Does sunscreen help you tan?
"When we expose ourselves to the sun after applying sunscreen, with any level of protection, melanin is still produced by our skin. What changes between the SPFs (Sun Protection Factor) is the protection time when our skin is exposed to sunlight, so it will increase for example by 15, 30, or 50 times based on the indication on the product packaging we have applied. So we can say, even with a high protection factor, sunscreen allows us to tan."
Common mistakes
The belief that sunscreen prevents us from tanning is linked to several misconceptions that are part of common imagery. Let's take a look at some of the most common mistakes and beliefs when it comes to sun protection.
Believing that sunscreen is water-resistant: ideally, sunscreen should be applied approximately every two hours, and also after contact with water, such as after a shower or bath, although the sunscreen instructions state that it is water-resistant;
Undervaluing face protection: a specific product with a higher SPF should be used on the face, as it is generally a more sensitive part of our body. It is important to know that the higher the SPF, the more it allows us to protect ourselves from UV rays, which are responsible for possible sunburn, premature skin aging, photoallergic and phototoxic reactions, and even skin cancer.
Sun cream only at the sea: a common mistake is to think about the risk only at the sea or in the pool: in reality, UV rays in the mountains are more harmful and more dangerous for our skin. At high altitudes, in fact, the sun's rays are more direct, and at the same time, the more moderate temperature deceives us, making us perceive less heat and therefore the danger of exposing ourselves to the sun without protective measures.
Use last year's cream: generally on the packaging there is a symbol of an open bottle; next to it there should be the PAO, which is the recommended usage period after opening. If this information is not found or is not visible, it is good to know that the product can be used for the following 12 months after opening, although sometimes the effectiveness can last even longer.
"I'm already tanned so I don't put on sunscreen": tanning is not a real protection, because it can protect against sunburn, but it does not defend against ultraviolet rays and their damage. One should never go below 15 SPF of protection!
Sunscreen and curiosities
Here is a series of useful information and curiosities to obtain the maximum possible protection from your sunscreen:
-Did you know that the areas where we get sunburned the most are the feet, ears, and the back of the neck? This is because we often forget to apply sunscreen to these parts of the body!
-Sunscreen should also be applied when traveling by plane, especially if you have a window seat: the reasoning is the same as in the mountains, so the closer we get to the sun, the more we are exposed to UV rays.
-It is common for people to really enjoy being in the sun: this happens because, when we are exposed to ultraviolet rays, our body releases beta-endorphins. These welfare hormones activate in our body, promoting a mechanism of almost addiction.
-Our body is able to synthesize a vitamin thanks to the sun: vitamin D. To optimize this process, it is recommended to sunbathe for at least 30 minutes a day with an intensity that causes a slight reddening of the skin, during the morning hours.
