6 Myths and Half-Truths About Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an easy preventative measure that reduces the risk of skin cancer. When you put on sunscreen, you give your skin a layer of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Both types of ultraviolet rays can negatively affect the skin. When your skin is exposed to UVA rays, you run the risk of your skin prematurely aging. When you expose your skin to UVB rays, you run the risk of sunburn, which can lead to cancer. Without sunscreen, your skin is exposed to both types of ultraviolet light. Both rays can cause permanent damage to the skin.

6 Myths and Half-Truths About Sunscreen

These are six common myths and half-truths about sunscreen. When you understand how important it is to apply sunscreen on a daily basis, it is easier to conservehealth.

1. Sunscreen blocks vitamin D

This is a myth that needs to be debunked. Sunscreen does block UV rays, which is the source of vitamin D. But, sunscreen does not block all UV light and neither does clothing. So, even with sunscreen blocks UV rays, it does not completely prohibit the skin from absorbing the ever-important vitamin. Researchers found that the human body needs between 5 and 30 minutes of time in the sun to reach the ideal levels of vitamin D in the body.

2. Dark or tanned skin does not need sunscreen

Although people with more melanin are less likely to develop skin cancer than people with less of it, melanin levels should not prevent someone from wearing sunscreen. Melanin does not block UVA rays from aging the skin, and it does not prevent UVB rays from damaging the skin. Skin cancer can happen to anyone with skin, no matter what color.

3. Makeup will protect the skin

This is a half-truth, as some makeup contains sunscreen. Unfortunately, makeup does not cover all of the skin that is exposed to the sun, so it is not a viable substitute.

4. You cannot get a tan with sunscreen applied

This is not true. The body responds to UV rays by becoming tan. Without sunscreen, the skin is more likely to burn. If you do not want a tan, then you should not lay out in the sun without clothes that fully cover your body. Wearing sunscreen will slow the tanning process, but it also offers a level of protection from the danger of tanning.

5. Sunscreen is all the same

They are not the same. Experts recommend that people should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher for the best coverage. The best sunscreen includes ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You can also look for ecamsule in the ingredients list. Sunscreen without those ingredients is not very effective.

6. All sunscreen is waterproof

No. The only sunscreen labeled as waterproof is waterproof, but only for a limited amount of time. You should wait at least 10 minutes after applying sunscreen before you go into the water. Then, after you dry off, you should reapply sunscreen. If you get sweaty, you should reapply your sunscreen more often than not.