10 Myths and Facts About Skin Cancer and the Sun

Summertime is meant for the best adventures. The sun tends to shine at the best moments and road trips to the beach become inevitable. However, proceed with caution. It is up to you to protect yourself from the dangers the sun carries, and know what exactly these dangers are. But have no fear, we made a list of myths and facts about skin cancer and the sun for you!

 
1. Tanning in sunbeds in salons do not harm me
MYTH — WebMD found that the ultraviolet light from the sun are also found in tanning beds and can affect your skin in multiple ways, including causing wrinkles, freckles or sunspots.

2.  Sunscreen of SPF 25 is enough for a day of extended outdoor activity
MYTH — If you know you are going to be outdoors all day, be sure to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 2-3 times throughout the day. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this is optimal for preventing excess sun exposure.
 
3. Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher is enough for a day full of errands
FACT — If you’re going to be indoors most of the day, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you get in the habit of putting on about 1 oz of sunscreen on your body and 1 tablespoon on your face each day.

 
 
Our Tip: To ensure you remember to apply sunscreen throughout the day, add “sunscreen” to your Medisafe reminders. That will guarantee your skin stays burn-free and healthy all summer long. Download the app here. 
 
 
 
4. If clouds are out, I don’t need to worry about getting burnt
MYTH — The sun is always there, even if you think it is not. According to recent research, up to 80 percent of the UV rays that cause sun damage penetrate clouds.
 
5. I should avoid the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM.
FACT — According to WebMD, between 10 AM and 2 PM, the sun burns the strongest, so avoid being outside at those times.
 
6. Newborns should be in the sun everyday for at least 1 hour
MYTH — Newborns should NOT be in the sun at all. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends beginning to apply sunscreen to children at the age of 6 months.

7. “Because I am not outdoors all day, I am not at risk to get skin cancer”
MYTH — The FDA found that even small exposures to the sun adds up to have potentially harmful effects such as cancer, eye damage, premature aging and more.
 
8.Tanning is not harmful, as long as you don’t get burnt
MYTH  — The term “a healthy suntan” does not exist. Tanning increases a skin pigment in your skin called melanin, which is evidence that your skin is damaged. As Merck puts it, a tan is simply another version of a sunburn.
 
 
9. Dark-skinned men and women have a lower risk for skin cancer.
FACT — While dark-skinned people have a lower risk for skin cancer, that does NOT mean that they are immune. The Environmental Protection Agency states that these men and women should still take part in preventative care.

It is OKAY to have some fun in the sun, just be careful and attentive to your body.
 
Were you surprised about any of these myths or facts? Let us know in the comments below!