Outsmart the sun: common sun safety myths and facts - Outsmart the sun: common sun safety myths and facts

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I can't tan or burn through a window or glass -

You're mostly protected from sunburn when you're indoors, but some UV rays can still get through glass. This means if you spend lots of time near a sunny window when the sun is strong, then long term you might be at risk of skin damage from those UV rays.

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Tanned skin is a sign of good health -

Not at all. A tan is a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from the damage the sun is doing.

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I need to get as much sun as possible to get enough vitamin D -

How sun much will vary from person to person. However, people with lighter skin tones only need brief sun exposure, while people with darker skin tones may need a little more time to make enough vitamin D.

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I can’t get sunburned on cloudy days -

A total myth! The ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause damage to your skin actually penetrate through clouds and can reach your skin.

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People with darker skin don’t get sunburned -

More melanin does help to diffuse UVB rays and diminish sunburns, however, it's still possible for people with dark skin to suffer from sun damage. Therefore, everyone should use SPF.

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The SPF in my makeup is enough protection -

Using makeup with SPF isn't the same thing as putting on sunscreen. If the label claims to offer sun protection, you’d still need to apply several times the normal amount of foundation to get even close to the level of the protection stated on the bottle.

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Sunbeds are a safer way to tan -

No, and there is no such thing as a "safe tan" when it comes to UV radiation. The UV rays emitted by the sun and sunbeds are equally dangerous to your skin.

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I only need to apply sunscreen once a day -

Sunscreen is broken down by sunlight, so it is not as effective as the day goes on. So if you're outside, reapplication is crucial.

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The sun is strongest when it’s hottest -

Surprisingly, not the case. The heat of the sun doesn’t come from its skin-damaging UV rays. UV rays are always strongest when the sun is highest in the sky, which isn't always the hottest hour of the day.

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I’ve been sunburned before, so there’s no point in protecting myself now -

Not true! Sun damage can build up over time, and it’s never too late to protect yourself.

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The higher the SPF, the better -

No one sunscreen is 100% effective. SPF specifically refers to the protection against UVB rays, and how long you can be exposed before the skin starts to burn.

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Water-resistant sunscreen won't come off -

It's important to remember that water-resistant sunscreen is tested in a lab, not in real-world conditions. You should always reapply it as you're running around, swimming, sweating, and towel drying.

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Getting a base tan helps protect my skin from the sun -

A base tan on your skin doesn’t mean that you are protected. In fact, it means your cells are damaged, which can overtime increase the chances of skin cancer.

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My eyes can’t get sun damaged -

Damage to the eyes from sun is called photokeratitis. With this in mind, wear sunglasses or ski goggles that have UV protection to prevent eye damage.

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I can't get sunburned in winter -

Temperature doesn't affect UV rays. During winter, practice sun safety, as UV rays are stronger at higher elevations and reflect off snow.

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I don't need to be concerned about skin cancer because if it happens, I'll see it -

Be alert for any new spots or changes to existing spots. Consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice anything new or changing. And remember, prevention is always better than cure. It might not always be obvious.

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Only sunseekers get skin cancer -

Excessive exposure to the sun doesn't just happen when deliberately seeking a tan. One can get exposed to UV radiation during all sorts of daily activities, such as working outdoors, gardening, or walking the dog.

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Any clothing will block the sun’s rays -

Darker and brighter colors absorb more UV rays, so they provide more sun protection than white or pastel shades. Also, heavier fabrics with tighter weaves offer more protection than thin, lightweight fabrics with loose weaves.

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I'll get vitamin D deficiency if I wear sunscreen -

In summer, most of us get enough vitamin D through incidental sun exposure. Therefore, sensible sun protection shouldn’t put you at risk of any deficiency.

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Sunscreen is always effective, all of the time -

To be truly protected, you should put on sunscreen 30 minutes prior to being in the sun to allow it to soak into the skin. Then, reapply one ounce of sunscreen every two hours.

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Once a year won't cause any harm -

Although tanned skin peels and regenerates, the organism doesn't forget the overexposure. Each time the skin burns, it undergoes irreversible changes.

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Oil-based products help me tan -

Never use oils, carbonated drinks, or other substances to speed up tanning, due to the risk of permanent spots and scars.

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I don’t need to wear sunscreen after 4 pm -

Not true! UV rays can cause damage to your skin any time during the day.

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A small amount of sunscreen provides protection -

Most people don't apply enough sunscreen. It's recommended to use one teaspoon for every limb, front of the body, back, and head if you want to lower your risk of developing skin cancer.

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The only damage the sun can cause is sunburn -

A sunburn only lasts a few days, but the damage caused by UV rays can last a lifetime. This includes premature signs of aging like wrinkles and discoloration, as well as increased chances of developing skin cancer.

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I won't damage my skin if I'm under an umbrella -

Unfortunately, you can still get a sunburn under an umbrella, as UV reflects off different surfaces.

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SPF is the only factor that matters -

It's crucial that you choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, as it ensures that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which not all sunscreens do.

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Scars aren't noticeable when I'm tan -

Quite the opposite, actually. Initially, acne spots and scars seem to be disguised by a tan, but ultraviolet light stimulates melanocytes, which are melanin producing cells. Thus, more spots appear in that area over time.

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If I get a tan without a burn, I don't need to bother with sun protection -

If skin darkens, it's a sign of skin cells in trauma, even if there's no redness or peeling.

See also: Pre-sunscreen—how people used to protect themselves

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