3 Sun Protection Myths That Need To Be Busted

Jul 11, 2018 by apost team

Sun protection is an important part of everyone’s summer routine. However, every year there seem to be more and more articles published in newspapers and magazines that tell us contradictory things about how to stay safe in the sun. Cutting through the controversy seems impossible! We’ve rounded up three common sun protection myths and busted them to help you and your family stay safe this summer – and all year long. After all, the sun shines just as brightly in winter as it does in summer.

Sorry math nerds, adding two coats of SPF 10 won’t add up to the protection of SPF 20. It’s not that simple. Sunscreen is formulated to filter a certain percentage of light rays hitting your skin; the higher the skin protection factor (SPF) number, the higher the percentage of filtration that is occurring. People who are sensitive to light or who wish to avoid tanning – or burning! – should reach for a sunscreen product with a higher SPF. People who want to tan can use a sunscreen with a lower SPF. Remember to reapply according to the directions on the package.

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Staying in the shade is certainly safer than being out in the full sunlight for long periods of time, but you should take precautions even then. Bring a broad-brimmed sunhat and apply sunscreen even if you plan on being in the shade. For one thing, shade is not total. Light filters through tree leaves and canopy fabric. Light also reflects off surfaces like concrete and sand. You can end up with a pretty impressive suntan or even a mild sunburn from being in the shade, depending on how sensitive your skin is.

Salon tanning is sometimes touted as being a safer alternative to sun worshiping, but this isn’t true. Many solariums utilize beds that emit harmful UVA rays, which penetrate the skin and overdose the cells. This so-called pre-tanning won’t prevent a sunburn, either. If you see a reddening or darkening of the skin, this is actually a harmful reaction.

There are lots of myths about the sun and tanning, so the next time someone you know spreads some inaccurate trivia, show them this list and spread the knowledge.

Your health is important to us here at Apost!  So if you spent too much time in the sun and can tell your skin is suffering you should visit a doctor. Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor.