Sun worshippers beware! We dispel the 21 biggest myths about sunbathing. Find out what really matters here!
In summer there is only one decision: to move the tired, pale head outside. And to place the white bodies in the sun. To simply enjoy the summer with the girls. But it's usually not that simple.
Because the beach towel quickly becomes a debating club. Everyone contributes their own (dangerous) half-knowledge. Grandma's theories, rough memories of biology lessons. Personal experience and countless myths collide.
But how do you do it properly? Effectively tan the white legs and yet healthy tanning? And does it really help to pre-tan in the solarium? Or to apply several layers of cream? And what about sun protection in the car?
We have looked at the biggest myths and tested them for you. What really matters when it comes to sunbathing. And which theories are total nonsense, you can find out here!
The 21 biggest myths about the sun
Good to know: The sun emits visible light, UV rays and infrared rays.
The well-known UV rays are divided into UVA and UVB. UVA rays are lower in energy, but reach deeper layers of the skin. Here they are mainly responsible for premature skin aging, as they destroy the cells.
UVB rays, on the other hand, are more energetic, but only reach the upper layers of the skin. There, they stimulate the thickening of the cornea (light callosity). They also supply the body with vitamin D and provide our sun tan. However, both sunburn and susceptibility to skin cancer are caused by UVB rays.
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Pre-tanning in the solarium, protects the skin
No! Not at all! In the solarium our skin is tanned with UVA rays. This is not a natural sun tan. Therefore, this does not create a light callus that protects the skin from sunburn.
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The skin gets used to the sun
The first week of "pure sun" is behind you. If you think you can now reduce or omit the sunscreen, you are wrong. In fact, a light callus only forms after about 3 weeks of sunbathing.
This occurs because the cornea becomes thicker when the rays of the sun hit it. But even after 3 weeks, this only achieves an SPF of 6. No matter how far the summer progresses - do not do without your sunscreen.
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With a naturally dark complexion, there is no need for sunscreen
The risk of sunburn may be lower with darker skin. Nevertheless, UV rays have a damaging effect on the skin. They can cause wrinkles. But also, in the worst case, the cells are so damaged that skin cancer forms.
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Only sunburn creates a risk of skin cancer
Unfortunately, this is not true. Because even permanent and long-lasting UV radiation can have devastating effects on our cells and skin health. This does not necessarily require a sunburn.
Now you sit there. Bright red. And you're thinking, "This is the end?!" Don't worry. A visit to your dermatologist once a year helps detect melanoma early. For sunburn quick help, just click here: Home remedies for sunburn: effective and analgesic.
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Sunscreen? It's cloudy!
So what? Clouds supposedly keep out the sun's rays. But 80% of the UV rays still find their way through the cloud cover. Especially if you are on vacation in southern climes, the neglected sunscreen quickly takes revenge.
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The day make-up with SPF is enough
Day creams and make-up often contain sun protection. This mainly involves protection against UVB rays. That may be sufficient in winter. But it is not enough for intensity in the warm months.
Sunscreen should therefore be applied as a base. It is even better if you simply do without make-up completely. Your skin will certainly thank you for it. :) -
When driving, the windows protect from the radiation
If you're only in town for a short time, you can certainly do without sunscreen. But you have a longer trip ahead of you? Then it's time to apply sunscreen! Because the windows of the car absorb only the UVB rays. And UVA rays get onto the skin.
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In the shade does not need sunscreen
Especially at the pool or on the beach, the sunlight is reflected wonderfully. Up to 80% of the radiation will reach you even if you have found a shady spot.
Even the shade under trees will not shield you from all the radiation. By the way, the same applies to sunshades. Depending on the quality, they also let through up to 80% of the radiation.
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Clothing protects from the sun
No. Clothes protect the skin only if they are tightly woven. Dark, loose-fitting clothes made of polyester absorb UVB rays best. Garments made of cottons, on the other hand, provide little protection. The same applies to tight and light-colored clothes.
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Keeping the shirt on in the water protects from rays
Nope! When dry, a light-colored shirt has an SPF of 6. If the top gets wet, the SPF drops to 2-3. Of course, that doesn't help you at all. In addition, water also reflects the water.
And even if you like diving: 80% of the rays have no trouble reaching up to 30cm below the water surface. As you can see, other means are needed here.
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Waterproof sunscreen survives splashing around
In fact, this is a bit misleading. Because waterproof only means that you still have 50% protection after 20 minutes in the floods. Therefore, the same applies here: After bathing, apply cream to the skin again.
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It is enough to apply cream at lunchtime
Of course, the sun's rays are strongest at midday. Since the sun is at its highest point, the rays fall almost vertically on our skin. Also a reason to take a siesta between 12 and 3 p.m. ;)
Whether it's a nap. Or you find a shady spot in the city park. Sun protection is especially important here. But also before and after in no case to neglect. Light protection is advisable until sunset.
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If the SPF is too high, the skin will not tan so beautifully
This is not correct, thank God. The skin does turn brown. It just takes a little longer. But tanning is much healthier. Because the skin has time to adapt to the sun's rays and adjust to the stronger stress.
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The higher the sun protection, the longer you can stay in the sun
That is only half the truth. Because the right sun protection should always be based on the skin type. People with lighter skin need a higher sun protection factor than someone with a darker complexion.
Nevertheless, the sunscreen should be refreshed regularly if you spend the day in the sun. On average, it is recommended to apply sunscreen every 2 hours. This way you are ideally protected from the damaging rays.
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The sunscreen must be well massaged
If you rub sunscreen in vigorously, you risk reducing its effectiveness. Intensive rubbing causes the cream or lotion to spread unevenly into wrinkles or pores. It is better to apply the sunscreen gently so that a light film remains on the skin.
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Sunburn on the head? Can not happen to me!
Yes, lubricate the head is difficult. However, we tend to forget that it is necessary to protect the scalp from the sun. And this applies not only to people with thinning hair or bald.
Those who do not want to "burn" the top of their head or swirls should resort to baseball caps or sun hats. Those who do not like this can buy special sprays. These protect the scalp from the UV rays. But do not make the hair greasy.
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Sunblock protect from the sun all day
The sun protection factor may be higher than 20. And thus absorb the UV rays well. But the term is totally misleading. Because even sunblock can not 100%ig protect against the rays. So get out of the sun and refresh the protection after 2 hours.
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Reapplying sunscreen prolongs sun protection
The body has a certain self-protection time. This is how long our skin can remain unprotected in the sun without suffering any damage. This time is extended by the sun protection factor of our sunscreen.
So could we spend 2 hours in the sun after the first cream. Then the protection would have to be renewed afterwards. But the next time we might only be able to stay in the sun for 1.5 hours. Because the body's own protection has been used up in the meantime. Sun protection cannot be added up!
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Old sunscreen must be disposed of
Not necessarily. If the tube has been stored at stable temperatures and is not yet opened, you can still use it.
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Curd helps with burns
Somehow it has happened. Instead of a tan, a nasty sunburn covers your body. Nevertheless, you should not be tempted to use curd masks. They have a moisturizing and cooling effect.
However, curd also contains lactic acid bacteria. Especially with sensitive and irritated skin, these can lead to painful inflammations. It is better to use aloe vera gels or, if necessary, ask at the pharmacy.
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Aftersun products are unnecessary
They are not at all. Because no matter how gently and benevolently you have tanned your skin. It was stressed and strained. So treat it calmly care and moisture. Who does not want to buy products, reaches for Coconut oil*.
Our conclusion:
Enjoying the summer is actually easy. Apply lotion regularly and take care of your skin. Moisturize and find a shady spot when the sun gets too intense. And just have a good time.
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