Natural Sun Protection from SteppieMD™
August 18, 2022
Did you know it’s a myth that the sun’s rays are blocked by clouds? Even when the sun isn’t visible, it is always present and harmful rays still beam through on a cloudy or rainy day. Not only can the light from the sun lead to premature skin aging, over exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase your risk of skin cancer.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can decrease your risk of precancers and skin cancer by about 40 percent for squamous cell carcinoma and by 50 percent for melanoma with the daily use of good sunscreen. Moreover, wearing sunscreen every day can save years of visible skin damage later in life and is equally effective in protecting all skin types and complexions.
Experts say every man, woman, and child over the age of 6 months that goes outside should use sunscreen daily, including people who say they tan easily and those who don’t. If you are not routinely using sunscreen because you believe the damage to your skin is already done, then think again. Fact is it is never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful radiation.
“Anyone can benefit from a good sun protection strategy,” says Michael Steppie, Orlando dermatologist and a dedicated member of the prestigious Amonette Circle of the Skin Cancer Foundation. “Even on cloudy days, a large percentage of the sun’s radiation can still penetrate your skin causing premature aging and wrinkles as well as increase your risk of skin cancer.”
Protecting Yourself from the Sun
Since the sun emits ultraviolet radiation, it does offer some benefits including the creation of Vitamin D but the sun’s rays can also lead to serious health risks. The most recent research suggests that taking steps to protect yourself and loved ones from the sun should be a year-round responsibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UVA and UVB radiation both adversely affect your health but UVA wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin and are more constant throughout the year.
Where a sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, prolonged UV exposure can result in premature aging, blinding eye diseases, and skin cancer. Unfortunately, being a nation of sunworshippers has led to skin cancer being the most common type of cancer in the United States.
There are also dangers that come from age-old myths. First, no matter how many years of sun damage your skin has suffered, it is never too late to protect yourself from future damage. When you know you are going to be outside, wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck. Wear wraparound sunglasses that are UVA and UVB rated and use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of SPF 30 (or higher) anytime you are outdoors. Since tanning beds and tanning devices emit the same form of non-ionizing radiation, they too increase your chance of developing skin cancer and should be avoided. Whether you opt for a physical sunblock or chemical sunscreen, choose a formula that is broad spectrum.
Selecting a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
When it comes to protecting your skin from damaging UV rays, it is best to start around six months of age. Nonetheless, if practicing sun safety wasn’t a part of your game plan early on, taking positive steps today can still help prevent skin cancer. In fact, the MD Anderson Center's Department of Dermatology says the old belief that 50% of sun damage occurs in your 20’s should be more like 25% because people today continue to be active outdoors throughout their life. Fortunately, you have choices.
A physical sunscreen, also known as a sunblock, contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to form a shield that deflects sunrays. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens work by absorbing ultraviolet light before sunrays can damage your skin. With the same SPF, both types are safe and effective.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a tinted sunscreen enriched with powerful moisturizers and antioxidants that also helps even facial skin tones for more natural looking sun protection? Well, now there is... BB Cream SPF 30. This antioxidant broad spectrum sunscreen from SteppieMD™ Ethereal Beauty is a silky smooth, multi-tasking formula that can be worn alone or under your foundation. Its universal pigment technology reflects light and visibly helps to conceal minor skin imperfections.
“Protecting your skin can save you trips to the doctor,” added Michael Steppie, Orlando Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgeon, “and remember, dermatologist remove a lot of skin cancers from facial areas around the scalp, temples, cheeks, nose and ears.”
If you have questions about sun protection for your skin type, make an appointment today with a dermatologist to discuss your skincare strategy.