Make Every Day a No Fry Day...
August 24, 2023
Established in 2008 by the National Council of Skin Cancer Prevention, National “Don’t Fry Day” is celebrated each May on the Friday before Memorial Day. But with exceptionally warm August weather in Central Florida and Labor Day already upon us, the doctors and staff at Associates in Dermatology encourage everyone to make smart choices about his or her approach to Sun Safety every day.
The American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. So, protecting yourself and loved ones during any Holiday or “day off”, will allow you to safely spend more time outside in the sun by taking the proper precautions. In our July blog for UV Safety Awareness Month, we reminded people in our Florida communities about the harmful effect of ultraviolet sun rays.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each year more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Fortunately for sun worshipers, both UVA and UVB radiation are preventable risk factors for developing skin cancer. You can protect yourself from the sun’s radiation by using a combination of sun safety products and practices.
Whether you live in or just visiting the Sunshine State, it is important to apply a SPF-rated sunblock any time you are going outside. A recent article in Harvard Health also recommends that you don’t depend solely on using sunscreens but add UV-protective clothing and sunglasses to your wardrobe while relaxing or working in the sun. If you are going to be sun-exposed for extended periods, seek shade or prepare ahead of time by packing a beach umbrella.
Positive Signs of Ozone Healing
Environmental advocates across the Global Village formed a partnership in 1987 called the Montreal Protocol to support the phasing out of ozone-eating chemicals with bans on certain refrigerants and aerosols in a united effort to heal the ozone layer. Since ozone action sets a precedent for climate change, the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization was excited by recent data that suggests the continued healing of the hole in the ozone continues at a slowb but steady rate.
Although there are still many actions needed over the long haul, communities around the globe are working hard to ensure the healing continues. Eliminating more harmful contaminants and transitioning away from the world’s dependence on fossil fuels will help reduce greenhouse gases, which are a known culprit for the increase in global temperatures. Earth scientists from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center have been tasked with monitoring two ozone-damaging chemicals in the earth’s outer atmospheric layers.
Damaging bromine and chlorine levels are down...
The ozone layer protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation produced by the sun. Since bromine and chlorine reside high in our atmosphere, reports that levels of both chemicals are no longer growing and actually coming down is proof positive that communities can make a difference. Dedicated efforts to use safer products have indeed reduced two of the primary chemicals that eat at the hole in our ozone layer. Collectively, we are ensuring our children’s future by reducing risks of parched agricultural land, dangerous skin cancers, compromised immune systems, and eye cataracts.
The atmospheric holes over the ice-covered Antarctic continent also play a critical role in the Earth’s weather. Scientists say the recovery time for healing the hole will take many years before the outer atmosphere returns to normal. When the ozone hole became a topic of importance in the 80s, environmental groups began to ban ozone-depleting chemicals. If current policies remain in place, experts estimate that levels in most parts of the world could return to pre-1980 levels by 2040 but it could take until 2066 to heal Antarctica.
Antarctica regulates the climate through absorbing excess heat and generating large amounts of freshwater sea ice that cause sea-levels to rise and fall in other parts of the world. The director of the United Nations Environment Program issued a statement that healing is occurring thanks to major changes already implemented and estimates efforts are saving two million lives every year from skin cancer. A recent report shows the level of chlorine has declined by 11.5% and bromine by 14.5% since peak levels were recorded in 1999.
Sun Safety to Avoid Sun Damage
Although there is still a lot to be done, protecting our planet by healing the hole in the ozone remains critically important for future generations. Moreover, with the majority of skin cancers caused by UV radiation, teaching everyone to make smart decisions to help reduce overexposure to harmful rays and mitigate sunburn. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates around five million Americans will require treatment for skin cancers this year at a medical cost that will exceed $8 billion.
Limiting the time you spend in the sun is the best way to avoid skin damage but that’s seldom a practical approach. So, it is extremely important to proactively adopt good sun safety practices as well as be someone who sets an example for others. Fact is, if you are going outside, you should apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every time you have sun exposure and even on overcast days. Whether you have to work outdoors or simply love a day in the sun, every skin type can develop skin cancer, including people who tan easily or have a darker complexion.
Advanced Mineral Sunscreen Products from SteppieMD ETHEREAL BEAUTY
In addition to his many roles as an Orlando dermatologist and Mohs cancer surgeon, Dr. Michael Steppie created his own line of products including four SteppieMD ETHEREAL BEAUTY advanced mineral sunscreens* that support Sun Safety year round. Just as Orlando skin cancer patients have trusted his expertise for skin cancer treatments for decades, you can trust his advanced mineral sunscreen products to keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays. SteppieMD ETHEREAL BEAUTY provide a sheer, residue-free protective finish for powerful protection for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Check out two of these environmentally friendly options:
- INFINITY UV DEFENSE SUNSCREEN – Looking for a green sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection? Infinity UV Defense is enriched with four antioxidants and emollients for optimal protection from free radical damage. Our SPF 50+ sun protection contains 13.75% zinc oxide and is free of chemical absorbers. Make Infinity UV Defense a part of your daily routine and you won't have to worry about sun protection.
- BB CREAM SPF 30 SUNSCREEN – Our antioxidant sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection and goes on silky smooth to prevent unhealthy sun damage. Enriched with moisturizers, SteppieMD BB CREAM has a blend of finely-milled 16.5% zinc oxide and 3.2% titanium dioxide cream even helps to conceal minor skin imperfections and evens facial skin tones to lessen the appearance of pigmentation. It can be worn alone or under your makeup.
SteppieMD ETHEREAL BEAUTY advanced sunscreen formulas draw on the latest dermatologic science to provide high-grade 30 SPF and 50+ SPF sun protection. Using a pure mineral (also called physical sunblock) sunscreen with micronized zinc oxide delivers a superior sun filter that is fast-absorbing, weightless and residue-free. In addition, our formulas are further enriched with antioxidants and moisturizers to help speed the healing process and restore a natural glow. Our moisturizing care options include an intensive hydrating serum to infuse your skin with crucial moisture, while our nourishing creams replenish the skin. Both leave your skin feeling comfortable and smooth.
*NOTE: - Here's how mineral sunscreens block harmful UV rays instead of absorbing them. Mineral (also called physical) sunscreen ingredients such as those use in the 4 formulas from Dr. Steppie's sunscreens (including the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) block and scatter the rays (like a shield) before they penetrate your skin. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb UV rays (like a sponge) before they can damage your skin. While mineral (physical) sunscreens may be less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical sunscreens & indeed are known to be safer for the environment such as "reef-safe", both types of sunscreens have been tested as safe and effective.
To schedule a skin care appointment, call 800-877-7546 or use this website’s convenient Contact Us form to schedule your next appointment online at one of our seventeen dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
