By now, most people understand that spending time in the sun without the proper protection is dangerous. They understand that it leads to premature wrinkles, pigmentation issues, loss of skin elasticity, and in worst cases skin cancer. However, despite that knowledge, there are still some common misconceptions. Here are seven sun protection myths that need to be debunked.
1) The Higher the SPF, the Longer the Protection
Regardless of its SPF rating, all sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. This allows the sunscreen to completely bind to your skin. All sunscreens only provide protection for around two hours. Every time you apply sunscreen, you should apply approximately one ounce of sunscreen. SPF does not extend the length of time your sunscreen will protect you.
2) As Long As You Block UVB Rays, You Are Safe
When people think about sunscreen protection, they focus on the SPF rating. This sun protection factor rating shows how well the sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays, which have been linked to skin cancer and sunburn. However, UVA rays can be just as dangerous. Although they do not cause sunburn, they can influence your body’s collagen production and are linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
3) Sunscreen Provides Adequate Protection
Researchers have long analyzed the effects of UV light and its connection to an increased risk of melanoma. With unprotected skin, UV light has the ability to directly damage pigment cells. The level of damage is decreased when sunscreen is applied. However, researchers have seen that sunscreen alone does not provide complete protection from UV light. Genetic abnormalities can still develop, just at a lower rate. Sunscreen has a role in skin protection, but it should not be the sole protection your skin has.
4) Vitamin A Should Not Be in a Sun Protection Formula
Some have claimed that vitamin A should not be in a sun protection formula because it thins the skin. However, most dermatologists recommended just the opposite. The vitamin A and vitamin A derivatives included in sun protection formulas can minimize the visible signs of sun damage and minimize the development of cancer skin cells.
5) A Tan Makes You Look Healthy
Most would agree that a slight tan is desirable. However, you’re making a trade-off. You’re treating a short-term increase in attractiveness for the long-term consequences of progressively worse looking skin. But the truth is you can get in the same golden hue without the negative side effects of UV exposure.
6) Indoor Tanning Booths Are a Safer Way to Tan
Just like spending time tanning in the sun, tanning indoors exposes your skin to dangerous UV rays. It is these UV rays that cause the majority of skin cancers. Regardless of where the UV rays come from, the sun or from a tanning booth, they can lead to dark spots, wrinkles, and rashes.
7) You Need Both Chemical and Physical Blockers to Provide Protection against UVA and UVB Rays
Physical sunscreens can protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They protect from the sun as soon as they are applied. They cause less stinging, less irritation, and have a longer shelf life. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two most important physical barriers against the sun and you want a sunscreen that contains one or the other. At Be Beautiful Aesthetic Medicine we are proud to carry Environ medical-grade skin care products and Environ’s sunscreen contains titanium dioxide to help keep you protected from the harsh Florida Sun.
For more information on how to protect your skin, or if you’re looking for services such as BOTOX® and Environ Skin Care, contact the experts at Be Beautiful Aesthetic Medicine in Miami. We would be more than happy to assist you with scheduling your consultation.
