18 Jul Sunburn
As we head into the holiday season, protect yourself against harmful UV rays.
These 10 myths can help you to educate yourself, your family and friends and potentially prevent skin cancer years down the track.
1. SUN DAMAGE CAN’T HAPPEN ON WINDY, CLOUDY OR COOL DAYS.
WRONG! Sun damage is caused by UV radiation, not temperature. UV radiation can even penetrate and reflect off clouds, making the radiation more intense.
2. FAKE TAN LOTION DARKENS THE SKIN, PROTECTING IT AGAINST THE SUN.
FAKE NEWS! Fake tanning lotion provides no protection – you will still need proper sunscreen.
3. YOU DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN IF USING COSMETICS WITH SPF
FALSE! If the cosmetic is not labelled SPF30 it offers no protection.
4. PEOPLE WITH OLIVE OR DARK SKIN ARE NOT AT RISK
NO MAN! Regardless of skin type, exposure to UV radiation can cause skin damage and skin cancer.
5. SP50+ WILL LAST LONGER THAN SP30.
NAH! No sunscreen is a suit of armour and the sunscreen used should never encourage extended exposure. And you need to apply sunscreen multiple times – one application is not good enough as you’ll be swimming, sweating etc.
6. NEED LOTS OF SUN TO AVOID VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY.
NUTS! Talk to your dietician or get supplements from your pharmacist.
7. NOT TO WORRY, IF YOU GET SKIN CANCER YOU’LL SEE IT. IT’S EASY TO TREAT.
YOU THINK? You don’t get cancer immediately after exposure to UV radiation. It creeps up on you, often decades later. Treatment for skin cancer can extend to surgery and chemotherapy. South Africa ranks high in the world when it comes to skin cancer.
8. YOU CAN’T GET BURNT THROUGH A CAR WINDOW.
GUESS WHAT? Untinted car windows can reduce UV radiation but cannot block it.
9. A NICE TAN IS HEALTHY.
SERIOUSLY?! There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
10. SUNBEDS ARE SAFE.
DON’T GO THERE! Not even in moderation. Sunlamps increase the risk of developing cancer.
We don’t want to be the Sun Grinch, but you can enjoy the beautiful weather through the correct application of sunscreen, wearing a hat and clothing to cover exposed skin, limiting your time in the sun, and seeking shade.