6 misconceptions about sun protection for skin-Beauty

Here are some myths about applying sunscreen and how the sun affects the skin.

According to a survey by Cancer Research UK, the incidence of melanoma skin cancer has increased by 45% since 2004, becoming the second most common cancer in people aged 25-49. The institute says 90% of all cancers are preventable with proper protection, both at home and out. In fact, one or two sunburns per year can triple the risk of skin cancer.

Most people have misconceptions about sun protection. Dermatologist Daniel Glass from the London Dermatology Clinic, UK says: “When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it’s the right one for your skin type. It has a protective barrier against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are known to cause cancer. Although UVB is stronger than UVA in causing redness, SPF refers to the ability to protect against UVB rays and must have an SPF of at least 50 when you are out in the sun.

Here are some misconceptions about sun protection:

Myth 1: It’s okay to get sunburned

Truth: Sunburn does not always cause skin cancer, especially at a young age. But it increases the risk of skin cancer separately. For example, in a study of 100,000 people, sunburn between the ages of 15 and 25 increased the risk of cancer by more than 50 percent, and the more sunburned skin, the greater the risk of activating melanoma. Therefore, you have to think more about protecting your skin. Especially if you’ve had a sunburn before.

Myth 2: Your skin will not be affected by the sun when indoors

Truth: Another misconception is that in the shade, the skin is not harmed. Therefore, it is not right to lie down in the shade or under a tree to avoid the sun. Depending on the intensity of UV rays reflecting off the surrounding surface, invisible light can be harmful to your skin. Because UV rays can reflect on many different surfaces such as sand, water, even snow. This means you can still be harmed by light, even indoors.

Myth 3: Sunlight penetrating the clouds doesn’t hurt skin

Truth: The Skin Cancer Foundation studies that up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, and they fluctuate with the weather. You should apply sunscreen every 2 hours even when swimming or exercising outdoors on a sunny day.

Myth 4: Dark skin is better able to prevent sunburn and doesn’t need sunscreen

Truth: If your skin turns brown in the sun, it’s a sign of damage, even if it’s not red or flaky. Because skin discoloration is a natural mechanism to deal with UV rays from sunlight.

Myth 5: A high SPF means you don’t need to reapply sunscreen

Truth: No sunscreen will protect your skin 100% of the time, even if the manufacturer claims to protect you from the sun all day. You should reapply the cream during the day when exposed to direct sunlight. The cream can only slow down the process of DNA damage under the skin. Wearing tight clothing also provides more effective sun protection than applying cream.

Myth 6: Skin cancer never happens to us

Truth: Anyone can get skin cancer. If you notice a mole or birthmark on your skin that looks abnormal like bleeding or itching that doesn’t go away, you should see your doctor and find out the cause as it could be a sign of skin cancer.