Sun safety: a dermatologist debunks 5 myths

Sunscreen is essential for preventing skin cancer, yet many people still believe they don't need it, offering various excuses. Dr Ilana Steenkamp, a dermatologist at Mediclinic Kimberley and Mediclinic Gariep, addresses these misconceptions.

1. “You don’t need to wear sunscreen indoors”

There’s no risk of sun exposure inside, so you may think sun protection is unnecessary. However, Dr Steenkamp points out that the latest South African guidelines suggest using tinted sunscreen with iron oxide and titanium dioxide even when you’re inside. “Tinted sunscreens contain a blend of added pigments that provide a foundation-like coverage,” she explains. This is useful indoors, because you’re still exposed to visible light that can cause premature ageing of the skin. “To protect your skin from visible light, you need to wear sunscreen that can be seen on the skin,” she says.

2.  “Sunscreen isn’t necessary if you have dark skin”

Dr Steenkamp insists that this common belief is a misconception. “People of all skin tones, including those with brown and black skin, can develop skin cancer," she warns.

Although sunburn is a major risk factor in the development of skin cancer, the disease may take root even if you’ve never had a severe sunburn, says Dr Steenkamp. “Although we don’t have a lot of information on the benefit of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer in people with dark and medium skin, it’s always better to be safe.”

People with darker skin should still use sun protection to help prevent skin ageing. It can also help protect against skin conditions where melanin (the pigment in the skin) is involved and may lower the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

3. “You don’t need sunscreen when it’s cloudy outside”

People often think sun protection is only necessary on clear, sunny days when you can feel the sun’s rays. However, overcast days can actually be more dangerous when it comes to sun exposure. Dr Steenkamp explains that a large amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays can still get through clouds. In fact, clouds, which you may think protect you from the sun, can increase UV radiation on the ground.

4. “You only need to apply sunscreen on your face”

It’s easy to understand the origin of this myth: since your face is the most visible part of your body and isn’t usually covered by clothing, it seems like the area that’s most exposed to the sun. However, Dr Steenkamp stresses that sunscreen should be applied to all areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. This includes your arms, legs, and other often overlooked spots like the top of your scalp (if you’re bald), your ears, and the backs of your hands.

Sunscreen should be applied generously 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and you should reapply it every two hours, or more often if you've been swimming or sweating.

Remember that sunscreen is just one element of sun protection, Dr Steenkamp advises. Sun-protective clothing and sun smart behaviour, such as seeking shade, or staying inside between 10am-4pm, when the sun is at its strongest, are also part of a sun-safe regime. “Children under six months should not be exposed to direct sunlight,” she cautions.

5. “Sun exposure is the only way to avoid a vitamin D deficiency”

The recent sun protection guidelines recommend that instead of getting vitamin D from sun exposure, you should derive it from a combination of diet and supplements. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna. Vitamin D is also found in small amounts in egg yolks, beef liver, liver oil, and cheese. Many foods, like breakfast cereals, milk, and juice, are fortified with vitamin D, but always check the label to make sure.