Many people underestimate the dangers of sun exposure due to widespread myths and misconceptions about sun protection and skin cancer. No matter your skin type or the season, UV radiation remains a threat – so we’ve debunked some of the most common sun protection myths to help you make informed choices and safeguard your skin.
False! Levels of UV radiation are not related to temperature and up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, meaning you can still get sunburnt even when it’s overcast or chilly. Don’t get caught out, always check the UV Index and take steps to protect your skin when UV levels are 3 and above. To check the UV Index in your location go to: The UV Index Forecast
Whilst shade provides some relief from direct sunlight, UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water, sand and concrete – reaching your skin, even when you’re not in direct sunlight. That is why shade should always be used in conjunction with other sun protection measures. For more information on the Five S approach to sun safety go to: Skin Cancer Prevention
Standard glass blocks UVB rays (which cause sunburn) but allows UVA rays to penetrate, leading to skin aging and increased skin cancer risk. UVA rays are present at more-or-less consistent levels, all-year-round. This is why if you do a lot of driving, over time you may notice sun damage on the side of your face exposed to your vehicle window. For more information go to: Understanding UV Radiation
Sunscreen is essential, but it’s just one part of five effective sun protection measures that should be used in combination to reduce exposure to UV radiation. Wearing protective clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and seeking shade are also crucial to reducing sun damage and thereby your risk of skin cancer. For more information go to: Skin Cancer Prevention
Sunscreens typically expire three years after manufacturing, but they also lose effectiveness once opened, meaning it won’t provide full protection against UV rays which can put you at risk of sunburn. Always check the expiration date, safe to use date and make sure to store sunscreen properly to ensure it works as intended. For further information go to: Sunscreen Protection Tips
False. A tan is a sign of skin damage. Even if your skin doesn’t burn easily, UV exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. The simple fact that your skin has changed colour is a visual warning sign and your skin’s way of telling you it’s working hard to defend itself from UV radiation. No skin type is immune to UV damage. For more information go to: Skin Types and Skin Cancer
Darker skin has more melanin, which provides some natural protection from UV radiation, but it doesn’t make you immune to skin cancer and all skin types should take steps to protect their skin. Unfortunately, the misconception that people with dark skin are immune to skin cancer, often results in later stage diagnosis and poorer prognosis. For more information go to: Skin Cancer in Skin of Colour
Sunbeds emit concentrated UV radiation, significantly increasing your risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. There is no such thing as a “safe” or “protective” tan. Using a sunbed before intentional tanning is a sure way to accelerate skin aging, sun damage and significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. For further information go to: Sunbeds and Skin Cancer
This misconception lulls people into a false sense of security, putting consumers at risk of sun damage and skin cancer. SPF in cosmetics is not enough for proper sun protection. Most makeup products with SPF don’t provide broad-spectrum coverage, and people typically don’t apply them in sufficient amounts, or reapply them throughout the day. A dedicated sunscreen is 100% still necessary.
This is not true. Only small amounts of exposure to the sun’s UVB rays are required for the body to produce sufficient vitamin D3 and over-exposure is a serious health risk. Intentional unprotected exposure for extended periods is not only highly dangerous, it simply pointless as the skin will dispose of any overload. For more information go to: Sun Exposure and Vitamin D.
Aftersun products may soothe the skin from the unpleasant symptoms of sunburn, but they certainly don’t reverse the DNA damage caused. Sunburn is strongly linked to the development of melanoma – the most dangerous, life-threatening form of skin cancer. When it come to sun safety and skin cancer – prevention is always better than cure. For further information go to: Sunburn and Tanning
You most certainly can. UVA rays are present all-year-round and can penetrate cloud cover, fog and glass. We are therefore all exposed to high levels during our lifetime, making a strong case for daily sun protection – even in the winter months. If you’re hitting the slopes, be mindful too that snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation and can be just as damaging as on a hot, sunny beach!
Whilst skin cancer risk increases with age and is caused by cumulative and/or intense exposure to UV during our lifetime – It’s never too late to protect your skin! While past damage can’t be undone, adopting sun-safe habits now can prevent further harm and reduce your risk. If you have a history of sunburn, tanning or sunbed use, you should be regularly checking your skin for signs of skin cancer.
For many, particularly young adults, skin cancer may seem a distant threat and not one to worry about. But skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. It is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer and anyone can develop it, regardless of age, skin type, or lifestyle. Prioritising sun protection is essential for everyone and the earlier in life sun safe habits are adopted the lower your lifetime risk will be.
