Myth 1: Dark-Skinned Women and Men Are Not at Risk for Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
People with darker skin tones have a much lower risk of skin cancer than fair-toned people. But this doesn’t make them immune to it. Those with darker skin should still take action to protect skin from overexposure to the sun since you can still develop malignancies and suffer all forms of UV damage. Also, causes of skin cancer in people with darker skin are often not detected until later stages, when the cancer is more aggressive.
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Myth 2: Putting on Sunscreen Before You Go Out in the Sun is Enough to Protect Your Skin
Sunscreen is not 100% effective at blocking UV rays, and it may not provide as much protection as you need. Use about roughly a palm full of sunscreen to cover your arms, legs, and face, and reapply about every two hours. Don sun-protective clothing and hats to help make sure you’re fully covered.
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Myth 3: A Tanning bed is Safer than UV Rays from the Sun
Using tanning beds exposes your skin to UV light that can cause wrinkles, sunspots, freckles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. A safer option is to use non-toxic sunless tanning products.
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Myth 4: People Who Tan Easily and Rarely Burn Will Not Get Cancer
There is no such thing as a healthy glow. Your skin produces a dark-colored pigment, called melanin, to help shield against the harmful effects of UV radiation. That darker shade may help minimally protect against getting a painful red sunburn, but it won’t defend against some of the long-term UV dangers such as wrinkles and skin cancer. Think of it this way: Your tan is just a sign that your skin is damaged.
Myth 1: Dark-Skinned Women and Men Are Not at Risk for Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
People with darker skin tones have a much lower risk of skin cancer than fair-toned people. But this doesn’t make them immune to it. Those with darker skin should still take action to protect skin from overexposure to the sun since you can still develop malignancies and suffer all forms of UV damage. Also, causes of skin cancer in people with darker skin are often not detected until later stages, when the cancer is more aggressive.
Myth 2: Putting on Sunscreen Before You Go Out in the Sun is Enough to Protect Your Skin
Sunscreen is not 100% effective at blocking UV rays, and it may not provide as much protection as you need. Use about roughly a palm full of sunscreen to cover your arms, legs, and face, and reapply about every two hours. Don sun-protective clothing and hats to help make sure you’re fully covered.
Myth 3: A Tanning bed is Safer than UV Rays from the Sun
Using tanning beds exposes your skin to UV light that can cause wrinkles, sunspots, freckles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. A safer option is to use non-toxic sunless tanning products.
Myth 4: People Who Tan Easily and Rarely Burn Will Not Get Cancer
There is no such thing as a healthy glow. Your skin produces a dark-colored pigment, called melanin, to help shield against the harmful effects of UV radiation. That darker shade may help minimally protect against getting a painful red sunburn, but it won’t defend against some of the long-term UV dangers such as wrinkles and skin cancer. Think of it this way: Your tan is just a sign that your skin is damaged.
