Researchers say UV light exposure can trigger the release of endorphins, those feel-good hormones. But too much exposure could lead to skin cancer, a sometimes deadly disease that affects more than 2 million Americans annually. In a new Skin Cancer Foundation survey, 95 percent of adults think tanning is dangerous, but fewer than 40 percent said they use sunscreen with at least SPF 15. How can you enjoy the sun without exposing yourself to the risks of skin cancer?
myth: all sunscreens work equally well
Fact: Use 2-3 tablespoons of lotion 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. That’s tough to measure with a spray, so just be sure to saturate your body.
myth: doubling a sunscreen's spf doubles its protection
Fact: A sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 actually provides only slightly more defense against UVB rays than one with an SPF of 15. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends an SPF of at least 15, which filters out 93 percent of UVB rays.
myth: all sunscreens block uva and uvb rays
Fact: You need to seek out a product with broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet A and B rays. Make sure to spread on sun block before you drive to the beach.
myth: lip gloss and lipstick protect you from uv damage
Fact: Most lipsticks and glosses don’t contain any SPF, and may actually worsen UV exposure. Like once-popular sunbathing oils, lip gloss or lipstick “increases your susceptibility [to damage] because it attracts the heat. Signs of skin cancer include persistent, scaly, crusty areas above or on the lip, or a red patch above the lip or near the lip line. Source.
