Summer is right around the corner, which means more time outdoors enjoying the weather. But it also means damage to your skin if it’s overexposed to the sun.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is this type of cancer is highly preventable. Learn the difference between the facts and these myths.
Myth #1: The sun is strongest in the hottest part of the day.
UV rays are strongest when the sun is highest in the sky. This might not be when the temperature is at its highest point of the day. Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the peak hours for UV radiation.
Myth #2: You can only burn in the middle of summer.
UV rays are strongest during the late spring and early summer in North America.
Myth #3: Applying sunscreen once is enough.
Even if it says once a day on the label, all sunscreens should be reapplied regularly. Some sunscreens rub, wash or sweat off more easily than others. Put on at least 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) 15 minutes before you go outside. Reapply every 80 minutes, and more often when swimming or sweating.
Myth #4: Sunscreen lasts forever.
Some sunscreens include an expiration date when they’re no longer effective. Check the bottle and discard sunscreen that is past its date.
Myth #5: The higher the SPF, the better the protection.
The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays or sunburns. Look for an SPF of at least 30. However, higher SPF might encourage you to spend longer in the sun, leading to more damage if you’re not careful.
Myth #6: You don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day.
Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth’s surface. Make sure you use sunscreen every day you’re outdoors.
Myth #7: The odd sunburn doesn’t make much difference.
Just one severe, blistering sunburn can increase your risk of melanoma. The sun’s UV rays can damage unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes, but it can take as long as 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure.
Myth #8: Tanning booths are a safer way to tan.
There’s no such thing as a safe tan. UV radiation from tanning machines can cause skin cancers including melanoma. People who begin indoor tanning in their teens or early adulthood have a higher risk of melanoma.
Myth #9: Tanned skin is a sign of good health.
Tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your skin after time outside — whether sunburn or tan — means damage from UV rays.
Myth #10: I need to get as much sun as possible to get enough vitamin D.
We all need a bit of sun to make vitamin D, but for most people, casual exposure to the sun is enough. There’s no need to sunbathe or risk sunburn.
To learn more about sun safety, visit QualChoice.com.
Dr. Lubna Maruf, M.D., is the medical director at QualChoice Health Insurance in Little Rock.