Have You Applied Your Sunblock Correctly?

According to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin cancer is the most common cancer in America. In Indonesia, skin cancer is not the easiest type to find, however, we still have to do precautions, considering that Indonesia is a tropical country with a high level of sunlight exposure. 

Reporting from the Central for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, both from sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. UV rays can damage the skin, and because this damage often builds up over time, UV rays can eventually cause cataracts, premature aging, or even skin cancer.

Have we protected ourselves from UV rays to prevent skin cancer?

Because in reality, even though we live in a tropical country with a lot of direct sunlight exposure, most people can’t protect themselves from UV rays properly. Some of the reasons for improper protection are the result of misunderstandings regarding the proper way to use sunscreen.

What are some misconceptions regarding the proper use of sunscreen and other things that can damage your skin?

Here are 5 common misconceptions about using sunscreen :

1. Sunscreen with SPF 30 provides twice protection than sunscreen with SPF 15

Many people assume sunscreen with SPF 30 provides twice protection than one with SPF 15. In fact, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is not linear with the percentage of protection provided. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays while SPF 30 blocks 97%, so the increase in protection is only about 4%.

2. Doesn't know that shades can protect the skin from UV rays

When we are covered/blocked from direct sunlight, our skin is also protected from UV rays. However, many people say that they don’t know that shades can protect against UV rays.

3. Forget to reapply sunscreen

Reapplying sunscreen is very important, especially after our skin touched water. We are also advised to reapply sunscreen regularly. Unfortunately, people often forget to reapply sunscreen.

4. People with dark skin don’t need sun protection

People with darker skin still can get skin cancer and experience photoaging (premature aging of the skin due to repeated direct sunlight exposure). This is because skin damage caused by UV rays can occur in any skin type, and at the end of the time, it still can cause skin cancer and skin aging.

5. Only UVB rays are harmful

UVB rays are dangerous because they are a type of UV rays that can cause sunburn and skin cancer. Even so, that doesn’t mean that UVA rays are safe because UVA rays can cause aging and wrinkling of the skin. 

Then, what is the best way to protect ourselves from the sun's rays?
Here are 10 tips to protect our skin from the sun's rays :

1. Wear clothes and hat to cover our skin as much as possible.
2. Apply  SPF 30 or higher on skin that is exposed to direct sunlight.
3. If you’re in the water (such as swimming) or sweating, reapply your sunscreen every few hours.
4. Use an umbrella or stay under a shade when you’re outside, so your skin is not exposed to direct sunlight
5. Use a sunscreen cream or lotion instead of a spray, because if you use a spray you get less protection because most of it will spread in the air instead of the skin and the protection you get is uneven if you don't apply it throughly.
6. Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 am until 3 pm.
7. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out.
8. Use sunscreen generously, don't be stingy and don't forget the sensitive areas such as the face, ears, back of the neck, top of the feet, and difficult to reach areas like the back.
9. Pay attention to the expiration date of the sunscreen.
10. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection whenever possible.

Ladies, if you want to go out later, make sure you to follow the tips above! Don't forget to read other health articles only on Fitie. 

Source :

Schimelpfening, N., & Cassell, D. K. (2022). You're Probably Not Using Sunblock as Well as You Think. Helalthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/youre-probably-not-using-sun-block-as-well-as-you-think