Sunscreen: Beware Of Misconceptions!
A rumor that sunscreens are useless is circulating on the Internet and social media. Moreover, according to a Febea survey published at the beginning of summer 2024, nearly 4 out of 10 French people think they do not need it. This discourse is dangerous, especially as the number of skin cancers continues to rise in France. To help you better understand and properly use this product, we have listed 5 misconceptions to combat about sunscreen.
1- Tanning naturally protects against UV: false!
According to the Febea barometer published on June 27, 2024, 39% of French people think they can do without sunscreen, despite numerous awareness campaigns on this subject. Even though the risks of UV rays for health are now well known to the general public, only 43% of respondents at the beach or pool reapply sunscreen every two hours...
They may reassure themselves with the idea that tanning naturally protects against UV, but this is false! Several British and American scientific studies have shown that already tanned skin does not offer additional protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
The British study dating from 1998 revealed that, among subjects who tanned easily, the "protection" provided by tanning was equivalent to a cream with an SPF index of... SPF 2 or SPF 3 at most for the darkest skins!
2- Once tanned, you can choose a sunscreen with a lower SPF: false!
For the reasons mentioned earlier, you should not choose your sunscreen's protection factor based on your tan. Contrary to a common misconception, you cannot start the summer with an SPF 50 cream and then switch to an SPF 30 or a lower protection factor.
The most suitable protection factor for you depends on your skin phototype. If you have fair skin, you should opt for SPF 50 throughout the summer. If you have dark skin, you can use an SPF 30 product.
But be careful: this recommendation from dermatologists is not an absolute truth! It all depends on the context. When going skiing in winter or sailing in summer, even the darkest and most tanned individuals should choose an SPF 50.
3- With a cream with SPF 50, I am protected all day: false!
If you have bought and applied SPF 50 sunscreen, congratulations, you have protected your skin from the sun… but only for a limited time.
Contrary to a still too common misconception, you are not set for the whole day! Even when using the highest protection factor, it is essential to reapply the sunscreen:
• every two hours.
• after each swim because water dilutes the product and reduces its effectiveness.
4- If I stay in the shade of a parasol, I'm not at risk: false!
It is true that sitting under a parasol or on a shaded terrace protects you from the sun's rays, but only partially. It is still possible to get sunburned in the shade due to the reflection of UVB rays on the sand or water, for example.
Therefore, if you need to be very cautious because you have fair skin or a history of skin cancer, don't forget to apply sunscreen in the summer every time you go out, even if you choose a spot in the shade.
Also note that the interior of a car does not completely protect against UV rays. UVA rays pass through the windows. This type of ray accelerates skin aging and can contribute to the development of skin cancers.
5- In the mountains, you get less sunburned than at the beach: false!
Contrary to another common misconception, the mountains are not a less dangerous destination for sunburns than the seaside! On the contrary, altitude increases exposure to ultraviolet rays. UV rays increase by 10% every 1000 meters.
Therefore, if you plan to spend your summer vacation at high altitudes for hiking or simply to enjoy cooler weather, you absolutely must pack sunscreen in your luggage.
We don't always think about it, but this product is just as essential on hiking trails as it is on beaches... Now that you know how to debunk myths about sunscreens, you can fully enjoy your outdoor vacation without burning your skin.
