The sun rays (UVA and UVB), seriously damage our skin and eyes. It doesn’t mean that we need to sunbath to get sun damage. We must be careful and protect ourselves as much as we can all year long.
Dermatologist Sofia Symeonidou explains 8 myths:
Myth #1: Only sun seekers get skin cancer.
We can be exposed to dangerous levels of UV radiation during all sorts of daily activities, such as working outdoors, gardening or walking the dog. This sun exposure adds up over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer to light-skinned people..
Myth #2: Tanning beds are safer than outdoor sun exposure.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the tanning beds can affect the skin in various ways, such as wrinkles, spots or freckles. Using tanning beds is dangerous because the ultraviolet radiation they produce can damage your skin and may increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Myth #3: People that are easily tanned and rarely get burned from the sun will not develop skin cancer.
Every time your skin color changes after sun exposure, the risk of developing skin cancer, increases. The sun's rays (UVA and UVB) damage the skin and over time, frequent sun exposure even if you do not burn, can lead to skin cancer.
Myth #4: People with dark skin are not at risk of skin cancer.
Although people with dark skin are at a lower risk of developing skin cancer, this does not exclude the fact that they can develop malignancies and be severely damaged by ultraviolet radiation. In addition, cases of skin cancer in people with dark skin are often detected when they are at in late stage.
Myth #5: Sun damage is not possible on cloudy days.
Sun damage is also possible on cloudy days, as 80% of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate the clouds, and may even be more intense due to reflection off the clouds causing long-term damage to your skin and eyes. It's no coincidence that most of the people get burned on cloudy days.
Myth #6: Teenagers and young people don’t need to worry about skin cancer. It only affects the elderly.
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in the ages of 25-29. You should check your skin every month and notice any changes in the number, size, shape or color of spots on your skin or wounds that don’t heal.
Myth #7: Only UVB radiation can cause damage to the skin.
Both UVA and UVB radiation damage the skin and cause sunburn. Therefore, you should use a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Myth #8: People who do winter sports do not need to wear sunscreen because it is winter.
Be careful in winter too. The snow reflects the sun's rays, which can increase the chance of sunburn and other skin damage over time.
So don't underestimate the damage can be caused due to the sun exposure, pay attention to your daily routine and protect your skin and eyes from the sun.