National Sunscreen Day

Statistics show that 1.4 and 2.6 per 100,000 Indians and Chinese persons respectively suffer from cancer of the skin (squamous cell carcinoma).

Keeping that in mind, we should use #NationalSunscreenDay as a reminder to ensure that:

A) All of us are wearing proper sun protection

B) Limiting sun exposure in the afternoon when the sun's radiation is at its peak.?

The purpose of this Sunscreen Day is to dispel some myths regarding the application of sunscreen.

?? Sun helps heal acne.?

? Big red flag! The Sun's radiation may lead to stubborn post-acne scarring and pigmentation.?

?? Reapplication after swimming isn't required — my sunscreen's waterproof!

? False. Sports and physical activity make humans perspire and sweat can reduce the efficacy of the sunscreen regardless of its water-resistant properties.?

?? Dark skin doesn't need sun protection!

? While melanin offers minimal sun protection, it is still not enough to shield us from sunburns, sun spots, and skin cancer, among other conditions. Using sunscreen is more than the prevention of tanning! While skin cancer is less common in people of colour it is not impossible and usually detected at a later stage.?

?? My foundation contains SPF5, I don't need more!

? Absolute malarkey. A minimum of SPF30 is recommended by healthcare professionals regardless of skin colour.

?? Sunscreens should not be worn indoors!

? Depends. Factors such as distance from the source of sunlight, UV index, and susceptibility that varies from person to person are pivotal in determining whether one should wear sunscreen inside or not. A study conducted in Australia, where the skin cancer rates are recorded to be the highest, says that in summers [in Australia] when the UV Index is 3 or higher, sun protection measures should be taken. However, in winter, when the UV Index is lower than 3, sunscreen application can be skipped to encourage Vitamin D synthesis.