscreen. You need a nickel-sized dollop to the face and one ounce (or a shot glass) to the body.
Myth #6. I don’t need sunscreen, because it’s cloudy.
If you’re going outdoors, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, overcast, foggy, or raining, you need sunscreen. Clouds filter less than 25 percent of UV rays, and while you may not feel the heat of the sun, the skin will still absorb UVA and UVB rays.
Myth #7. I don’t need SPF every day, especially if I’m going to be indoors.
You should still be wearing your sunscreen every day, even indoors. Indoor UV exposure still occurs, because UV radiation penetrates glass. UVA, which is able to penetrate glass, has a large role in pigmentary conditions, such as melasma. It is also responsible for accelerating photoaging of the skin with brown spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Ready to get serious about your sunscreen use? Here, the editors of Well Defined have gathered an assortment of effective suncare offerings to keep you protected this season.
