Sun Protection: 10 Myths in a Fact Check

Legends, myths, facts – everyone can contribute something on the subject of the sun and sun protection. Everyone knows that sun rays can be harmful to the skin and how important adequate sun protection is. But does everyone know the right thing to do? Here, the most persistent sun lies are debunked for unadulterated summer fun.

Myth 1: At the sunlight are mainly the UV-A rays and UV-B rays dangerous.

Not true. According to scientific findings by the Institute for Environmental Medicine Research in Düsseldorf, the type A infrared rays, which make up 30 percent of sunlight, are also harmful to the skin: they penetrate deeper than UV-A rays and UV-B rays into the skin, where they set in motion a cell damage cascade that leads to skin aging. Modern sun protection must therefore also contain an active complex against infrared A radiation.

Myth 2: Pre-tanning in a solarium protects the skin from the summer sun

Not true. It is not the beautiful tan that protects against harmful UV radiation. Only selected UV protection filters can do that. In addition, dermatologists rate tanning on a tanning bed as very precarious. It is better to prepare the skin for the sun, for example with sun capsules. They help the skin defend itself against sun damage by providing free radical scavengers and cell protection vitamins. In particular, sun allergy sufferers benefit from preparation for the sun season.

Myth 3: Sunscreen is unnecessary in the shade

Not true. A large part of the sunlight and thus also the harmful radiation is reflected, for example, by the sand or water – sunshade, hat or a large tree keep only little radiation away. That’s why sunburn can occur even in the shade; so adequate protection is needed there, too.

Myth 4: Sunscreens need to be massaged in well

Not true. The cream or lotion should be applied gently as a film and in no case massaged in firmly. British researchers found that after vigorously massaging in the sunscreen, there was little difference in terms of protective effect compared to skin that was not massaged in at all. The researchers suspect that if the cream is rubbed in too vigorously, much of it collects in sweat glands and wrinkles, or the UV filter changes its properties as it penetrates the skin.

Myth 5: Lying in the sun all day – no problem with sunblock

Not true. So-called sunblockers, i.e. products whose sun protection factor is higher than 20, do swallow a large part of the UV radiation. However, some of it also penetrates the skin and causes cell changes there. So even with a high sun protection factor, you should not lie in the sun “forever.” An EU commission has even banned the term sunblocker because it can give consumers the false impression that this product provides one hundred percent protection against UV rays. Basically, different skin types need different sun protection. Light-skinned types need a higher sun protection factor than dark-skinned types, allergy sufferers need a particularly gentle sunscreen and children need one that is tailored to the special needs of their delicate skin.

Myth 6: Clothing protects against the sun

True only to a certain extent! The sun’s rays can also penetrate through fabric, especially with light-colored, loose clothing. For example, a white cotton T-shirt has a sun protection factor of only 3 to 4. The darker the clothing, the stronger the protection against UV rays. There are also special sun-protective clothing impregnated with photoprotective substances that allow almost no UV and IR-A rays to reach the skin.

Myth 7: Sunburn on the scalp gets only bald men

Not true. Anyone can get sunburn on the scalp. Particularly at risk is the area on the crown or hair vertebrae. That is why the scalp should also be protected from the sun’s rays. If you do not want to wear headgear, it is best to use sun sprays that apply UV filters with a fine spray and are not greasy.

Myth 8: After-sun products are superfluous

Not true. Sun-stressed skin needs extra moisture. A special after-sun care also contains skin-soothing substances such as bisabolol, panthenol or jojoba oil. Apres products with regenerating enzymes can even repair slight sun damage to the skin cells.

Myth 9: Neurodermatitis sufferers must not be in the sun

Not true!Sun can even significantly alleviate the symptoms of neurodermatitis. The right sun protection is also important here. The dry, sensitive skin should not be stressed by cosmetic additives such as perfumes, dyes and preservatives. These can trigger inflammatory reactions and thus possibly aggravate the skin disease. Better are dermatologically developed sun creams that have been tested for good compatibility with neurodermatitis.

Myth 10: The sun milk from the previous year can no longer be used

Not true. Sun filters and other important ingredients last longer than a year. Leftovers are best stored in the refrigerator. High-quality sunscreens display an expiration date. Unopened products are guaranteed to last and be safe until that date.