5 Myths About UV

We've heard multiple myths about UV! So we thought we'd talk about the most common myths we've heard, and set the record straight!

Myth Number 1

"You don’t have to wear sunglasses in the winter, or on cloudy/overcast days"

FALSE!

Up to 80% of harmful UV rays can still get through the cloud cover. Even on cloudy days, its important to protect those peepers!

Myth Number 2

 "If you’re someone who tans but doesn’t burn, you don’t need to wear sunscreen"

Nuh-uh!

Although we love a good golden glow, if your skin turns brown, it is a sign of sun damage. Excessive tanning also leads to premature skin ageing. Do yourself a favour, slap on some sunscreen to avoid those lines and wrinkles, sun spots, or worse, melanoma!

Myth Number 3

"Darker glasses provide more UV protection!"

Not true!

A lens tint is recorded by its colour, and percentage of light absorption. A dark sunglass might be Grey 85%, where as a light rose lens may be recorded as pink 15%. These values DO NOT mean they offer more or less UV protection. Reach for glasses labelled UV 400 or 100% UV protection. This means they have a clear coating that blocks all harmful UVA and UVB rays. The darkness and colour of the tint is a personal preference, and one doesn’t offer more protection over the other. 

Myth Number 4

"Only adults need to wear sunglasses"

NO!

Babies and kids especially need sun protection! Kids' pupils are larger, and the crystalline lens in their eyes are clearer. This means that more light gets in and has more potential to do harm. Most of the UV damage done to our skin and eyes occurs before the age of 10, and is irreversible! Put some sunnies on your babes to not only make them the coolest kids at school, but to prevent issues later on!

Myth Number 5

"Polarized glasses are more UV protective than cheaper glasses"

Not necessarily!

Don’t get me wrong. I love my polarized glasses, and definitely think they’re worth the investment. But technically, a cheap gas-station pair of sunglasses, if labelled UV400 or 100% UV protection, will protect your eyes just the same. Polarized lenses cut glare off of surfaces, especially water, snow and roads. This provides more visual comfort and sharper vision. So even though they don’t offer MORE UV protection, many people prefer them because they are more comfy to look through.

TINTS offer 100% UV protection, and also block blue light. Making them perfect for wearing indoors, and outdoors!