Fact or fiction: 3 Sun protection myths busted

UV rays have a bad rap – and for a very good reason. They are the culprits that cause damage to delicate skin tissue, which can have serious long-term effects. If you weren’t 100% sure what UV means, it stands for Ultraviolet, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted from the sun in waves or particles. Thankfully, with a good sun protection product that contains a high-level SPF, you can prevent UV rays causing serious harm. 

There is so much information out there on how to prevent sun damage and the onset of conditions like melanoma, but there are also many misconceptions that need to be debunked so that we can be as informed as possible on this important topic. We approached Gingerlily Spa beauty therapist, Jo Snyckers for her take on some of the most prevalent sun protection myths. 

Myth: Using sun protection is only about preventing skin cancer

“I believe that not wearing sunblock every single day is one of the biggest mistakes we make. Exposure to UV rays can cause a range of problems besides melanoma, including premature skin ageing, hyperpigmentation and sunburn. Prolonged sun exposure can cause DNA changes, which result in a range of problems that can become malignant and lead to cancer later in life,” said Jo. 

Myth: People with dark skin tones don’t need sun protection

“Although it is true that a darker skin tone is less likely to burn as quickly as lighter skin, there is no truth in the misconception that UV protection is not necessary for darker skins,” Jo explains. “UV rays still cause damage to cellular DNA regardless of skin colour, causing wrinkles, dark spots and various skin lesions that can be dangerous.”

Myth: You only need to use sun protection when exposed to direct sun

“For me, the biggest challenge I have when talking to clients about wearing sunblock every day is explaining that it is not actually about sunburn or suntanning, it is about being exposed to UV rays that are around us every single day of the year. If you can see the person next to you, you are being exposed to UV rays. Even those of us who are indoors all day need to be applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning to prevent skin damage and premature ageing,” said Jo. 

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