Does staying in the shade or wearing clothes protect you from the sun? Does sunscreen really expire? Is it necessary to use protection on cloudy days?
Although doctors, medical associations and government agencies remind us every year of the health damage caused by the sun’s rays, many myths about sun protection still persist. In this article we debunk some of them so that you can enjoy the sun responsibly and safely.
MYTH 1: Using sunscreen prevents tanning.
Tanning is the result of skin exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which stimulate melanin production in the skin, so it is itself a sign of skin damage. Sunscreen, by having filters that block or absorb UV rays, helps reduce the risk of sunburn and protects the skin from such damage, but not absolutely. Therefore, the use of sunscreen does not totally prevent tanning, but it does moderate it and make it safer by reducing exposure to harmful UV rays.
MYTH 2: Only sunscreen with SPF 50 is effective.
All sunscreens with different SPF levels can be effective if used correctly, but offer varying degrees of protection. A sunscreen with a higher sun protection factor (SPF) provides greater protection against UVB rays (responsible for skin burns) compared to a lower SPF.
In the case of SPF 50 cream, it offers slightly better protection against UV rays, blocking about 98% of UVB rays, while one with SPF 30 blocks about 97%.
MYTH 3: SPF indicates sun protection time.
A higher SPF offers greater protection against ultraviolet radiation, but not necessarily for longer. All sunscreens, regardless of their SPF, degrade over time due to exposure to the sun, water, sweat, clothing and towels. In other words, a SPF 30 sunscreen does not mean that you can spend 30 minutes in the sun without getting sunburned.
That is why it is crucial to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating intensively, even with water-resistant products.
MYTH 4: A lot of sun exposure is necessary to avoid vitamin D deficiency.
While it is true that our body needs UVB rays to synthesize vitamin D, moderate sun exposure, about 3 times a week and for no more than 10 to 15 minutes, is already enough for the body to absorb all the amount it needs. Research also suggests that prolonged sun exposure does not increase vitamin D levels, but it does increase the risk of skin cancer.
In case of deficiency, vitamin D can be obtained through other means, either through supplements or certain foods, such as fish.
MYTH 5: Sun protection is not necessary for dark skin.
All skin types, regardless of skin tone, need sun protection. Although people with darker skin have more melanin, which provides some natural defense against UV rays, it is not enough to completely prevent sun damage.
People with darker skin can also suffer sunburn and develop pathologies related to sun exposure, such as premature aging, dark spots, cell damage and risk of skin cancer, without adequate protection from the sun’s rays.
MYTH 6: Sunscreen does not expire, it can be used from one year to the next.
Most sunscreens have an expiration date printed on the package that indicates when the product is no longer effective. It is crucial to pay attention to this date and avoid using a product that has expired.
The passage of time, exposure to heat and sunlight can degrade the active ingredients in sunscreen, reducing its ability to protect the skin from UV damage. Therefore, it is advisable to use sunscreen within its expiration date and store it in a cool, dark place when not in use.
MYTH 7: Being in the shade or wearing clothing provides protection from the sun, so sunscreen is not necessary.
Although shade and clothing provide some protection from the sun’s rays, they are not enough to prevent sun damage without the proper use of sunscreen.
UV rays can reflect off surfaces and reach the skin, which means that even in the shade, some of the sun’s rays can cause damage. In addition, clothing does not always offer complete protection against UV rays, especially if it is lightweight or light-colored.
The best prevention is safe and responsible sun exposure.
The specialists in Dermatology at Paracelso Sagasta specialize in the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of multiple dermatological pathologies. We use advanced techniques to perform dermatological check-ups, with the aim of preventing and detecting early possible anomalies derived from prolonged exposure to the sun, including premature aging and melanoma. Make an appointment now.
