Sun Safety
Myths Busted
The Truth to the Most Common Sun Exposure Myths
Myth #1:If you can't feel the heat of the sun, you can't get burnt.
Truth: When you can't feel the sun, the skin is still exposed to the same amount of UVA rays.Even when it's cloudy, 80% of the sun's rays are penetrating the skin.
Myth #2:People with dark skin are already protected from the sun.
Truth: Everyone needs protection from the sun.Darker skinned people do have more natural sun protection, but theyare still at risk for skin cancer, wrinkles, and permanent sun damage.
Myth #3:A tan protects the skin from further damage from UV rays.
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a 'healthy tan'.A tan indicates that UV damage has already occurred, and does NOT protect the skin from further sun damage.
Myth #4:A cotton t-shirt at the beach will protect skin from sun burn.
Truth: A dry cotton t-shirt will provide the equivalent protection as sunscreen with SPF 6, and awet t-shirt only protects like a sunscreen with an SPF of 3.
Myth #5:Skin cancer only affects older adults.
Truth: Young people are just as much at risk as older adults.Melanoma is the second most common cancer in people20-29 years old, due to overexposure to the sun and the use of tanning beds.
For more information on ways to stay safe in the sun, please visit the National Safety Council:
For more sun myths busted, please visit Great Skin:
http://www.greatskin.com/news/sunmyth.htm
References:
Sun Protection: Dispelling Myths from Truths. (1999). Great Skin. http://www.greatskin.com/news/sunmyth.htm.
Sun Safety. (2006). National Safety Council. http://www.nsc.org/ehc/sunsafe.htm.
Are You Being Protected?
Follow These Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun This Summer...
Limit sun exposure during the hours when the sun's rays are the strongest between 10am and 4pm.
The shorter your shadow, the more intense the sun's rays.NO SHADOW,SEEK SHADE!
Refer to the daily UV index when planning outdoor events.
The daily UV index can give you an indication of the intensity of the sun, and can help prevent you fromoverexposure of the sun.
Seek shade whenever possible.
Trees and umbrellas provide protection, but only about 60% protection, so it is still important to wear sunscreen.
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved, tightly woven clothing whenever possible.
Sunglasses can block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation to protect your eyes from sun damage.
Use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15.
Apply liberally and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.
Avoid tanning salons.
Artificial UV radiation is just as bad for you, if not worse, than sunlight.
Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as water and snow.
UV rays can be reflected off sand, tile, water, snow, and buildings, therefore it is important to practice allsun safetybehaviors even when in the shade.
