Sunscreens – myths and facts

In the summer, various sunscreens become a permanent part of everyday life.
Here are some related facts and myths for the sunscreens:

Myths

1. It is not necessary to use the cream if the skin is dark.
Since skin color does not depend on anything. Cream should be used every time you are exposed to the direct impact of the sun. Sunburn can occur in any type of skin.

2. If on the packaging of the cream has been written that it is waterproof, it is not necessary to be re-applied daily to the skin.
There is no cream that is completely waterproof, so to prevent burning you need to re-apply it on the skin after each swim. Sea water contains salt impurities that corrode the protective layer of the cream and the security level rapidly decreases.

3. When you use cream the body does not receive enough vitamin D.
Sunscreen really prevent the skin to absorb vitamin D, but many experts argue that the daily dose D is obtained after just a few minutes staying in direct sunlight.

4. Cream with SPF 30 gives 2 times more protection than the cream with a factor 15.
This  is incorrect. Cream with a factor 15 protects skin from 93% of ultraviolet rays, and with a factor 30 the cream provides 97% protection.

5. In cloudy weather you can not get sunburn.
This is not true. The clouds are not a barrier to UV rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. These rays are reflected from water, sand or asphalt, despite the presence of clouds, so it’s likely to burn in cloudy weather but maybe less than when it’s sunny.

Facts

1. The sign SPF on the packaging of the cream means ‘sun protection factor’.

2. The cream should be applied to the body 15-30 minutes before getting out on direct sunlight. To ensure optimal protection the cream must be well absorbed by the skin.

3. Parallel use of sun block and insect repellent is not desirable. Parallel use of these two reduce their effectiveness and increases the risk of burns and insect bites.