What are Myths About Skin Cance

What are Myths About Skin Cancer? Are You Safe?

Have you ever heard that one in five people will get skin cancer in their lifetime? Or maybe you’ve heard that sun exposure causes wrinkles and skin cancer, or that sunscreen blocks vitamin D? If so, you’ve probably heard some myths about skin cancer. Here are the top myths about skin cancer and the facts behind them.

Myth: Sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher.

No, this is not a myth. Sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher. The SPF level determines how long you can stay in the sun before your skin starts to burn and then have a second degree burn. For example, if you put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30, you can stay in the sun for about 30 minutes before getting a second degree burn. 

However, if you put on sunscreen with an SPF of 70, you can stay in the sun for about two hours before getting a second degree burn. If you’re going out into the sun for a longer period of time, make sure to reapply sunscreen every hour. Another myth is that people who use sunscreen every day don't need to wear protective clothing. 

But wearing protective clothing helps prevent your skin from getting damaged by ultraviolet rays that might penetrate through clouds and glass windows. Plus, they block 97% of UVB rays while only being 15% as likely to cause skin cancer as unprotected exposure to sunlight. So it's always best to wear clothing that provides UV protection when outside in order to reduce exposure from UVB radiation from both natural sunlight and artificial light sources like tanning beds or lamps. 

It's also important to know where the highest concentrations of UVA rays are - which happens to be between 11 am and 3 pm - so you'll want to take extra precautions at those times. Finally, there is no safe amount of sun exposure. Even though you may get a mild tan without developing sunburn, regular unprotected exposure will damage your skin over time. 

There are three different types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCCs develop near hair follicles, SCCs develop in areas exposed to the most sun, such as near moles or freckles, and melanomas form on the surface of your skin from too much exposure to the sun. 

Studies show that during periods of heavy cloud cover, up to 99% of UVB rays are blocked but up to 50% of UVA wavelengths still reach the earth's surface. That means cloudy days increase risk for cataracts and macular degeneration since these types of eye diseases occur due to overexposure to UVA waves rather than UVB waves. 

Sunscreens offer protection against 98-99% of UVB rays and 60-75% of UVA rays; however, sunglasses block 100% of UVB and 50-100% of UV0. Therefore, it's best to wear both sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes from damaging UVA waves as well as your skin from damaging UVB waves. A final myth is that peeling after a day at the beach does not mean someone has developed sunburn. 

In fact, peeling occurs because some parts of the skin turn white after being burned or irritated by the sun; this usually indicates first degree burns or second degree burns - which heal naturally within 24-48 hours - but could lead to more severe consequences like third degree burns if left untreated.No,  this is not a myth. Sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher. 

The SPF level determines how long you can stay in the sun before your skin starts to burn and then have a second degree burn. For example, if you put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30, you can stay in the sun for about thirty minutes before getting a second degree burn. 

However, if you put on sunscreen with an SPF of seventy, you can stay in the sun for about two hours before getting a second degree burn. If you’re going out into the sun for a longer period of time, make sure to reapply sunscreen every hour. Another myth is that people who use sunscreen everyday don't need to wear protective clothing.

Myth: The sun does not burn at night.

There is no truth in this myth. The sun's rays can still burn through the atmosphere and reach you at night. It is advisable to wear sunscreen during the day, and especially before you go to bed. If you have to be outside at night, it would be a good idea to wear a hat or scarf that covers your head and neck. 

Do not forget about your ears, nose and lips as these can all get burned. Try to find shade if possible or limit exposure time so there is not too much damage. Myth: A tan will protect me from skin cancer.: A tan does nothing for you other than make you look nice and gives people something to envy when they see it on others but without UV protection such as sunscreen, suntans only lead to burns which over time may lead to skin cancer (and who wants that?). 

I bet we'll be seeing an advertisement soon telling us that suntan lotion is America's #1 choice! We should beware of advertisers trying to sell us their products. They just want our money and don't really care what happens to our health! So please, take care of yourself. Wear sunscreen! Don't spend long periods of time in the sun. 

Take steps to avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, both indoors and out. Stay away from tanning beds; never use them! When you do use them remember to use plenty of sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection. Cover up as much as possible when outdoors or when near windows or glass doors because ultraviolet light penetrates thin clothing easily. 

And remember that even cloudy days mean dangerous ultraviolet light levels--so be careful! It might be better to work on getting some vitamin D via supplements rather than risking skin cancer by relying on sunshine. 

Your body cannot produce vitamin D properly unless you're exposed to direct sunlight. In addition, the radiation from artificial lights can actually cause more harm to your skin cells than natural daylight. 

