5 Myths put to rest about sun protection

May 24th, 2017 · Published to News

As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your children protected from the sun. But unfortunately, there many myths floating around regarding sun protection. Because of these myths, many adults unconsciously put their children’s health at risk – assuming they are doing the right thing. Most people do not understand the proper measures required for sun protection.

As a shade solution expert, today I will dispel 5 myths about sun protection. After going through this post, you’ll have a better idea of how to keep your children protected from the sun around the home.

1. You won’t get sunburnt in shaded areas

I’m sure you’ve heard this one – that you cannot get sunburnt in shaded areas. However, this is a big myth, as its not sunlight, but rather the sun’s UV rays that causes sunburns. UV rays reflect off surfaces including buildings, trees, water, sand and even grass. So, even if you stay in the shade, you will be exposed to UV rays.

One way of keeping your kids protected from the sun is by using shade sails to cover open areas. Quality shade sails, such as ours at Global Shade are designed to block up to 99% of UVR. However, you must also ensure that kids slip, slop, slap if they spend extended periods in the sun. This will offer maximum protection.

2. You only get sunburnt on sunny days

This myth follows from the above. As with shaded areas, UV radiation reaches the earth despite clouds being in the sky. Don’t let your senses fool you – you can’t see or feel UV rays, but they’re always there.

UV radiation is a threat regardless of the weather condition. Even if it’s cloudy outside, ask your kids to apply sunscreen and play in shaded areas as much as possible.

3. A base tan offers adequate sun protection

I’m surprised that almost half of all men in the world believe that a base tan offers adequate sun protection. A base tan is nothing but more melanin pigment in the skin which causes it to appear darker.

However, a base tan only adds an SPF level of 3 or 4 to your skin, which is hardly enough for sun protection. Dermatologists recommend SPF levels of 30 or more to ensure proper protection.

Regardless of their skin tone, your children are still at a risk of skin cancer. So, make sure to setup shade structures around your home even if your family has tanned skin.

4. Skin cancer only happens to old people

It is a fact that the chances of getting skin cancer increase as one ages. However, people in their 30s, 20s and teens can also develop skin cancer from overexposure to the sun. Studies reveal that melanoma skin cancer is most common in people between 25-29 years of age.

Skin cancer does not strike based on someone’s age and it affects younger people more than the elderly. As such, it is a good idea to have superior quality shade sails, such as ours at Global Shade installed around your home. 

5. Sunscreen protects you from skin cancer completely

Well, this is not entirely a myth – sunscreen does offer great sun protection. However, this holds true only if you’re applying sunscreen properly.

For starters, you should only use sunscreen that has SPF levels of 30 or above. Also, you must apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before heading out in the sun. For maximum protection, sunscreen should be applied generously all over your body and reapply it every 2 hours or so.

Sunscreen isn’t enough for complete skin protection. For complete protection, make sure your kids have multiple layers of clothing and that they play in the shade of a shade structure.

Conclusion:

There are several myths surrounding sun protection. Some of these are that you won’t get sunburnt in shaded areas, you only get sunburnt on sunny days, a base tan offers adequate sun protection, skin cancer only happens to old people and that sunscreen protects you from skin cancer completely.

For maximum sun protection, make sure that your kids apply sunscreen generously and that they play under shade structures.

For more information on how shade structures can offer great sun protection, get in touch with us at Global Shade. We’ll be happy to offer you all the information you need.