Skin is one of the delicate features of your whole body. Skin that is exposed and visible on a daily basis such as the face, arms and sometimes your legs are more prone to skin conditions e.g. Diseases, burns from the sun etc. Sunscreen has become one of the necessities of life especially if protecting yourself against the chances of acquiring skin cancer and other skin diseases. However, there is a plethora of information out there in the world in regards to sunscreen, its usage, why and when to use it. Some of the information is mythical and not factual. It is important to differentiate the myths from the facts. Here are the top seven myths about sunscreen out there.
1. Dark Skin
Dark skinned people tend to be believe that they are protected from the sun and its rays due to their dark color. It is true if the skin is dark or highly pigmented i.e. has a tan, your risk levels of acquiring skin diseases such as cancer and are minimal. However, this does not mean that you are immune to everything and certainly not from the sun. You are also susceptible to being burned by the sun and other conditions.
2. The Face
This is the most exposed part of your skin as an organ. It is prone to all of the environmental factors and the conditions that they may cause when in contact with the skin. We tend to believe once their faces are covered, there is no need to worry about the other areas and can stay under the sun for as long as they want. The fact is the face requires the best sunscreen for face but this does not exempt the other body areas. Not applying sunscreen increases your vulnerability to the sun.
3. SPF 15 is not as effective as SPF 30
High SPF number is not effective as effectiveness of the sunscreen applied is based on how and the amount applied. A person may apply the best sunscreen of around SPF 50 but the protection that they get of a sunscreen with the SPF number 20. If applied properly, regularly and the right amount, you don’t have to worry about having the best sunscreen for any part of your body.
4. Vitamin D
People believe that you need the sun to acquire vitamin D that is essential to the body. While it is true that vitamin D is essential in the body, it is not true that you need the sun to acquire it. The fact is, you can get vitamin D from your diet and increasing the amounts of food, which add vitamin D to your body reduces the need to stay under the sun. In fact, if the skin produces vitamin D once in contact with the sun on a continuous basis, I believe that it would be toxic to our bodies. In addition, you might be exposed to the sun the whole day and still have an insufficient amount of vitamin D produced.
5. Unnecessary to wear sunscreen in Cloudy Days
Having excess clouds in the sky hinders the sunrays from penetrating to the atmosphere making it safe for our skins and it is deemed unnecessary to wear sunscreen. The fact is ultraviolet rays if the sun can penetrate the clouds and reach your skin even if it is raining and the clouds are quite thick. Ensuring you have the best sunscreen for face applied at all times regardless of the weather outside, you ensure that you are protected against adverse conditions.
6. Sunscreen Prevents Skin Cancer
Sunscreen does not prevent skin cancer, it only reduces the chances of acquiring it by blocking the penetration of the sunrays known to cause it. Therefore, Staying in the sun for longer periods than necessary is advised against.
7. Allergens
Some people believe that they are allergic to all sunscreens alike and think that skipping their use is better than wearing them. You might be allergic and in most cases susceptible to the ingredients contained in a specific sunscreen brand. This does not mean that you are allergic to all of them. Visiting a physician and being tested will give a clue and choice of the best sunscreen for face to purchase for your skin.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an essential part of your everyday life. it should be worn regardless of the weather and should be reapplied on a regular basis during the day especially if the sun’s intensity is quite high. Therefore, before you believe in a rumor, verify the source, seek expert advice and make your own decision on the subject.