When looking for a healthy alternative to vitamin D supplementation, consider using Supplements Direct's new VitaminD3 5000 IU capsules. With natural colorants derived from vegetable sources and food grade-hygienically produced ingredients, these vegan-friendly tablets provide a gentle approach to achieving optimal vitamin D levels with minimal risk. 

Our vitamins come sealed in bottles containing 30 tablets per bottle—just one tablet per serving per day provides enough high quality dietary supplement for your needs. Call us today to find out how you can order your own supply of vitamin D for a reduced price!

Myth: A tan means you are protected from the sun.

A tan means you are protected from the sun is one of the most common myths about skin cancer. However, many people who have tanned skin still get skin cancer. A tan can protect your skin for only a short period of time, so if you're going to be outside for a long period of time, it's important to use sunscreen. 

Additionally, people with darker complexions may not tan enough to provide much protection and should also use sunscreen and protective clothing. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being in the sun during peak hours (between 10 am - 4 pm) and wear protective clothing like a hat or sunglasses with UV protection. 

You should also apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every 2-3 hours and reapply every time you go in the water. Sunscreen should cover all exposed areas including lips, ears, neck and hands. Reapply more often if you are sweating or swimming because the sweat will wash away some of the sunscreen protection on your skin. 

It's also important to keep an eye out for signs of damage on your skin such as uneven freckles that don't fade after a few weeks in the sun, any new spots that appear on unexposed parts of your body, changes in mole size or color; anything that looks abnormal on our skin needs to be checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible! 

There are many other facts about skin cancer that you need to be aware of as well. For example, despite having fewer incidents than melanoma, basal cell carcinoma affects twice as many people each year—an estimated two million cases per year versus 700,000 cases per year respectively. 

Both types of cancer grow slowly which gives them time to develop into serious illnesses before patients experience symptoms like lumps or sores on their skin; those infected by Melanoma usually have seen symptoms within 6 months while it may take several years for those suffering from BCC. 

In some cases both types of cancers produce similar symptoms such asas lumps or sores on the skin, but these generally happen later in life for those affected by BCC compared to melanoma. 

Symptoms of BC include small red bumps and pale pinkish lesions while melanomas are typically brownish, flat and scaly patches that might bleed or itch. Left untreated, both BCC and melanomas can turn into aggressive tumors that spread to nearby organs and tissues potentially leading to death. 

Fortunately, there are treatments available which includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy depending on what type of tumor is found.

Myth: It's never too early in life to start using sunscreen.

The earlier you start protecting your skin from the sun, the better. That's because it takes years for skin cancer to develop. Your child's risk of developing skin cancer as an adult is much higher if he/she gets a sunburn when younger than 18 months old. The first and most important step in protecting your child from skin cancer is to keep their skin covered when outside, particularly between 10am and 4pm on days when the UV Index is 3 or higher (or anytime, really). 

It's also important to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on any exposed areas - and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Seek shade during peak sunlight hours; find ways to enjoy the outdoors without prolonged exposure to sunlight; and consider limiting time spent outdoors during extreme heat waves. And don't forget: clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade can all play a role in preventing skin damage caused by overexposure to the sun! 

Even kids who spend a lot of time indoors can be at risk for skin cancer if they watch TV, which is one reason why getting screened regularly is so important. Myth: Wearing sunscreen will make me look white.: Wrong again. A good quality moisturizer or foundation with SPF 15 or higher should blend in well and offer enough coverage so that your healthy glow won't disappear under those layers. 

Sunscreen does not change the color of our skin but simply reflects UV light away to protect us from damaging rays that could otherwise cause skin damage such as premature aging, wrinkles and even melanoma-the deadliest form of skin cancer! Look for products that have the words broad spectrum written somewhere on the label, meaning they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Be sure to apply generously enough that it's visible after application-you'll know you've applied enough if you see about a quarter-sized dollop of sunscreen on your hand when rubbing it into your face. But don't overdo it: too much sunscreen can leave your skin looking greasy and may make makeup run off more easily. 

Once you're finished applying your sunscreen, wait 20 minutes before putting on makeup or going out in the sun again. Then blot excess moisture off your skin with a towel before heading out into the world. Makeup with SPF also provides some additional protection and might feel less heavy since it has its own protective qualities. Finally, remember this: using sunscreen doesn't mean you need to avoid the sun altogether-in fact, just the opposite. 

Spending up to fifteen minutes per day without sunscreen is enough to replenish vitamin D levels naturally, which help ward off seasonal depression while boosting immunity and strengthening bones. 

