We review the most common myths about sunbathing.
Myth 1: You need a base tan.
Many think you need to get a little tan to avoid sunburn during the summer holidays, but this is a mistake, explains Madeliene Gainers of Anne Arundel Dermatology of Florida. “A tan itself is evidence of skin damage,” he explains. “Skin appears darker because it redistributes melanin in an effort to protect itself.” The truth is that what we call a “healthy” tan could cause irreversible damage to the skin in the future.
Myth 2: Tanning is necessary for vitamin D
If you live in an area where the sun is often limited in the winter months, you’ve probably heard that it is a good idea to use a tanning bed to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. However, this is not true. “There is no reason to damage the skin, put yourself at risk for skin cancer and accelerated aging, to get vitamin D. Achieving adequate levels of vitamin D can be done through proper diet and supplements without damaging the skin. “Gainers clarifies.
Myth 3: People with darker skin shouldn’t worry about using sunscreen.
Fair-skinned people tend to find that it is best to avoid sun exposure. But it ‘s a common myth to think that people with darker skin don’t need to take the same precautions.
Karyn Grossman, of Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica and New York, also exposes that any tan damages the genetic code of the skin. “It is this damage that ultimately leads to skin cancer and aging,” he clarifies, “And this applies to skin of all colors. Having darker skin tone or skin that tans easily does not mean that it is okay to tan. You are still damaging your skin. “And it is that people with dark skin can develop skin cancer and experience photoaging ( premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to the sun).
Myth 4: Sun exposure is the only way to achieve a healthy glow.
Understandably, many look better with tanned skin, but you don’t have to put your skin at risk to achieve those results. “Today there are several natural-looking and effective bronzers. There is no reason to damage your skin if you want to look tanned,” Gainers said.
Myth 5: Only UVB rays are harmful
There are two different types of UV rays: UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays tend to get a bad rap, as they are more associated with sunburn and the development of skin cancer; But that does not mean that UVA rays are safe. The latter are more associated with wrinkles and uneven skin texture.
Many people think that because tanning beds rely more on UVA rays, they are safer than tanning outdoors. But these rays can be more damaging to the skin’s DNA, especially with prolonged exposure. And that damage is ultimately what can lead to skin cancer.
Myth 6: Most skin cancers are less of a problem.
Many people have known at least one person who has had a skin cancer problem. And in many cases, it remains a small scar. But it is important to know how deadly skin cancer can be. Skin cancer is truly an epidemic these days.
Myth 7: As long as you don’t burn, tanning is safe.
In case it’s still unclear, any tan can set us up for future skin problems. And we have already mentioned it: tanning can cause photoaging and predispose us to skin cancer. The problem is that most people ignore these future risks because they cannot see them today.
How to protect the skin
-Wear sun protection clothing.
-Look for the shade between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is most intense.
-Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
-Apply sunscreen
Sun protection is very important. Aside from avoiding the sun, sunscreen is the best tool you can use to protect yourself from skin cancer. Sunscreen should generally be applied about 30 minutes before sun exposure and should be reapplied at least every two hours once we are outside.
Dermatologists emphasize that we must protect sensitive and often overlooked areas, such as the ears, lips, eyelids, and the edges around clothing.
It is advisable to opt for a sunscreen with an SPF 30+ or higher and apply it about half an hour before going out in the sun. If you plan to spend many hours in the sun, it is best to opt for SPF 50+ protection.
