Sunscreen Day arrives on May 27—just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the start of beach season. Skin cancer rates continue to rise, so if you aren’t already using sunscreen, start today! And if you do use sunscreen, it’s important to apply it correctly. These 15 myths about sunscreen may surprise you.
1. You don’t need sunscreen if you’re already tan.
A dermatologist will tell you, there is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is the body’s reaction to being burned by UV (ultraviolet) rays—not a protective layer. When your skin cells are exposed to UV rays they produce melanin, the substance that gives skin color to your skin, hair and eyes. An article in Reader’s Digest states that having a tan before you go out in the sun provides you with an SPF of 4—a white t-shirt provides at least a 7. Smooth on the sunscreen!
