Myths And Curiosities About Sunscreen
The proper use of sunscreen is the best way to protect the skin from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The purpose of this product is not for the person to spend more time in the sun, but rather to be better protected during the time exposed.
There are two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB rays. Which damage the dermis and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to use a photoprotector that protects against UVB radiation, indicated on the packaging as SPF.
It should also protect you against UVA rays, indicated by the acronym UVA framed in a circle. You want to know more? We will tell you about it in the following article.
Myths and curiosities about sunscreen
There are some popular beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. And when it comes to something as serious as skin health, it’s crucial to get every detail right.
For this reason, below we will talk about a series of myths and curiosities about sunscreen.
1. Being tanned is healthy
Being tanned is not synonymous with health or beauty. According to several researchers at the University of New Delhi (India), it is a defense mechanism of the skin against external aggression from ultraviolet radiation.
Along these lines, brown skins are also susceptible to burning and being damaged by solar radiation.
2. To synthesize vitamin D it is necessary to go tan
This statement is false. Although it is true that the synthesis of vitamin D is obtained through exposure to the sun, there comes a time when it is no longer stimulated.
For this reason, an investigation published by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggest you don’t need to sunbathe for hours. 10 minutes a day, three days a week, is enough.
3. Sunscreen takes 30 minutes to take effect
This myth is linked to the belief that you should apply sunscreen half an hour before arriving at the place of sun exposure.
However, you should know that the photoprotector is effective from the moment of its application (although it does not stabilize until 10 minutes).
4. Sunscreens are all the same
They are not all the same. In this sense, the pharmacists Antonieta Garrote and Ramón Bonet insist on the difference between some of the following factors:
- The stability of your filters.
- Its protection against different ultraviolet radiation.
- The adherence of the sunscreen to the skin.
- Product texture, depending on the tastes of each person.
5. The protection factor indicates the protection time
This is not true, the SPF reflects how many more times you can be exposed to the sun to produce the same erythema or redness effect as if you had not applied the sunscreen.
This index refers only to protection against UVB rays. However, the truth is that no sunscreen blocks 100% of solar radiation. And neither does the application of two sunscreens add to its activity.
6. You do not need more than one daily application
The permanence on the skin of a sunscreen is a maximum of 2 hours. For this reason, it is necessary to reapply the solar product after this time. Likewise, you should also reapply it after baths of more than 20 minutes, or if there is excessive sweating.
Do not forget that in winter and on cloudy days it is also necessary to apply it; since solar radiation passes through the clouds.
7. You don’t get a tan if you apply sunscreen
Even if you use sunscreen, some of the sun’s radiation hits the skin ; activating the body’s natural protection system, that is, the production of melanin.
If you are brown, it means that the dermis is being attacked by solar radiation and is manufacturing melanin to try to protect itself.
8. If I use a waterproof sunscreen, I don’t need to reapply it
Nowadays, the specialist Leire Azcona Barbed specifies that sunscreens last at least a 20-minute bath. However, some last longer and indicate this on the packaging as follows:
- Water resistant : effective after a 40 minute bath.
- Waterproof or very water resistant : those that continue to be effective after an 80-minute bath.
Good use will make a difference
If you use sunscreen regularly, you will protect the dermis from photoaging, the risk of developing skin cancer and other enemies.
Also, remember that it is not valid from one year to another ; since the filters lose stability. Once opened, it is governed by the PAO ( After Opening Period ), which is the time after opening in which the product maintains its characteristics.
