I grew up in a generation where the only sunscreen we used was baby oil. I was never really a sun worshipper but generally, I would not wear sunscreen when out in the sun.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Fast-forward to today at almost 57 years old, I am paying for my teenage choices. The sun damage has appeared on my face but worst of all, I have had to deal with Basal Cell skin cancer.
Just a quick backstory. For quite a while, I had a small, pimple-like bump on the back of my knee. I would not always feel it but sometimes, when wearing jeans, for example, I would sit down and right in the crease of my knee, I could feel something irritating my skin. It was itchy and it hurt. After a few days, the bump would burst, and bleed and then just disappear. I wouldn’t feel it again for a month or so and then the cycle would happen again.
For approximately five years, I had seen maybe five different doctors and dermatologists who all said it was nothing of concern after examining it. But I wasn’t convinced, it didn't feel normal. In 2017, I went to see yet another dermatologist who also didn’t think it was anything but suggested it be removed since it bothered me.
I went back for a follow up two months later and that’s when I was told it was a Basal Cell Carcinoma, skin cancer.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal Cell Carcinoma “is a cancer that grows on parts of your skin that get a lot of sun” (WebMD) “It is a common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers”. “Because BCC grows slowly, most are curable and cause minimal damage when caught and treated early.” (Skin Cancer Foundation)
Since that time, I have had another bump removed from my back which was also BCC. I am now extremely careful of going out into the sun unprotected and am incredibly careful when bumps appear on my skin. I get them checked out immediately.
The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can penetrate your skin, even through glass or a window so it is important to not only wear sunscreen when you are outside, but even when you are inside.
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published this picture of a 69-year-old truck driver. Because his job was driving for a living, this picture shows how the one side of his face that was exposed to the sun, even through the window of his vehicle, was damaged. This is such a powerful picture that demonstrates how the sun can age and damage your skin.
But wait, there's more to worry about!
Not only do we need to be careful of the sun’s harmful rays, but we now need to be aware of a new threat that we are all experiencing without even being aware of the dangers and effects it is causing.
Did you know that the blue light from your devices is causing more harm to your skin than even the sun’s rays? The blue light from your cell phone, computer, and TV penetrate even deeper into your skin than the UVA and UVB rays which cause damage and aging to your skin. Let’s face it, over the past few months, who hasn’t been on their devices way more than normal? I know I spend at least 80% of my day on one device or another. Now we need to be aware of the damaging blue light and protect our skin from it.
Here are some simple tips to keep your skin safe and healthy while still enjoying your day-to-day activities.
1. Wear sunscreen whenever you leave the house
2. Wear sunscreen on your face & neck even when inside
3. Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30
4. Wear a sunscreen that also protects you from damaging Blue Light
5. Wear a hat when outside in the hot sun
6. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days
7. Don’t rely on foundation with SPF. You still need sunscreen.
8. Apply sunscreen on top of your moisturizer.
9. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outside and more often if you are swimming
10. Avoid harsh chemicals and use a plant-based sunscreen whenever possible.
I always wear sunscreen, especially on my face, whether inside or outside, but since learning about the blue light damage, I have been vigilant with it and it has become a part of my morning routine.
I use a plant-based sunscreen that is SPF 40 plus it gives me protection from the blue light from my devices! Also, I love that it is lightweight, disappears when I rub it in (no milky residue), and unlike regular sunscreens, doesn’t make my sensitive skin breakout. Bonus, it works like a primer for my makeup, giving a matte, blur like effect.
If you would like to learn more about the sunscreen I use, just click below!
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