UVs prematurely age the skin
TRUE Even if they are not the only cause of this aging. “The sun’s rays damage the cells which – as they are forced to divide to regenerate – become less efficient. They thus age prematurely, ”explains Olivier Gaide, associate professor in the dermatology and venerology service of the CHUV.
Sunscreen protects from sunburns and premature skin aging
True, but … “Applied sufficient and several times during a long exposure, sunscreen is actually very effective against sunburn and avoids the premature aging phenomenon. The problem is that to obtain such protection, you have to put a lot and often.
For example, a 100 ml tube covers the needs of a family of five for a single exhibition! Skin cancer prevention messages cannot therefore be limited to recommending the application of sunscreen. People put in principle a third of what manufacturers recommend to have good protection. Without forgetting, that “the cream gives the feeling that the skin is not at risk and that it can induce people to stay longer in the sun”, continues Professor Gaide. The best protection is either to give up the exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or to wear a UV t-shirt …
An index cream 50 allows you to stay 50 minutes in the sun without burning
FAKE “The UV index indicates how much additional time a person can stay in the sun in relation to exposure without any protection,” explains the expert. Thus, if an adult Caucasian type man would be likely to have a sunburn after 20 minutes, with an index 20 cream, he can stay 400 minutes without damaging the skin. With this same cream, people of color can stay longer, while small blonde children much less!
There is no need to cream yourself in the morning if you go to the beach at 2 p.m.
True but … Applying too early protection may decrease its efficiency due to friction with the clothes and perspiration that will remove part of the cream. However, it is better to be low protection than none! “Ideally, it would be necessary to put the cream fifteen minutes before exposing, not because it needs this period of time to be effective, but because it allows the skin to fix it well. If you cream yourself just before jumping in the water, a game will end up in the pool, ”explains Professor Gaide. Note that in town, under our latitudes, after 5 p.m. UV rays are no longer strong enough to damage the skin. It is therefore no longer useful to apply protection at the end of the day.
UV rays have virtues to treat certain diseases
TRUE “In the hospital, we use UV cabins to treat psoriasis and eczema. UVs block this type of self-inflammatory disease, ”explains the specialist. The sun also has other virtues: it makes it possible to manufacture vitamin D that the organism needs, it has an action on morale and the fact of doing outdoor activities is good for muscles, framework, social ties … So you should not hide at home as soon as it is good for fear of damaging your epidermis!
Eyes are also aging prematurely because of the sun
TRUE “UV, in particular UV-A which have high wavelengths, will penetrate deeply into the eye and reach the retina, the posterior part of the eye, with the consequence of premature aging of the eye tissue as well as a macular degeneration linked to age (DMLA). This disease affects people after 50 years and affects vision. As for UV-B with shorter wavelengths, they are absorbed almost entirely by the cornea, the anterior part of the eye, and the lens. Which accelerates the aging of the latter leading to cataracts. Without forgetting, the risk of having a sunshine of the cornea-called snow keratitis-and the conjunctiva, “explains Flore Racodon, optometrist at the Ophthalmic Hospital Jules-Gonin de Lausanne.
Glasses with dark glasses are enough to protect the eyes
FAKE If star glasses give a certain look, they do not protect against the effects of UV. “Decreasing glare by choosing category 0 to 4 lenses (4 being the darkest) is not enough to effectively protect the eyes from the sun’s rays. To do this, you must ensure that the glasses have CE marking, meeting the security requirements of the European Union. The UV400 or 100% sun protection mention means that glasses block all UV-A and UV-B shelves, ”continues Flore Racodon.
A pair of sunglasses is enough to go everywhere
FAKE “In the mountains or in the snow, the light intensity is very strong and the reflection of the UV is high. It is recommended to use category 4 glasses – be careful, they are prohibited behind the wheel – as well as a polarizing filter to reduce dazzling and opt for mirror treatment returning part of the intense light. On the water, the polarizing filter is also indicated because it improves the contrast. In town, less dark glasses are enough, ”explains the optometrist. Obviously, on water and skiing, it is always essential that glasses block UV.
Blue eyes are more sensitive to UV than darker those
TRUE “Clear eyes contain less melanin in the iris, which works like a filter. They are therefore more at risk towards UV exposure. In addition, the eyes of children under the age of nine are more sensitive, because their crystalline is transparent, thus exposing the retina more to the effects of solar rays, ”concludes Flore Racodon.
