Like whether getting a base tan really prevents burning.
This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated.
Canadian temperatures can be unpredictable and confusing at best (from beach weather to parka weather in a week is the norm, tbh), but we all know that whether we’re indoors or outdoors, it’s pouring rain or the sun is shining, SPF is a must, day in and day out. But the unfortunate truth is that most people are still not wearing sunscreen. According to a 2017 Statistics Canada report, only “30% to 40% of adults use sunscreen or seek shade.” The reasoning behind these stats is varied and complex, of course, but the role that misinformation plays cannot be discounted. Harmful and inaccurate tanning myths, originating long before we had the information and knowledge we do today, still exist in the public consciousness. That’s why we spoke to two pros to help us set the record straight on these tanning myths, once and for all. Read on to learn how to properly and effectively protect your skin from the sun.
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True or False: Getting a ‘base tan’ from a tanning bed prevents burning later on
False. This is one of the most popular tanning myths out there. But “there’s little evidence to support the idea that a base tan protects you against sunburn,” says dermatologist and founder of New York-based clinic Fifth Avenue Aesthetics, Dr. Marie Hayag. In fact, if it does offer any protection at all, it’s only the equivalent of wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 3 to 4. While this is better than nothing, no credible expert would ever recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 4. (An SPF of at least 30 is what’s recommended by most dermatologists for daily use!)
This myth is especially problematic when you…
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