Five Common Sunscreen Myths You Need To Stop Believing

We all know the way essential sunscreen is with regards to skincare. But even right this moment, there are lots of misconceptions floating round concerning the utilization and effectiveness of the product.

So, I spoke with a medical knowledgeable to debunk a number of the most typical sunscreen and skincare myths:

Myth 1# You don’t want to make use of sunscreen throughout cloudy days.

If you’re stepping exterior, you’ll want to apply sunscreen. Even if it is wet or cloudy. This is as a result of the clouds do not block the dangerous UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your pores and skin. “According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clouds filter lower than 25% of the UV rays that penetrate your pores and skin to trigger pores and skin most cancers,” says Dr. Tony Yuan, MD and board-certified doctor at Doctor On Demand. “Even though you may feel cooler on a cloudy day, your skin will still absorb a majority of the UVA and UVB rays,” he provides. Bottom line, by no means skip sunscreen, whatever the climate.

Myth 2# You can’t get sunburned when you’re within the water.

“This is completely false. UVB rays can still penetrate water, especially if you are in shallow water,” explains Dr. Yuan. In addition, “sunlight can reflect off the water leading to increased UV exposure to parts of your body that are not immersed in water,” he provides. This leads to sunburn. Similarly, automobile home windows aren’t efficient both with regards to solar safety. While the glass may be capable to block UVB rays, you continue to want to use sunscreen to guard your pores and skin from UVA rays. Use a minimum of a shot glass stuffed with sunscreen to slather throughout your physique, for optimum safety, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology.

Myth 3# A sunscreen with super-high SPF lasts all day lengthy.

Using a excessive SPF simply as soon as a day is not going to chop it. “SPF numbers are based on how much the sunscreen will block UVB rays from damaging your skin over a period of two hours,” explains Dr. Yuan. “After that, the effectiveness of the protection decreases dramatically,” says the health knowledgeable. This leaves your pores and skin weak to overexposure to the dangerous UV rays. Always re-apply sunscreen each two hours when you are uncovered to the solar, he recommends. Moreover, observe {that a} regular sunscreen solely affords safety towards UVB rays. So, go for one which mentions ‘broad-spectrum’ on the label. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will successfully defend your pores and skin from each UVA and UVB rays.

Myth 4# You can solely get pores and skin most cancers on physique components which are uncovered to the solar.

While it is true that you’re extra more likely to develop pores and skin most cancers on the uncovered components of your physique, it will probably develop in different components of your physique too. This contains locations you don’t suspect, like soles of your toes or beneath your nails. “Although sun exposure is a major contributing factor to most types of skin cancer, it is not the only factor,” notes Dr. Yuan. Various different elements, like your genes, can play a job within the growth of melanoma — which is essentially the most harmful type of pores and skin most cancers. “So, if you see a suspicious looking spot on a part of your body that doesn’t get much sunlight, don’t disregard it. Make sure you seek a professional medical opinion,” he advises.

Myth 5# You gained’t get pores and skin most cancers so long as you utilize sunscreen.

No sunscreen affords full safety, regardless of how excessive the SPF. “There is no single sunscreen that can block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This is why it’s important to wear protective gear such as sunglasses, loose protective clothes, and hats — to reduce the risk of a sunburn,” says Dr. Yuan. In addition, keep within the shade as a lot as potential. And keep away from solar publicity throughout peak hours — between 10 am and 2 pm.

Other than that, do not forget to use sunscreen over generally missed areas like your again, toes, ears and hairline.

If you have delicate pores and skin, use a bodily sunscreen that incorporates substances like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Suntegrity’s Unscented Natural Mineral Sunscreen and Avene’s Mineral Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion are extremely really useful.

And lastly, do not use expired sunblock or sunscreen. It’s not solely ineffective however may additionally injury your pores and skin.