Busting Sunscreen Myths: Unveiling the Truth for Healthy Skin
There is a growing awareness of the use and benefits of sunscreen. Sunscreen is a product used to protect the skin from the adverse effects of sun rays. There is a spectrum of light that reaches the earth in the form of UVA (Ultra Violet A) and UVB(Ultra Violet B). There is a 3rd ray UVC which gets absorbed by the ozone layer however, it can be found in man-made sources like UV lamps and welding torches.
UVA accounts for 95% of the radiation that reaches the earth and is responsible for aging wrinkles, and sun spots. While UVB accounts for 5% and is strongly linked to cancer. Our bodies are less able to repair DNA damage caused by UVB which is why it is the more dangerous of all these rays.
The skin being the largest organ means it will be our first defense against infections and diseases. It is imperative that we help the skin perform its job. In order to do this, we use a sun-protecting factor (SPF) aka sunscreen. You will find chemical sunscreen, physical sunscreen, and broad-spectrum sunscreen in the market. They are also numbered indicating their potency or how much protection you are getting.
There are quite a number of myths surrounding the use of SPFs:
1. Dark skin doesn’t need SPF: We all go by black doesn’t crack, while white people are more prone to the adverse effects of the sunray it doesn’t mean black people are totally immune to the rays. Everyone regardless of skin color needs sun protection. The reality is that UV rays can affect all skin tones and cause damage such as hyperpigmentation and cancer. So black people do not forget to wear your SPF
2. It is cold in the winter so we don’t need SPF. Well, we still have daytime which means the rays are still coming down. So we need as much sun protection during winter as any other season.
3. Makeup with sunscreen is sufficient. It is thoughtful of makeup brands to add some SPF to their products this is however not enough. On the days you must wear makeup even if these products contain some SPF it is not sufficient. It is advisable to layer your sunscreen before applying your makeup.
4. A little sunscreen is enough, well you want to be generous with the application. If you will have more exposure throughout the day you can also reapply throughout the day
Given the components of an SPF, there is a tendency to leave a white cast, especially on black people. Here are my 3 favorite SPFs for skin of color
Black Girl Sunscreen (broad spectrum
ClearChoice
Elta MD’s UV Defense SPF45 UVA/UVB(broad spectrum) oil-free sunscreen
Not to sound like the sun is all bad, but remember it helps our body produce vitamin D which is essential for normal bone function and health. Doctors also recommend UV radiation to treat jaundice, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Make healthy choices for your skin. Wear your sunscreen every day that ends with a day and of course all year round.