The three most common myths about the sun and tan

Many people believe that shade and cloud cover effectively protect from the sun or that if we wear sunscreen or are in the water it is not possible to burn.

And yet the truth is completely different as there are various myths about tanning and the sun. Initially, redness is the first consequence of overexposure to UV and not a condition of tanning.

Check out some of the myths most of us have heard…

The sun "burns" only from 12 to 3 at noon

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is responsible for photoaging (wrinkles, blemishes, etc.), is stable throughout the day. The variation is UVB, which is associated with malignant melanoma (is the most aggressive form of skin cancer) and is most intense at noon and early afternoon. However, the skin needs protection from both, so it is recommended to avoid sun exposure at noon.

When one is in the water, it does not burn

Many people think that they are safe in the water because they feel cool and do not perceive the effects of UV on their skin. But the truth is that the burn will be noticed 2-6 hours later (usually at night) when they will suddenly see their skin red and feel hot. This is because it takes time for the sensory mechanisms of the skin to activate, which "informs" us about the skin damage of the burn.

Only exposed parts of the body need sunscreen

This only applies when one wears clothes made of fabric with special sunscreens. Ordinary clothes absorb as much UV as a sunscreen with an SPF below 10, ie they let much of it pass through the skin. Darker woven fabrics are more absorbent (when you lift them high in the light and look at them, they don't "touch" at all) but for greater security you apply sunscreen all over your body, especially if you are at high risk for sunburn (white skin). which burns easily or is difficult to tan, with blue eyes and / or blonde or red hair).

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