We debunk common myths about sunbathing and explain why it can have serious health consequences. While we all know that sunburn and excessive UV radiation can cause skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage, there are still many misconceptions about sun protection.
Read on to find out how to avoid traps and protect yourself as safely as possible.
Myth #1: “You need to use tanning oil if you want to tan”
Tanning oil has been a trend for a long time, and the truth is: using it can be dangerous. While you may think that using oil helps speed up the tanning process, it actually puts you on the fast track to sunburn (or worse). When your skin is oiled, it refracts UV rays from the sun on the surface of your skin, thus amplifying the intensity of the sun’s (already intense) UV rays. Ditch the oil and rather use a true tan accelerator that helps stimulate melanin production in your skin to bring out your natural color when you’re exposed to the sun.
Myth #2: “The burn will fade to brown”
There is a common misconception that if you get a sunburn, you don’t have to worry too much because the color will fade to brown. However, this is the most dangerous attitude. Research shows that just five sunburns in your lifetime increases your risk of developing melanoma by 80%. Although your redness appears to fade to a luminous bronze, it’s not a tan to be proud of as it only happens after your skin has been severely damaged and weakened. Prepare your skin with a tan optimizer and never neglect SPF protection, even if you’re trying to achieve a specific shade.
Myth #3: “Natural oils provide low enough SPF protection”
Many believe that using natural oils such as coconut oil can provide low-level SPF protection, but this only provides a false sense of security. Natural oils such as coconut oil or raspberry seed oil may offer very minimal SPF levels; however, this can be counteracted by the biasing effect of the oil against UV rays (see Myth #1). Without genuine UV-filtering ingredients, coconut oil and the like will not protect your skin. If you want hydration, follow each period of sun exposure with an antioxidant-rich, soothing after-sun product.
Myth #4: “You can’t tan with sunscreen”
The reason why this myth is widely believed is most likely due to a misunderstanding of the term SPF and what exactly it represents. SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of how long we can stay in the sun without getting burned, based on your skin type. For example, if you normally burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen, applying SPF 15 will give you 15 times longer before you burn, or 150 minutes. Non-toxic mineral sunscreens are a great way to protect you and nature at the same time.
Myth #5: “Brownish undertones protect you from sunburn”
Contrary to popular belief, the base color brown does not protect you from sunburn. In fact, any change in skin color is a sign of skin damage. Brownish undertones may give a false sense of security, causing people to spend more time in the sun without proper protection. The best way to prevent sunburn is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade during peak sunlight hours, and wear protective clothing.
Myth #6: “Indoor tanning is safer than outdoor tanning”
That’s not it. In fact, it can be even more dangerous as tanning beds emit concentrated UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunbathing indoors before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 59%. It is important to avoid indoor tanning and opt for safer alternatives such as self-tanning products.
Myth #7: “Sunscreen blocks vitamin D absorption”
While it is true that sunscreen can block vitamin D absorption, the amount is not significant. Most people can get enough vitamin D from a healthy diet and a few minutes of sun exposure each day. It is important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin damage.
Myth #8: “Dark-skinned people don’t need sunscreen”
Everyone, regardless of skin color, should use sunscreen to protect their skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Although people with darker skin have more melanin, which provides natural protection against the sun, they are still at risk of skin damage and skin cancer. It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade during peak sunlight hours, and wear protective clothing.
Myth #9: “You can’t get sunburned when it’s cloudy”
Clouds do not block all of the sun’s UV radiation, so sunburn is still possible on cloudy days. In fact, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays are able to penetrate clouds. It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade during peak sunlight hours, and wear protective clothing, even on cloudy days.
In fact, sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin and avoiding the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Don’t be fooled by common myths about sunbathing and tanning. Instead, use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade during peak hours, and wear protective clothing.
Find a variety of safe and effective sun protection products in our store.
