Why the 'catch UV' trend could end up with skin cancer - a dermatologist's opinion

At the same time, myths about the dangers of sunscreen are spreading on social media, which is increasingly worrying doctors, according to Medical Express.

Dr Linda Liu, professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego, explains: a tan is not a "healthy glow" but a manifestation of damage to the skin's DNA.

"The cells have already been stressed and you just don't see it yet," she emphasises.

UV light damages DNA, weakens the skin's immune defences and triggers the ageing process regardless of skin colour, she says. Even in people with darker skin who aren't as prone to burns, cells are still subject to radiation damage.

The UV index is a scale of solar radiation strength depending on the time of day, cloud cover, altitude and the state of the ozone layer. It ranges from 1 to 11+. With a UV index of 11, the skin can burn in 5 minutes. Already with a value above 3, doctors recommend the use of protection.

In the short term, excessive sun exposure leads to burns, herpes and photo-aging. In the long term, it leads to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, thinning skin and an increased risk of cancer, including melanoma. And the myth of "basic tanning" is dangerous: even minimal tanning is already cell damage, and it is not a substitute for SPF cream.

Why you can not refuse sunscreen

Myths that sunscreen is toxic, harmful to the environment or interferes with vitamin D production are actively spread online. But:

• Toxicity - studies on mice with extreme doses do not reflect actual use in humans. Mineral creams (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based) are an alternative.

• Environmental - only some chemical components are harmful to corals. There are "reef-safe" options.

• Vitamin D - getting it from the sun is unreliable, better to use supplements.

"My patients often say, 'I wish I had used a cream when I was younger.' There are a lot of formats now - lotions, sprays, stick, gels, even tinted products for all skin tones," notes Dr Liu.

How to protect your skin without hiding from the sun

• Plan activity before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

• Check your UV index: if it's above 3, be sure to use protection.

• Apply SPF 30+ every 90 minutes: two strips on your fingers for your face, a shot for your body.

• Use clothing with UPF protection, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.

• There are even supplements (like polypodium leucotomos), but they're only a supplement, not a replacement for cream and shade.

Sun protection is not an "old man's job", but a way to keep your skin healthy and truly beautiful for a long time.