Sunscreen Myths Busted: Why You Can’t Afford to Skip It
The Sun is a form of energy that is essential for the existence of life on the planet earth. It emits UV radiation. As the sun begins to shine brightly, the UV radiation is more persistent and most crucial for skin health. To protect our skin from harmful radiation, we must use sunscreen when we are indoors and outdoors. UV rays accelerate skin aging as the ray’s breakdown collagen and elastin and results in the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. Applying the sunscreen makes the skin look youthful with proper elasticity. Skin cancer particularly, melanoma is life threatening cancer where applying sunscreen lowers the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreens have become an indispensable part of skincare regimen as it supports skin health in the long term.
Although Sun and its radiations are very important there are certain myths that prioritize why sunscreen should never be avoided from your daily routine. Let us understand a few myths
Key Insights
Myth 1: Only Need Sunscreen on Sunny Days
It’s a most prevalent myth that sunscreen is necessary only on sunny days, but the reality is up to 80 % of suns UV rays can penetrate through the clouds. It means our skin is at risk even on cloudy days to skin aging and cancer. Even when sun is not bright, the rays are powerful and hence sunscreen must be applied everyday regardless of weather conditions.
Myth 2: Sunscreen is Only Necessary in Summer
Many people think summer is the prime season for sun exposure and powerful UV rays. These rays can harm our skin round the year. Winter athletes, snowboarders who spend time in too cold winters with snow must be cautious as snow reflects UV rays and thus our skin exposure increases to UV rays. People living at high altitudes or near the equator must understand that UV levels are very high in these regions. Incorporating sunscreens during the winters is required apart from summers.
Myth 3: Higher SPF Means You Can Apply Less
People believe that using Sunscreen with high SPF helps them to skip reapplication of the sunscreen frequently. But this is a wrong misconception as SPF helps to measure level of protection from UVB rays but not how to sparingly apply. It is advised to apply an ounce of sunscreen for the entire body before stepping out regardless of SPF.
Myth 4: Sunscreen Can’t Be Used with Makeup
It’s a wrong belief that sunscreen and makeup don’t blend. Multiple products are available on the market that contain SPF, sunscreen sprays, powders that we an properly blend with our makeup. The keynote here is to apply enough sunscreen for proper shielding from the radiation.
Myth 5: Tanning Oils Provide Enough Protection
Tanning Oils have low SPF levels that make our skin vulnerable to harmful radiation. Using broad spectrum sunscreen, sunscreen with SPF 50 will effectively block UVA and UVB rays, picking such products we can shield our skin from the sun rays.
Importance of Sunscreen for Kids
Sunscreen helps to shield our skin from harmful Sun rays and children too need it. Children have thin and very sensitive skin that makes them more susceptible to sun damage. Let’s us understand few points on how to apply sunscreen for kids
Choose the Right Product
Sunscreens are formulated for children too. Most of us are not aware of the fact that sunscreens have been formulated for children based on their safety. Certain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are used as they don’t irritate the sensitive skin.
Apply Generously
One ounce of sunscreen must be applied for the entire body and cover all the areas especially the exposed areas ears, feet and the neck.
Reapply Frequently
Kids are always active and sweat more due to this reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and immediately after swimming for kids too.
Seek Shade
To avoid this encourage children to plat in the shades during the peak hours 10 AM to 4PM and wear protective clothing and hats.
When to Reapply Sunscreen in Everyday Life
Reapplying sunscreen is crucial to give effective sun protection to our skin without damaging. People who work indoors with minimal exposure to sun should reapply every 3-4 hours. Sportspersons or people who are exposed to sunlight for long periods must reapply for every 2-3 hours. For makeup lovers, it is suggested to use tinted Sunscreen or soothing Sunscreen as it blends with the makeup. To re-apply it’s not mandatory to wash your face every time.
Certain apps are designed that can monitor UV levels in your area and alert us to reapply the sunscreen based on real time.
Conclusion
Myths on sunscreen lead to dangerous misconceptions on our skin safety. We must regularly apply the sunscreens and reapply too depending on the sun exposure and shield our skin. Shielding skin with sunscreen reduces the risk of sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer among us and leads a healthy life. Never step out of the house without applying the sunscreen for your kids and yourself and enjoy the sun too safely!