What is a common misconception about sunscreen use?

What is a common misconception about sunscreen use?

• A. It is only necessary on sunny days
• B. It should only be applied once a day
• C. It is unnecessary for indoor use
• D. All skin types need the same SPF level

Answer: (A)

The belief that sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days is a common misconception. In reality, ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clouds and still reach your skin, causing potential damage regardless of the weather. Even on overcast days, a significant amount of UV radiation can still be present, making sunscreen application important year-round, not just during sunny conditions. This misunderstanding can lead to inadequate skin protection and increase the risk of skin damage and conditions such as sunburn or skin cancer. Other options convey different misconceptions. For example, thinking that sunscreen should only be applied once a day overlooks the need for reapplication after swimming, sweating, or after a few hours of sun exposure. Similarly, the idea that sunscreen is unnecessary for indoor use ignores that UV rays can also reach individuals indoors through windows. Lastly, the belief that all skin types need the same SPF level fails to consider that different skin tones have varying levels of melanin, which can affect sun sensitivity and risk of damage.

The belief that sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days is a common misconception. In reality, ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clouds and still reach your skin, causing potential damage regardless of the weather. Even on overcast days, a significant amount of UV radiation can still be present, making sunscreen application important year-round, not just during sunny conditions. This misunderstanding can lead to inadequate skin protection and increase the risk of skin damage and conditions such as sunburn or skin cancer.

Other options convey different misconceptions. For example, thinking that sunscreen should only be applied once a day overlooks the need for reapplication after swimming, sweating, or after a few hours of sun exposure. Similarly, the idea that sunscreen is unnecessary for indoor use ignores that UV rays can also reach individuals indoors through windows. Lastly, the belief that all skin types need the same SPF level fails to consider that different skin tones have varying levels of melanin, which can affect sun sensitivity and risk of damage.