With summer here and the December holidays around the corner, now is the time to make sure you know what’s a myth and what’s the truth when it comes to sun protection.
Let the debunking, with the help of Lamelle, begin:
- Myth: You only need to use sun protection when it’s sunny outside
Truth: While we are more likely to get a painful sunburn when it is sunny outside, did you know that the sun’s UV rays can damage our skin even on overcast and rainy days? UVA rays are responsible for accelerated ageing and cellular DNA damage, and unfortunately for us, they are present all year round – regardless of the weather. This means you must apply a good quality, broad-spectrum SPF product daily, irrespective of the season.
- Myth: The higher the SPF, the stronger the sun protection
Truth: The sun protection factor (SPF) number on your sunscreen tube applies to time – not to strength. Let’s say you can spend ten minutes outdoors before your skin starts to burn. An SPF 30 would then protect your skin for thirty times longer, which, in this case, is 300 minutes. If you were to apply an SPF 50, it would protect your skin for 500 minutes. The SPF number is directly proportional to the amount of time you are protected, rather than the strength of the protection.
- Myth: Sun protection products are not safe for babies and children
Truth: Many skincare products are unsuitable for children, and this may include some sun protection products, but plenty of available sunscreens are safe for young skin. Babies and young children are extremely vulnerable to sunburn, so it is imperative to protect their skin with a suitable SPF from around the age of six months and up. If you are unsure whether a sun protection product is suitable for your child, consult your medical practitioner or the brand in question.
- Myth: Darker skin tones do not need to apply SPF
Truth: A common misconception is that only very fair and Caucasian skin tones need sun protection. Even though it is not always visible, people with darker skin tones can still get sunburnt, and even worse, they are also vulnerable to developing skin cancer. The truth is that all skin types, from the very lightest (Fitzpatrick 1) to the very deepest (Fitzpatrick 6), need SPF protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Myth: Sunscreen is toxic and contains harmful chemicals
Truth: Sunscreen is safe – this is one of the most important myths to debunk, because when people do not use sunscreen out of fear, it is incredibly detrimental to their health. Modern sunscreen formulations have come a long way. Not only have their textures, efficacy, and scents improved, but brands have also worked tirelessly to improve their formulations to be beneficial and safe. If you are concerned about the safety of sun protection products, we recommend researching to find a brand you can trust. Look for a credible skincare brand whose formulas are backed by science and clinical trials and who have a strong reputation. If you have questions, ask them. Ask your doctor, your therapist or the brand in question. It’s important not to stay silent if you have concerns.
- Myth: You don’t need to reapply waterproof sunscreen
Truth: The terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are somewhat misleading because they imply that your sun protection product remains on the skin even after being in the water. There is no such thing as actual “waterproof” sunscreen, as all SPF products will wash off from the skin eventually. Experts recommend reapplying your SPF after every swim or every two hours if your skin stays dry.
Our current fave on the sunscreen front is Lamelle’s Helase 50+. This multi-functional, anti-ageing product protects against the full spectrum of sunlight, while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin.
