Buncombe County News

This news item expired on 7/31/2009, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.

Here are some myths on sun protection:

1.  Sunscreens protect you from all harmful ultraviolet rays.

False.    A sunscreen's effectiveness is currently measured by its sun protection factor (SPF) -- a number that indicates how long it would take for UVB light to redden skin versus no protection at all.  This SPF number, however, doesn't rate any UVA-shielding benefits--and UVA waves make up 95 percent of the earth's solar radiation.  UVA rays are as dangerous as UVB and are present year-round.  They penetrate through glass and clouds and damage skin without leaving a telltale burn behind (but will leave fine lines and wrinkles).

2.  Sunscreen works right away.

False.  If you put sunscreen on after plopping down poolside, you're too late.  Sunscreen needs time to bind to skin; its not effective until roughly 20 minutes after application.  If you're sitting out or playing in the sun, use at least an SPF 30.

3. Once and done.

False.  Most people don't apply enough sunscreen and don't reapply it often enough. To get the level of protection listed on the bottle, use one ounce (a shot glass full) for the entire body and a teaspoon for the face.  Reapply every two hours and after swimming or exercising.  Applied properly, an 8-ounce bottle provides only 5 to 7 whole body applications.

4.  Clothing shields you from UV rays.

False.  A regular white cotton shirt only provides an SPF of 5 to 7 (wet, it drops to 3).  If you can see through a garment when you hold it up to the light, then UVA radiation can penetrate through it. 

5.  Waterproof sunscreens last indefinitely.

False.  No sunscreen will protect you if its wiped off on a towel.  Reapply after swimming or sweating--even if the label promises that it's waterproof. 

6.  Tanning beds offer a safer tan.

False.  The light used in tanning beds emits UVA radiation at strengths that, in some cases, are 15 times more powerful than the sun.  Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases you risk of melanoma by 75 percent.