Nowadays, we have access to a wealth of information. Yet, there is so much misinformation available at our fingertips that even the most sceptical of us are at risk of being fooled. This is particularly true when it comes to skincare and sun protection.
From ‘old wives tales’ to uninformed advice being punted on social media, most of us are at risk of being exposed to a sun protection myth (or ten!) this summer.
Leaders in the skincare industry – Lamelle Research Laboratories – have debunked a few of the most common sun protection myths to ensure we stay protected this season and beyond:
Myth: You only need to use sun protection when it’s sunny outside
Truth: While we are more likely to get a painful sunburn when it is sunny outside, did you know that the sun’s UV rays can damage our skin even on overcast and rainy days? UVA rays are responsible for accelerated ageing and cellular DNA damage, and unfortunately for us, they are present all year round – regardless of the weather. This means you must apply a good quality, broad-spectrum SPF product daily, irrespective of the season.
Myth: The higher the SPF, the stronger the sun protection
Truth: The sun protection factor (SPF) number on your sunscreen tube applies to time – not to strength. Let’s say you can spend ten minutes outdoors before your skin starts to burn. An SPF 30 would then protect your skin for thirty times longer, which, in this case, is 300 minutes. If you were to apply an SPF 50, it would protect your skin for 500 minutes. The SPF number is directly proportional to the amount of time you are protected rather than the strength of the protection.
Myth: Sun protection products are not safe for babies and children
Truth: Many skincare products are unsuitable for children, and this may include some sun protection products, but plenty of available sunscreens are safe for young skin. Babies and young children are extremely vulnerable to sunburn, so it is imperative to protect their skin with a suitable SPF from around the age of six months and up. If you are unsure whether a sun protection product is suitable for your child, consult your medical practitioner or the brand in question.
Myth: Darker skin tones do not need to apply SPF
Truth: A common misconception is that only very fair and Caucasian skin tones need sun protection. Even though it is not always visible, people with darker skin tones can still get sunburnt, and even worse, they are also vulnerable to developing skin cancer. The truth is that all skin types, from the very lightest (Fitzpatrick 1) to the very deepest (Fitzpatrick 6), need SPF protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Myth: Sunscreen is toxic and contains harmful chemicals
Truth: Modern sunscreen formulations have come a long way. Not only have their textures, efficacy, and scents improved, but brands have also worked tirelessly to improve their formulations to be beneficial and safe. Sunscreen is safe. This is one of the most important myths to debunk because when people do not use sunscreen out of fear, it is incredibly detrimental to their health. If you are concerned about the safety of sun protection products, we recommend researching to find a brand you can trust. Look for a credible skincare brand whose formulas are backed by science and clinical trials and who have a strong reputation. If you have questions, ask them. Ask your doctor, your therapist or the brand in question. It’s important not to stay silent if you have concerns.
Myth: You don’t need to reapply waterproof sunscreen
Truth: The terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are somewhat misleading because they imply that your sun protection product remains on the skin even after being in the water. There is no such thing as actual “waterproof” sunscreen, as all SPF products will wash off from the skin eventually. Experts recommend reapplying your SPF after every swim or every two hours if your skin stays dry.
Lamelle’s ground-breaking Helase 50+ is a multi-functional anti-ageing sun protection product that transcends SPF by providing better protection against the entire spectrum of sunlight.
In short, this is the ultimate upgrade from your regular, everyday SPF 50. Helase 50+ protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. On top of this, it decreases the damaging and ageing inflammation in the skin while actively stopping the effects of ageing on the skin and keeping the skin's immunity intact when exposed to sunlight.
If you have yet to try it, this summer is the time to do so. It is suitable for the whole family, all skin tones, and all skin types.
For more information, visit www.lamelle.co.za
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