Myth-Busters: Get the Facts on Sun Safety
We all know that too much sun can be dangerous. But, there are plenty of myths when it comes to proper protection.
For example, did you know that tanning beds are even more dangerous than the sun? Make sure you have the facts and do not fall for these fables.
Myth: A sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks twice as many ultraviolet (UV) rays as one with SPF 15.
Fact: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) describes how long a product will protect your skin. For example, if you are fair skinned, you will likely burn in 15 minutes on a sunny day with no SPF protection. Wearing an SPF 15 would prevent sunburn for 15 times as long (15 x 15 = 225 minutes), or 3 hours and 45 minutes. SPF 30 would last for 30 times as long (30 x 15 = 450 minutes), or seven hours and 30 minutes.
Myth: I do not need sunscreen, because I do not spend much time outdoors.
Fact: Small amounts of daily sun exposure can damage your skin over time. And UV rays can even pass through car windows. Cumulative exposure is linked to squamous cell cancer that accounts for up to 20 percent of skin cancer deaths. Protect your skin by applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
Myth: If I wear sunscreen, I can stay in the sun all day.
Fact: Sunscreen is important, but it does not provide total protection from UV rays. Plus, sunscreen needs to be applied at least every 2 hours. It is also smart to limit your sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., cover up with a lightweight shirt and wear sunglasses.
Myth: Getting a base tan at a tanning salon will help prevent burning at the beach.
Fact: There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning injures the skin, causing UV damage to deeper layers. Some tanning salons use high-pressure sunlamps that give off UV doses 15 times that of the sun. Even occasional use of tanning beds triples your risk for melanoma.
By the Numbers:
1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer at one point in their lives.The survival rate for early detection is 99%.
Risk for skin cancer doubles if you had more than 5 sunburns.
Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%.
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology
Sunscreen Savvy:
Put sunscreen over any topical medication but under makeup.
Use the equivalent of a shot glass or two to cover your whole body.Always use sunscreen that contains Mexoryl – it protects against both UVA and UVB waves of light. Both can damage your skin even if you do not burn.
Do not forget to cover your lips with a balm that contains SPF 15 or higher.
Don’t take chances with the sun.Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. The minerals in physical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, work by forming a surface layer on the skin that will absorb, reflect and scatter the sun’s harmful UV rays before they penetrate into the skin itself. Starting sun protection at an early and continuing the practice can minimize the effects of premature aging.
Published By: Barry Hickey
Better Life Products
(812) 535-3802
http://www.cosmeticsdeadsea.com
http://www.eczemabathsalt.com
email:support@cosmeticsdeadsea
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