Common Sun Safety Assumptions
Assumption 1: You only need sunscreen on sunny days. UV rays penetrate clouds, so protection is necessary even on overcast days.
Assumption 2: Higher SPF means you can stay in the sun longer. SPF indicates protection level, not duration. Reapply every 2 hours regardless of SPF number.
Assumption 3: A base tan protects your skin. Any tan indicates skin damage. There is no safe level of UV exposure that creates protective tanning.
Assumption 4: Sunscreen is only for the beach. Daily sunscreen is essential for all outdoor activities, including running errands, commuting, and outdoor work.
Assumption 5: You can't get vitamin D while protecting yourself from the sun. Just 10-30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure several times per week is sufficient for vitamin D production.