The only way to prevent skin cancer entirely is by avoiding overexposure from the sun entirely (with shade being a close second) . . .

Myth: I only need sunscreen when I go outside.

I only need sunscreen when I go outside. Wrong! Sun exposure can happen when you're inside and it can cause skin cancer too. We do not recommend using indoor tanning beds and even if you do use them, it's important to limit your time to the lowest level of exposure. 

Tanning beds emit UVA light, which penetrates deep into the skin and breaks down skin cells that can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma. Whether you're indoors or out, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, cover up with clothing like a hat and sunglasses, and avoid being in the sun from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. 

Wear clothes made of tightly woven fabrics (including some bathing suits), since they protect against ultraviolet radiation. Also consider adding certain vitamins to your diet such as vitamin D for strong bones, fish oil for strong heart health, omega-3 fatty acids for glowing skin and dark green vegetables for folate and vitamin A. All these nutrients will help keep your body healthy on the inside and out. 

The recommended daily dosage is 2000 IU of vitamin D a day, 4 tablespoons of fish oil, 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 3 cups of dark green vegetables every day. These simple changes can make a big difference in how your body feels overall. Our tips will be much more effective when we start eating healthier and exercising more. 

Exercise increases your circulation by delivering oxygenated blood to muscle tissue and releasing endorphins, or feel good chemicals, in the brain; both improve our mood. Plus, people who exercise regularly tend to have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and better heart health because regular activity strengthens our muscles while at the same time decreasing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease like high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Make a commitment now so we can have healthy bodies both inside and out! 

Choosing a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher is extremely important. SPF measures how effectively sunscreen protects against UVB rays that cause burning and accelerate aging but does not measure UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into skin cells where they cause damage that accumulates over years and leads to wrinkles, age spots and most significantly cancer. 

When choosing what SPFs you want to wear on a given day do some research on what you will be doing outdoors as well as what kind of coverage you need based on what level of sun exposure you get during your activities throughout your average day outside.. Finding new products isn't easy but it's worth it if you find something that works well for your skin type. 

Everyone's skin reacts differently to different ingredients and it can take some trial and error before you figure out the best product for your skin. Find a sunscreen that is right for your needs and also provides broad spectrum protection. 

There are many ways to create SPFs, however, few things provide full coverage for all skin types and sensitive skins may react adversely to any of the options. It takes a lot of time to figure out what works best for you and often one or two brands work well enough. 

Once you've found the perfect sunscreen, stick with it and add it to your morning routine. If you have questions about the effectiveness of the product or anything else just ask a dermatologist near you!

Myth: I am too young for skin cancer.

You may be surprised to find out that skin cancer can affect anyone of any age. In fact, over 40% of skin cancers are diagnosed in people younger than 40. For example, baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) account for 20% of all skin cancer cases. If you notice anything unusual on your skin, it's a good idea to have it checked out by a doctor right away. 

They'll look at the growth or sore, then decide if it might need to be biopsied and what treatment is best. Even if nothing seems wrong, see your doctor about annual skin exams. Regular check-ups will help your dermatologist find changes in your skin early, when they're more treatable. Plus, dermatologists often share important information with other doctors who treat different parts of the body. 

So an exam could identify an issue unrelated to the skin like blood clots or heart disease. And dermatologists know more about diagnosing things like warts, moles, cysts and bumps. And the sooner we catch these issues, the easier they are to treat - which means less scarring and discomfort! Myth: Sun protection prevents me from getting skin cancer.: It’s true that sun protection helps prevent sunburns, which can lead to some forms of skin cancer later in life; but UV damage is cumulative—it builds up over time as we get exposed again and again. 

That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself every day. Remember to always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days and even indoors. Wear protective clothing, like a hat and sunglasses, too. If you must spend extended periods outdoors, try to avoid peak hours between 10am and 4pm when the sun is strongest. Choose lightweight clothes made from tightly woven fabrics that block both UVA and UVB rays. 

Thoroughly apply sunscreen generously before going outside—especially under your chin, nose, ears, neck, hands and feet where it’s easy to miss spots. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. No matter how mild the sun feels, slather on SPF 30 or higher. 

SPF 50+ is great for sensitive skin, rosacea and conditions like eczema because it doesn't irritate the skin as much. Higher SPFs also last longer, making them worth the added cost. There are three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. All three can cause skin cancer. 

UVB is the main culprit behind sunburns, premature aging and most skin cancers, but it takes hours to do its damage. Luckily, our bodies produce vitamin D3 after being exposed to the sun, helping our bones stay strong and preventing rickets in children. Vitamin D supplements don't provide the same benefits.