Common Myths About Sunscreen Debunked!
Everyone knows that sunscreen is important, but there's still a lot of misinformation about when and how to use it in order to be adequately protected from the sun's cancer-causing UV rays. Renowned New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris Day debunks the myths and fills us in on the sun safety facts.
MYTH: Sun damage only occurs when it's sunny out.
Why this is false: Damaging UVA and UVB rays easily beam through the clouds when on overcast days. "I actually see the worst sunburns on cloudy days because people don't feel the sun shining down on them so they don't realize they need to apply sunscreen. They also don't reapply, yet they are spending more time outdoors so they get sunburned before they even know it," says Dr. Day. In other words: Wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine.
MYTH: All sunscreens protect the same.
Why this is false: All sunscreens are not created equal. "While the FDA does oversee sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs, some products actually don't just meet, but actually exceed the FDA standards. Neutrogena has the Helioplex (R) Technology that meets and exceeds the standards for protection against UVA and UVB rays," says Dr. Day. The new Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen comes in SPF 30 and SPF 70 to protect against premature aging and skin cancer. No matter which sunscreen you choose, reapplying throughout the day is critical. "You should reapply every two hours or more often if you're swimming, sweating or spending extended time outdoors," says Dr. Day
MYTH: A little sunscreen goes a long way.
Why this is false: It actually takes about an ounce of sunscreen to properly cover the whole body. "If you are out with your family for a full day and you're a family of four, you should actually go through a whole bottle before the day is out," says Dr. Day. Stock up!
MYTH: It is okay to reuse sunscreen from last year.
Why this is false: Sunscreen can loose it's effectiveness over time, so it must be replaced every year. Before you dust off last year's bottle, consider what Dr. Day has to say: "It concerns me sometimes when I see patients come in with not just last year's bottle, but the one from the year before that even!"
MYTH: Melanoma can only affect the skin.
Why this is false: UV rays can also damage your eyes. "While we know about melanoma in the skin, the signs to look for and that, when found early, you can have a greater than 98% cure rate, melanoma can also occur in the eyes. Proper eye protection is also really important," says Dr. Day. But you don't have to compromise style to get sun-protecting shades. The fun and free Eye Browser app (available on iTunes and Android) allows you to upload a picture of yourself and virtually try on dozens of different sunglasses. You can also check out hot celebrity eyewear trends and see how you look in the latest styles. When you find a pair you love, click on the maps tab to find the closest store that carries them. Genius!
MYTH: The darker the sunglass lenses, the better they protect against UV rays.
Why this is false: It is important to seek UVA and UVB protection in your eyeglasses and not just rely on the tint to shade your eyes. "UV protection in eyeglass lenses is optically clear. The tint is really just a matter of personal preference," says Dr. Day.
Bottom line: Protect your eyes, protect your skin and enjoy your time outdoors!
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