Summers In UAE: 5 Sunscreen Myths That You Should Stop Believing Pronto
Uzma Batool
Let’s knock the bottom out of some of the sunscreen myths while the summers are in full swing.
Summers are finally upon us in UAE. It is hot, it is humid and the majestic sun will not back down up until the end of September. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that we are in a love-hate relationship with the sun and its harmful UV rays. While it is a great source of vitamin D, it can cause numerous skin issues ranging from heatstroke, sunburn, photo-allergic reactions, premature skin aging, skin cancer, and risk to the eyes. Almost all of these skins related issues can be avoided if we amp up our sunscreen game with manifolds. Applying SPF especially during summers should be a daily affair just like brushing teeth, taking a shower, or drinking water.
But hey before you get on the sunscreen bandwagon, let get rid of some of the myths related to sunscreens.
You Need Sunscreen Only When You Are Out And About:
Do you know that even on a cloudy day, 20% of the sun’s rays can infiltrate your skin? Well that’s true hence it doesn’t matter you are within the safety of your four walls or outdoors wearing SPF is extremely important. Although, if you are not exposed to direct sunlight you can wear sunscreen with SPF 30. An SPF 50 is your best friend on days when you are out and about under direct sunlight. Also, lip balms with at least an SPF 15 are important to keep those lips hydrated and sun protected.
Here’s how you can understand the levels of sun protection better:
SPF 15 – blocks 93 percent of UVB rays
SPF 30 – blocks 97 percent of UVB rays
SPF 50 – block 98 percent of UVB rays
Sunscreen Comes With An Age Bracket:
The UV rays can cause havoc without any age discrimination. Practice sun protection on babies as soon as they are born. That means keeping infants in the shade and dressing them in sun-protective clothing such as long-sleeves, pants, and hats. Sun protection should start at around 6 months (ideally with a mineral-only sunscreen), and sun protection is important no matter your age. Enjoy the benefits of Sunblocks and sunscreens right from the beginning.
SPF IS Just For Lighter Range Of Skin Tones:
Every skin type needs sunscreen. See melanin may be magical but it is not sun resistant. That’s a deeply harmful skincare misconception anyone can ever have. Foregoing sunscreen can also worsen any existing hyperpigmentation.
A Higher SPF Applied Once Will Last A Whole Day:
Don’t! just don’t think for a second with a higher SPF you are beating those UV rays. the SPF number refers to how much protection the product is giving you, not how long it lasts. All sunscreens need to be reapplied every after two hours and more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
Makeup With Built-In SPF Is As Good As A Sunscreen:
No that’s a big no-no. Relying on sunscreen-infused products for sun protection is a myth you need to get rid of immediately. A basic rule of thumb when it comes to sun protection is to pair SPF 15 sunscreen with SPF 15 cosmetics.
Also, last but not the least, choose your sunscreen wisely. While it is extremely important to protect our skin with correct sun protection, it is also vital to look for eco-friendly ingredients in your sunscreen. It is highly recommended to read labels and choose SPF that does not contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate may be endangering reef life; oxybenzone, in particular, can cause coral bleaching.
