Long time exposure of skin to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the skin. It can have disturbing results on the skin like sunburn, wrinkles and even skin cancer. So, stepping outdoors after using sunscreen is very important.
However, many people have misunderstandings about the usage of sunscreen like don’t use it on a rainy day, etc. There are many more summer myths which you get to hear from people around you. Millions of false beliefs are there for the summer season, but whatever you hear is not always true.
To get complete information and stay safe, don’t become a victim of these myths. Continue reading to know what’s wrong and what’s right.
Myth 1 – You can catch a cold by air conditioning.
This is a common summer myth going from ages, but it is not true. Cold air alone cannot make you sick. If you are sweating, try to avoid immediate exposure to air conditioners. Due to this, you may catch a cold.
The best thing to do is avoid excessive summer heat and keep air conditioners at a normal level.
Myth 2 – Any drink can rehydrate your body on a hot day.
It is another common myth that drinking soft drinks or any other beverage can satisfy your thirst. This is not true because drinks high in sugar or alcoholic beverages can make you more dehydrated. Water is the best solution for dehydration so always drink plenty of it.
Myth 3 – No need to use sunscreen if cosmetic products contain SPF.
Makeup products like foundation or powder containing SPF can’t replace your sunscreen. The reason is that application of makeup is light. It does not cover the places like earlobes, T-zones or hairlines. So, to give full protection to the skin from sun rays use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before makeup.
Myth 4 – You can’t get sunburn on a cloudy day.
Believing this myth can cause harsh results. The sun may be hidden on a cloudy day. Even the thickest cloud cannot block the harmful UV rays. Although the light breeze may make you feel cool and fresh, there are still chances of sunburn. The best way to protect the skin is to minimize outdoor activities during peak hours of the day. If not possible, cover yourself well before stepping out.
Myth 5 – Use butter for sunburn.
Applying butter on sunburn area can’t be helpful. Instead, it can make it more painful and delay the process of healing. Butter contains some bacteria that can cause infection. You can apply aloe vera gel or can consult a skin doctor in case you are not getting relief.
Myth 6 – Swimming when your stomach is full can make you ill.
This is not true that swimming after eating can cause illness. It may give you cramps, but that doesn’t put your world to an end. If you can swim with full stomach go ahead without worrying about the half an hour rule.
Myth 7 – People with dark skin don’t need SPF.
It is true that people having more pigmented skin have fewer chances of sunburn than those with pale skin. But this is also true that skin cancer can happen to any skin type. Harmful rays of the sun are skin damaging for everyone. The best way is to protect yourself from sun rays with suitable measures.
Myth 8 – Eating garlic can keep the mosquitoes away.
This is not true instead of keeping mosquitoes away; it can keep people away from you. If you want mosquitoes to stay away, try using bug spray. You can apply mosquito repellent on skin before going out. Lavender oil keeps mosquitoes away.
Myth 9 – Hot weather can help your body to sweat out toxins.
Sweating can help out your skin to remove toxins. It opens out the pores of your skin allowing them to remove excess dirt and oil. But sweating cannot help your liver or kidney in removing waste materials. So this myth is also not true.
So, these were some of the common myths which you may have come across once in your life. Now you know the truth behind these common summer myths. So, don’t let them affect your life and share this with other people to make them aware.
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