Sun Protection Myths

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

So what’s the deal with sun protection?

How much sun do we need? What is the best time of the day to get exposed? Hopefully the following information will help sort through some of the myths relating to sun protection

Sun protection myth #1.
Children need a lot of direct sun exposure or they will develop a Vitamin D deficiency.
False: Most children in Australia gets enough Vitamin D from their everyday activities, even when well protected with clothing, hats and sunscreen.
Sun protection myth #2
If my baby is jaundiced or has nappy rash, exposure to direct sunlight is helpful.
False: Expose your baby’s skin to fresh air, not direct sunlight. Jaundice should be monitored by a doctor.
Sun protection myth #3
Sunscreen use may actually increase skin cancer rates.
False: Research shows that problems can arise if people use
sunscreen to prolong their time in the sun. If used correctly, broad spectrum sunscreen can lower skin cancer rates.

If I have darker skin I don’t need any sun protection… right?  WRONG!!

Sun protection myth #4                                                           My child has olive skin therefore they are not at risk of skin cancer.                                                                                     False: Anyone, regardless of skin type, who spent their childhood in Australia is at high risk of developing skin cancer.
Sun protection myth #5
I’m not that concerned about skin cancer because if it happens I’ll see it, it’s easy to treat and only old people get it.
False: Skin cancer can happen to you when you’re young and treatment can result in permanent scarring. Check your skin regularly and consult your GP immediately if you notice any changes.

I’ll only be in the sun for a little while so I don’t think I’ll need any sun protection…

Sun protection myth #6
It takes at least half an hour to get sunburnt.
False: In parts of Australia it is possible to get burnt in as little as 11 minutes due to the high levels of UV radiation year round. It’s important to be protected whenever you’re out in the sun, even for short periods.
Sun protection myth #7
Sunscreen is toxic.
False: There is no evidence of any harmful long-term effects
associated with the use of Australian sunscreen. Cancer Council sunscreen has the least amount of chemicals possible.

Sun protection myth #8

One application of sunscreen in the morning is enough. False: No sunscreen provides 100% protection and it should always be used in conjunction with other sun protection methods. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours.

Sun protection myth #9

By using fake tan I am darkening my skin so it’s protected from the sun.

False: Fake tanning lotion is like dying your skin – the change is only external. There is no improvement in your body’s ability to protect itself from the sun.

Sun protection myth #10
You can’t get burnt in the car or through a window.
False: Glass significantly reduces transmission of UVB rays, but only a third of UVA rays. Both UVA and UVB radiation contribute to sunburn and skin cancer.
To find out more visit www.cancercouncil.com.au

Play safe and cover up:-)

Kim