Misconception about sunscreen?

• Posted on: Jun 1 2020
• By: Shehnaz Adam

We are all exposed to the sun on a daily basis. It is the rays from the sun that keeps us warm and damages our skin. It is important for us apply sunscreen when we go out to prevent premature ageing. But we make a misconception that we don’t need to sunscreen because of certain reasons. However, certain reasons does not justify it as it still cause cellular damage to the skin. Thus, it is important to understand these misconception.

1st. I spend most of my time indoors so I don’t need to wear sunscreen.

Even though you spend time indoors and are not going out. It is still important that we take care of our skin. As we may sit the window or are exposed to rays from the windows in the home. Rays from the sun go through especially UVA that penetrate through the window. Whilst blocking the UVB rays. Studies have shown that being exposed to UVA rays increases premature ageing. Thus, it is important wear sunscreen daily to avoid premature ageing.

2nd. Going in the sun to get a healthy colour is good, as long as you don’t burn.

This is the most common misconception people have that if they don’t burn, then they are not damaging the skin. This is false, even if you don’t burn the sun rays are still being absorbed by the skin and thus causing damage at a cellular level. As tanning and sun burn both damages the DNA in the skin and can lead to skin cancer.This can give a rise to issues such as pigmentation and sun spots. Thus, by wearing sunscreen can help prevent these rays being absorbed by the skin and reducing sun damage.

3rd. Misconception that high number of SPF means you can spend more time in the sun.

This is again another false misconception. SPF stands for sun protection factor. This measures how much the sunscreen protects you from UVB rays. A higher SPF just prevent you from getting a burn, especially when you have fair and sensitive skin.However, we don’t put enough sunscreen as we suppose to. It is important for us to reapply every 2 hours no matter what SPF we have. Thus, sunscreen helps us to remain protected from the sun.

4th Misconception that Sunscreen stops you from absorbing vitamin D.

This is the most common misconception people make and so people spend time in the sun without protecting this skin. This damages the skin and are more risk of developing skin cancer. Studies have shown that even if you wear sunscreen, some of the rays are still absorbed by skin and so still absorbed vitamin D. However, it is best to obtain vitamin D through supplement and foods too.

5th Misconception that sunscreen have harmful ingredients.

There are two types of sunscreen. One is chemical and other is a physical kind. People often think that the chemical is one that is toxic. However, neither are harmful. In fact chemical sunscreen containing oxybenzone and avobenzone allows rays to be absorbed by the skin, but it reduces the penetration in the skin cells. Whilst, physical sunscreen contains ingredient such as, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide both deflects the UV rays, providing the skin with protection. Therefore, are not harmful in any way.

At Saints European, we have sunscreen available to help you stay protected this summer. Please feel free to call our friendly team today on (828) 586 – 6172!

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