Last week, I talked about the importance of Broad Spectrum in your sunscreen. Have you checked your tube yet? If not, get to it, but not before you’ve finished reading this article and made a comment down below 
This week, I’m going to address a few of the erroneous beliefs of sun and skin and tanning and burning. (Yes, I know, I did that on purpose) Over the years, my clients have talked about “is this true” or “I heard..”, “I always thought that..” These are a few of the myths floating out there:
- Tanning is good because it protects from sunburn – It does not. As a matter of fact, a tanned body can burn at any time and is a sign OF skin damage. The skin develops a tan due to UVB rays which is the light wave that burns the epidermis. A tan is also the result of change in DNA due to damage which can lead to melanoma. Tanning is the way our skin makes an attempt to repair and protect itself to prevent further injury.
A Windy Cloudy Beach Day
- A cool breeze helps prevent a sunburn – You know those days while you’re sitting on the beach, enjoying the sun, the sand and absolutely luxuriating in the fact that you’re not on a slow broil? Well, guess again. You are broiling, possibly even more so then on a windless day.The wind has no effect on the amount of UV radiation your skin is receiving, it can’t move the UV’s away; as a matter of fact, add a lovely wind burn to the day’s sojourn.
- Windows protect from all of the sun’s ultraviolet rays – While windows provide a minimum amount of protection, the sun’s UVA waves are longer and will penetrate the glass, leaving you with damage to the dermal layers of the skin.
hyperpigmentation
Very often, a person will have more sun damage (that displays itself as hyper-pigmentation) on the left side of the face due to driving.
- It’s cloudy out; therefore, no damage – Just because the sun is hiding behind clouds and it’s a gray day doesn’t mean that the rays are blocked. Up to 40% of the Sun’s ultraviolet rays will hit Earth on a fully cloudy day.
- Since it’s a 50 SPF, it only has to be applied once while I’m outside, the higher the number, the better – Oh my, do this only if you’re interested in getting a burn. A broad spectrum sunscreen must be applied hourly, apx 1 oz for the body.
- Dark-skinned people can’t get melanoma – This one makes me nuts! Skin is skin people! Melanoma doesn’t say, hey, let’s go get that man from Norway and leave that woman in Brazil alone.. It makes no difference what your race is or if you’re skin color is light or dark. If you’re not taking care of your skin, you leave yourself susceptible to sun damage. Melanoma is an equal opportunity cancer.
These are just a sampling of the stories we’ve been raised with. I’d like to hear your stories. Oh, one more thing, please, schedule annual skin checks with your dermatologist. It could save your life.
Here are some sites you may want to visit for further research
I thought that having a tan WOULD protect you from getting burnt. Thanks for the lessons. I was a sun worshiper in my younger days. I wish I would have known better then!!
Oh my gosh, Leslie! Weren’t we all sun worshipers.
Yes, the melanin becomes darker as a result of trying to protect the skin. That being said, skin can still burn if the proper precautions aren’t adhered to. UVA & UVB still penetrate to have it’s wicked way with you…
Thanks for visiting
TRUE, t r u e, true and I love some tan but not too much!
One question, Syl, I miss that little, little tiny spot of positiviness that sun is good for your bones due to releasing vitamin D.
Do you agree or is that another myth, huh?
Excellent question, it’s not a myth and I’m still doing research on this one. As it stands now, broad spectrum sunscreen does block vitamin D from penetrating the dermis, that being said… Would you rather develop melanoma or take a supplement of D?
Thanks for stopping by Rita
This is excellent. The breeze I did not know but will be adding this to my patient teaching!!
Lori PNP-BC, NNP-BC, ARNP
Lori!
You honor me! I’m so happy to have been able to be of service.
Great info. I still think I look better with some color, but I will be more careful.
Absolutely! The trick is to be wise and use common sense. I love a sun kissed glow too. Just use the appropriate tools for the exercise. Being more careful is the key.
Remember, it’s about applying frequently.
Great stuff!! I am definitely wearing sunscreen from now on.
I’m so happy to hear this. And don’t forget the other bare spots, like the ears and the top of the head if a hat isn’t being worn.
Great post, thanks for the insight. I think you need to submit this post to the cast of the Jersey Shore they may need it with all the tanning that they do lol.
Haha! As a matter of fact, I have an article talking about Snookie and her addiction for a future article. lol
This is making me think twice about tanning. Since I moved to the beach, I was determined to get a tan this summer to even out my skin and “hide” skin issues, but maybe not. Great article!
I’m glad you’re rethinking this goal. That being said.. we need the sun. It’s a Mexican Hat Dance if you will. Stepping in and out and being cautious as you step in.
I will sun myself but in a prepared, smart way. Sunglasses ALWAYS! A hat, a good sunscreen, stay out of the sun between 11 am and 1 pm and remembering to re-apply, re-apply, re-apply. Absolutely take advantage of your new neighborhood. Just be smart about it.
Stick a fork in me I’m done! Living in FL I have a tan all the time, that’s why I go for a check up every year. Great article!
Excellent Michael! Skin checks are extremely important no matter your race. Living in a sunny clime demands you maintain your appointments. This is cancer and I’m not sure a portion of society realizes or comprehends the danger. Thanks for bringing this up.