When it comes to protecting your skin, are you practicing safe sun?

Many of us could stand to improve our habits, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Earlier this year, the AAD released results from its Practice Safe Sun Survey, which found a gap between understanding the importance of sun safety and taking action. For example, 57% of Americans said they regularly use sunscreen, yet one-third of respondents noted they got a sunburn in the past year, with Gen Z reporting the most severe burns. The survey also found that 50% of adults worry about premature aging, while 70% wish they’d done more to protect their skin earlier in life; further, one in five are unaware that sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, while one in four are unaware it can help prevent dark spots. Misinformation, says the AAD, is part of the problem.

“While it’s encouraging that over half of Americans are using sunscreen, young people and adults are navigating an overwhelming amount of conflicting information about sun protection,” said AAD President and board-certified dermatologist Murad Alam, MD, in a statement. “Misinformation reinforces harmful tanning myths, leading people to underestimate the risks of UV light exposure and ignore protective measures. It’s important to evaluate the source of medical information and make informed skincare decisions by seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist. The reality is that window glass cannot stop harmful rays, and no amount of sun exposure is necessary or completely safe.”

With that in mind, we’re here to bust some myths and set the record straight when it comes to protecting your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer.

Myth: A base tan can help protect my skin from getting damaged.

Fact: There’s no such thing as a “healthy tan,” according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A tan is the result of damage caused to the skin by ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to UV rays can also cause premature aging and wrinkles, rashes, injuries to the eyes and increase the risk of skin cancer. This is true whether the UV rays come from the sun or from a tanning bed.

Myth: People with darker skin don’t get skin cancer.

Fact: Anyone with skin can get skin cancer. While people with lighter skin may have a higher risk, the American Cancer Society says UV rays can damage skin of all shades. And while people with darker skin may have a lower risk of developing melanoma in places like the legs, back and chest, anybody can develop this kind of cancer on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet and beneath their nails. “In fact,” writes the American Cancer Society, “melanomas in these areas account for more than half of all melanomas in African American people, but fewer than one in 10 melanomas in white people.”

Myth: I can’t get burned when the sun is behind the clouds.

Fact: Sun damage can happen even on a cloudy day, according to the EPA, because UV rays can break through clouds even when the sun’s light appears to be muted. To learn how intense the sun’s UV radiation is in your area on a given day, familiarize yourself with the UV Index, which is often listed in weather reports. Nearly half of UV radiation occurs when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. On that topic, the EPA shares this UV rule of thumb: if you see that your shadow is taller than you are, UV exposure is likely to be lower. If it’s shorter than you are, UV exposure is higher, and you should seek shade.

Myth: All sunscreen is the same.

Fact: Some sunscreens are more protective than others. The AAD says to use broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The sunscreen should be applied to skin that’s not covered by clothing, and you should reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Myth: It’s not safe to exercise in warm weather.

Fact: If you’re worried about how rising temperatures may affect you, talk to your doctor. Generally speaking, warmer weather just calls for a little extra planning when it comes to exercise. The American Heart Association says to avoid working out during the hottest hours of the day. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after you exercise, whether you’re thirsty or not, and wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, sunglasses, a hat or visor and, of course, sweat-resistant sunscreen.

Myth: If I, or someone I know, is experiencing a heat-related illness, it will be obvious.

Fact: People may overlook the early symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and that could put them in a dangerous situation. That’s why it could be helpful to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a person with heat exhaustion may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pale skin
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness/fatigue
  • Rapid breathing and heart rate
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • What to do: If you experience these symptoms, get out of the sun immediately and attempt to bring your temperature down using ice packs or cool towels. Seek medical help if your symptoms worsen.

A person with heat stroke may experience the following symptoms:

  • Dry, red skin
  • The inability to sweat
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness/fainting
  • Slurred speech
  • Hallucinations/altered mental state
  • Confusion, aggression or agitation
  • What to do: Call 911. This is a medical emergency, and it could get worse quickly.

Myth: The way you protect yourself from heat should be the same year after year.

Fact: As you get older, you’ll want to take more precautions because heat can be more dangerous for older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), some older adults may face more challenges when it comes to regulating their body temperature; plus, they’re more likely to have chronic health conditions, which can impact the way they respond to temperatures. Additionally, some prescription medicines can make it harder for the body to cool off and may raise your risk for sunburn.

When it’s hot outside, the NIA suggests drinking plenty of water, limiting time outdoors and in crowds, understanding any possible side effects from your medications and keeping your living space cool and comfortable. 

Summer is a great time to get outside and luxuriate in the long days and warm nights. Road trips, beach days, pool outings, backyard barbecues—all of this, and more, await. Now that you’ve brushed up on your sun safety myths vs. facts, you should be ready to let the good times roll, while taking the proper precautions for yourself and your family.