Misconception #1:
Wearing sunscreen completely eliminates the risk of sun damage
People often get a false sense of security with sunscreen, believing it enables them to spend hours in the sun without harm. But any change in skin color caused by the sun, including a tan, is evidence of sun damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Sunburns are caused primarily by UVB rays, but UVA rays ― which cause sun damage and premature aging ― penetrate deep into the skin and are not filtered by all sunscreens.
Misconception #2:
SPF 30 is twice as powerful as SPF 15
How often sunscreen is applied, and how much is used, is more important than the SPF number, as long as it’s a minimum of 15. SPF 15 provides 92 percent coverage, while SPF 30 goes up to 97 percent and SPF 40 gives 97.5 percent. At the same time, most people don’t apply a thick enough layer of sunscreen, meaning the thin quantity of an applied SPF 30 often serves more like an SPF 15. To ensure proper protection, think of applying two spoonfuls. Sunscreen should also be applied liberally 30 minutes before going outside, and reapplied every two hours when spending time outdoors.
Misconception #3:
Skin cancer only affects older adults
It’s been estimated that as much as 25 percent of skin damage occurs before a person is 18 years old. While children and teenagers are not at as great a risk of getting skin cancer as adults, skin cancer is also occurring in young people, especially those who get consistent amounts of sun exposure. In addition, high amounts of sun exposure among children and teenagers results in high rates of skin cancer later in life.
Misconception #4:
People with darker skin are not at risk
Although people with fairer complexions are at highest risk, skin cancer can be most serious for people with darker skin tones. Melanoma in African Americans typically occurs in the hands and feet, which are not considered to be sun exposed areas and tend to go unnoticed for longer periods of time. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, and often means the skin cancer has become more dangerous by the time it’s detected.
Misconception #5:
Sun damage is only a risk when spending lengthy amounts of time outside
Harmful UVA rays can penetrate glass, meaning many are unknowingly exposed when driving to work or sitting by an office window. Many people, in fact, end up with more sun damage on the left side of their bodies for that very reason: they don’t realize driving a car exposes them to harmful rays. While vehicles with tinted glass are ideal, it’s important to remember proper sun protection ― including sunglasses, long sleeves and sunscreen applied liberally to hands ― when driving.
Misconception #6:
Lip gloss keeps lips protected
Shiny lip glosses that do not contain sunscreen do not protect the skin. Lip protection is an important part of skin care that’s often overlooked. Glosses and lip balm should contain a minimum of SPF 15 to prevent sun damage. Unfortunately, skin cancers on the lips are often more aggressive and can become dangerous if left untreated.
Misconception #7:
All sunscreens are created equal
Until the Food and Drug Administration comes out with official guidelines for sunscreen in 2009, people should watch for ingredients such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, mexoryl and parsol which protect against both types of UV rays.
Misconception #8:
Skin cancer occurs only in sun-exposed parts of the body
The most common sun-induced skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. While incidents are highest among sun-exposed areas, all three types can occur in non-exposed areas such as under fingernails and between toes, where many people aren’t watching for it.
Misconception #9:
I don’t need sunscreen until I’m outside
Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going outside to ensure they will deflect harmful rays.
Misconception #10:
Skin cancer is always deadly
Left untreated, skin cancers can be very dangerous. But unlike other types of cancer, melanoma and other types of skin cancer typically develop on the outermost layer of the skin, making them easier to detect. Skin cancers can be deadly when left undetected, but are easily treatable when caught early…which is why it’s important for people to schedule annual head-to-toe skin checks with a dermatologist to check all freckles, moles and marks on the skin.
Throughout the “I Will Reflect” initiative, The Spa at Charleston Place and MUSC will encourage residents to take a few simple – but highly effective – steps to help prevent sun damage. These include wearing sunscreen daily using a minimum of SPF 15, seeking shade between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., scheduling an annual full-body skin check with a dermatologist, and sharing the message of skin protection with family and friends.
As a reminder to take these steps, residents can purchase special “I Will Reflect” bracelets that glow purple when exposed to harmful sun rays. One hundred percent of proceeds from the bracelets – available for purchase at the Spa for $2 donations – will go to the MUSC Foundation’s Department of Dermatology to fund basic, translational, and clinical research into the cause and treatment of skin cancer.
