Top tanning myths that should be forgotten long ago

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Summer did not make us happy this year. But it is not over yet, and many are in a hurry to the sea, the sun and, of course, tanning.

Read about the top myths about an even, healthy skin tone. Do you really know all of them?

123RF / Branislav Ostojic

Myth 1. Cloudy tan

Many people argue that sunburn is simply impossible on a cloudy day. And that's not true! Even on the cloudiest day, up to 85% of the ultraviolet radiation travels through the atmosphere to the earth's surface. Thus, you can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Myth 2. High protection creams can be applied once a day

Creams with a high percentage of protection give a feeling of protection. However, this feeling is false.

Absolutely any sunscreen works on the principle of microscopic mirrors that reflect the sun's rays. In any case, there will be microscopic gaps between such "mirrors" distributed over the skin. Sunlight trapped in these gaps can cause burns. Therefore, the more often you apply sunscreen, the more confident you are that these "mirrors" will fall on different skin fragments.

It is best to apply sunscreen once an hour. And even more so, one should not count on the existence of such a remedy that can be applied once and forget about protection for the whole week.

123RF / Galyna Tymonko

Myth 3. Immediate sun protection

It takes some time for the sunscreen to take effect. So the term "instant" or "immediate sun protection" is just a gimmick of manufacturers and a good presentation of advertisers. Don't believe what is written on the tubes.

It is best to smear with the product at home, just before going out, so that it has time to be absorbed into the skin and subsequently give some kind of result. Remember that carelessness in choosing a sunscreen can be costly for your health.

Myth 4. Swarthy sunscreens do not need to be used

This is true only for phototypes 5 and 6. So if you do not belong to the Negroid race, it is better to lubricate yourself well with cream and only then go to the beach.

Myth 5. I use sunscreen, which means I am completely protected from ultraviolet radiation

Simply applying beauty products is not enough. You also need to choose good dark glasses to protect your eyes from direct exposure to ultraviolet rays, cover your hair with a cloth made of dense material (hats and panamas - that's the thing!).

Most importantly, avoid direct sunlight at a time of day when they are most harmful - from 12:00 to 14:00.

If you follow these simple rules, you can get a tan that is acceptable for your body almost without harm to your health.

Myth 6. In the early days, you need to spend as much time in the sun as possible, so that later the tan will be even darker

In fact, it is best to sunbathe as slowly as possible. Then the tan lays down smoother, the skin has time to get used to the sun and the danger of burning is lower.

123RF / Vadim Georgiev

So in the early days it is better to spend as little time as possible on the beach, strictly observing the hours of the less dangerous sun. On tanned skin, you need to apply a protective cream in the same way: in addition to protection, the cream moisturizes and nourishes the skin, thus reducing the stress of sun exposure.

Myth 7. If you sunbathe in the shade, you don't need any funds

If you have pale skin, without creams, even in the shade, you will definitely burn, do not hesitate! Ultraviolet rays are reflected from all surfaces and penetrate water.

Alas, people with white skin are advised to spread the cream better and sit in the shade under a chaise longue in a panama hat and glasses. Better to be safe right away than to suffer from pain and itching later.

Myth 8. Tanned skin doesn't need any products

Sunburn does not exclude the need to use sunscreens, they are necessary to prevent further damage to the skin. Never forget that there is no such thing as a healthy tan.