Skin cancer kills so many people each year and can be caused by exposure to the sun. Detected early, skin cancer can be easily removed and treated. However, if it is discovered too late, it can be fatal. Below, we debunked five common summer skin myths which could be damaging to health.
Summer Skin Myth #1: Sun Cream Will Stop You From Getting a Tan
Although sun cream creates a protective barrier, it will not always stop the tanning process completely. It’s important to note that skin coloration in tanning is a sign of damage, but sunburn is without a doubt the biggest danger to our skin when we are aiming for that tan.
One of the best ways to avoid the burn is to use a high SPF factor cream, with a minimum SPF of 30, and being sensible in the sun by making the most of cover and avoiding peak times. You’ll still be able to get bronze, but you will be better protected.
Myth #2: A Base Tan Will Help Protect You
Following on from the above, a base tan will not reduce your risk of sunburn and doesn’t act as a form of protection. Experts estimate that going out in the sun with a base tan is equivalent to wearing sunscreen with a very low SPF of 3 to 4. To better protect yourself, you should still use a high SPF sun cream of 30+.
Myth #3: No Sun, No Risk?
A cloudy sky doesn’t protect you from the sun’s rays. 30 to 40 percent of UV will still penetrate through cloud cover. For example, if half the sky is covered in clouds, 80% of UV will still shine through. So if you’re out in the open air for any length of time, you still need to follow the usual sun-safe precaution drill – pop on a hat, smooth on some sunscreen, slip on those shades and drape yourself in loose clothing.
Skin Myth #4: Parasol Equals Protection
Lounging under an umbrella will provide some much-much needed shade, but did you know that sand can reflect the sunlight? The sandy beach can increase reflected radiation by up to 17 percent meaning that the sun’s rays may still be reaching you whilst you think you’re protected under the sun, so keep that sunscreen topped up regularly.
Myth #5: Apply Ice Directly to Sunburned Skin to Cool It Down
Cooling the skin under running water or a cold compress is a good idea to relieve some of the pain and cool the hot dry skin, but never apply ice directly to the sunburned area as this can delay healing by causing the blood vessels underneath the skin to constrict and reduce blood flow.
