Misconceptions and myths about the effectiveness of sunscreen can be a factor in rising rates of skin cancer. The fact is, sunscreen is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to avoid a more expensive and difficult case of melanoma, which also happens to be the deadliest form of skin cancer.
One of the false beliefs that has been going around is that putting on sunscreen actually puts you at risk of developing skin cancer. However, there have been more than enough scientific research that disproves this theory. On the other hand, sunscreen is the best protection you have if you cannot take other steps to prevent exposure to harmful UV rays.
In a perfect scenario, people should avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm or stay only indoors. Unfortunately, as people cannot do this, they can instead apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing and
hats. By being religious in the application of sunscreen, rates of melanoma can be reduced by about 50 to 73%.
There have been some controversies that question the safety of applying sunscreen. Like the previous myth, this has been disproved in more than just a couple of studies, so there is no need to be scared of applying them daily. There have been, until now, no proven health risks on the daily use of sunscreen.
Vitamin D is vital for bone health and to avoid specific cancers. However, in order to produce enough, you only actually need a bit of sun exposure. Using sunscreen does not prevent the body from getting enough exposure to meet the body’s needs. Moreover, those with insufficient levels of the vitamin can easily supplement through the right diet and even through taking Vitamin D pills. There is entirely no need to avoid using sunscreen out of fear of inadequate Vitamin D levels as you might be, in fact, endangering your health even more.
It is important to break these sunscreen myths in order to reduce the rates of melanoma. Such controversies are, unfortunately, pushing people away from one of the most viable ways to protect against skin cancer. In reality, when applied correctly, daily sunscreen use can decrease your melanoma risk by at least half. This overwhelming decrease in risk is more than enough reason for you to start the sunscreen habit now.