08 Jun 2016
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, making up more than 50% of all diagnosed cases? Unlike other cancers, around 90% of all skin cancers could have been prevented by actively taking precautions in your everyday life.
There are plenty of misconceptions around sunbathing that people will tell you, without any facts or truth to them! We’ve identified a few myths below and shed a little light on them to make sure you have the best information to take care of your skin and wellbeing all year round.
We offer lots of skin care treatments at Holmer Park Spa, and accordingly our professional therapists know a lot about taking care of your skin J
“Sunscreen will allow you to remain in the sun all day without burning.”
Sunscreen does go some way to protecting your skin but on its own it may not be enough in the height of summer. Even providing you’re using the correct sunscreen properly, you should keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Stay under a sunshade or umbrella and wear closely woven brimmed hats and clothing (preferably made from fabric treated for UV protection).
Don't forget your eyes! Wearing wrap-around sunglasses with UV-screening lenses will help protect your precious peepers too.
“Mad Dogs and English men.”
UV light is strongest between 10am and 4pm. During this time, you should try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. The "shadow rule" can help you to gauge the suns strength easily: avoid the sun when your shadow is shorter than you are as that's when the sun is strongest.
“One sunscreen suits all.”
There are six main skin types, ranging from very fair to black, and each has differing risks of enduring sun damage that can cause cancer. Different skin types need sunscreens with varying SPF (sunburn protection factor) ratings.
SPF 15 filters out approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 97% and SPF 50 98%. They might seem like tiny differences but if you’re fair-skinned and burn easily those few percentages are important. (1)
“One application will protect me all day.”
Everyone seems to be an expert on the numbers around sunscreens and what SPF means what. Here’s the truth: whatever sunscreen you’re using, you need to reapply it every two hours.
It’s also important to apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside to let your skin absorb it, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days (UV rays have little to do with light levels).
Pay attention to the areas that usually get missed: ears, around the eyes, neck (all the way around!), hands, feet and toes. As a helpful measure, using the equivalent of one shot glass of sunscreen is adequate to cover your entire body. You should also use lip balm containing sunscreen.
“SPF means I’m protected from all UV light.”
Not true either. SPF only measures UVB (ultraviolet-B) radiation protection, not UVA (ultraviolet-A) protection. Both types of UV light can lead to skin damage, so it is vital that you check the sunscreens you’re using protect you from UVA as well as UVB. The label needs to specify protection from both or say "broad-spectrum".
“My sunscreen is waterproof so I don’t need to reapply after swimming.”
Despite what adverts may claim, no sunscreen is fully "waterproof" or "sweat proof." If you or your children are swimming or playing a sweaty sport, you should always reapply sunscreen immediately after drying off.
Our Hereford spa therapists are always on hand to discuss any skin care issues. If you would like to book a consultation or treatment at Holmer Park Spa and Health Club, please call 01432 370222 or fill out the enquiry form below.