August 22, 2024
Ultraviolet rays are more than just a cause of sunburn — they can lead to wrinkles, aging skin, and even skin cancer. Many people are misinformed about the best ways to protect themselves from these harmful rays. Here are some of the most dangerous myths about UV rays and why they’re incorrect.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. There are three types of UV rays. UVC rays don’t reach the earth because the atmosphere absorbs them, but UVB rays and UVA rays can lower your body’s ability to fight off illness, damage your eyes, age your skin, and increase your risk for getting skin cancer. Glass blocks UVB rays, but it does not filter UVA rays. That’s why you should apply sunscreen to exposed parts of your body before getting into a car, particularly in spring and summer.
Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, does offer some natural protection against UV rays. However, the protection it provides is about the same as a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 13. That’s far less than what dermatologists recommend, which is an SBF of at least 30.
Sitting under a tree, awning, or umbrella provides protection from UV rays coming directly from the sun, but not from those reflecting off of other surfaces such as water, sand, snow, and pavement. So, if you’re going to be spending time outside, it’s still important to apply sunscreen even if you’re bringing your own shade. Also wear sunglasses that filter out UV rays.
The sun’s heat comes from a type of electromagnetic energy called infrared rays, not from UV rays. That means you still need to apply sunscreen to exposed areas when you’re outdoors, especially if the ground is snow-covered. And while you do get more UV rays on clear days than on cloudy ones, enough of them make their way through the clouds to warrant an application of sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for a while.
It’s true that the risk of being negatively affected by the sun’s UV rays is highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in North America. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen at other times. While the sun’s rays may not be as strong, UV exposure is a risk from sunrise to sunset.
A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays when it’s applied correctly. One with an SPF of 100 only blocks an additional 1 percent to 2 percent of the sun’s rays. Regardless of which SPF you use, it’s important to make sure you’re applying the appropriate amount of sunscreen. For adults, the American Dermatology Association recommends using about one ounce of sunscreen to sufficiently cover your body. This means you should be using enough to fill a shot glass.
Another important thing to remember is that sunscreen is only effective for two hours at most, so if you’re outdoors for more than two hours, make sure you reapply it. When it comes to water-resistant sunscreens, most are effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming. However, it’s never a bad idea to apply more after swimming just to be safe.
The sun’s UVB rays convert a protein in your skin to vitamin D, which helps keeps your bones strong by regulating your body’s calcium levels. No studies, however, have found that using sunscreen everyday leads to a vitamin D deficiency. You can use sunscreen and maintain a healthy vitamin D level.
Debunking these common myths about UV rays highlights the importance of proper sun protection. To protect yourself effectively, always apply sunscreen generously and reapply it as needed. Taking a few extra minutes to protect yourself before heading outdoors can go a long way in preventing sun-related damage and keeping your skin healthy.
