Written by Dr Chandni Jain Gupta One cannot stress the importance of sunscreen enough in daily skincare, which is not just about appearances but a protective health routine for preventing sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. Yet there are many myths surrounding its use that need to be debunked. Myth 1: You don’t need to use sunscreen on cloudy days. This statement is completely false. It is important to apply sunscreen irrespective of the kind of day it is. While clouds can block some of the sun’s rays, the UV radiation can still penetrate through them and reach your skin. UV radiation is a major cause of skin damage and cancer, which is why we advise everybody to apply sunscreen before stepping out of the house. Some studies say that cloud cover may even enhance UV radiation by shattering the UV rays and making them more intense. This increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Myth 2: You can’t get sunburnt while you’re in the swimming pool. You can get sunburnt because water can reflect sunlight and increase your exposure to UV radiation. Being in water can give a person a false sense of security as they may not feel hot and sweaty which are the most common signs of sunburn. But it is still important for people to wear water-resistant sunscreen when going into the pool. It is also advisable to wear a wide-brimmed hat or even a rash guard to protect the skin against UV radiation. Myth 3: A sunscreen with super-high SPF lasts all day long. No, applying sunscreen with super-high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) cannot last all day long. Sunscreens with higher SPF values provide more protection against UV radiation but they still need to be reapplied regularly to be effective. The effectiveness can wear off due to several factors, including sweating, swimming and running. Hence, it is advised that if a person is out for an extended period, they should reapply sunscreen frequently to ensure that the skin is adequately protected from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Also use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Myth 4: You can only get skin cancer on body parts that are exposed to the sun. No, you can get skin cancer on body parts that are not directly exposed to the sun. While skin cancer is most commonly found in areas of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight, it can develop on any part of the skin, including areas that are covered by clothing or hair. Some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can develop at the bottom of the feet, the palms of the hands, or underneath the nails, where they may not be visible or may be mistaken for other conditions. Additionally, UV radiation from the sun can penetrate through clouds and windows, which means that you can still be exposed to UV radiation even when you’re indoors or in a car. Myth 5: You cannot get skin cancer as long as you use sunscreen. Yes, it is still possible to get skin cancer even after applying sunscreen. While it can help to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting your skin from UV radiation, it is not a foolproof method of protection. Sunscreens are designed to filter out some, but not all, of the UV radiation that reaches your skin. No sunscreen can block 100 per cent of UV radiation, and even if you apply it correctly, some UV radiation may still penetrate through to your skin. Moreover, sunscreen can wear off or become less effective if not reapplied frequently. It is a good idea to get regular skin check-ups done by a dermatologist.
