Lianna Albrizio, Assistant Editor05.25.23
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
In the US, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with more than two people dying of the disease every hour.
For skin care brand CeraVe, these somber facts about skin cancer call for somber truth-telling—and the brand this year tapped influencers and dermatologists to help drive the message home.
CeraVe kicked off its sun safety messaging with the #21DaysofSPFChallenge, unveiled at the Annual American Academy of Dermatology Conference in New Orleans—popular tourist attraction and a city with one of the highest UV indexes in the US.
Influencers Dude with Sign, Dudette with Sign and Avani Gregg and top dermatologists paraded through New Orleans promoting the importance of daily SPF use. Since sun damage is cumulative overtime, dermatologists advise it’s critical to wear SPF 30 sunscreen daily, and not just in the summertime. This means on cloudy days, too.
Imperative to Wear Sunscreen All Year
Dude with Sign, Avani Gregg and Dudette with Sign urge the public to take their skin health seriously.
According to the International Ultraviolet Association, glass is transparent to UV radiation and all UVA light will pass through glass, including car windows.
A recent CeraVe survey of Americans found that they were least likely to apply sunscreen while sitting near windows. Only 29% said they applied sunscreen when working indoors by a window and 28% while driving. The same survey found that 23% said they were least likely to apply sunscreen when it is was cloudy. As many as 64% admitted they don't think they need to wear sunscreen every day.
“In my experience, the biggest misconception about sunscreen use is that it only needs to be applied when it’s very sunny outside,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo. “Many people believe that sunscreen is only necessary for beach days or outdoor activities, but the truth is that UV rays can penetrate through clouds and even windows. Sunscreen should be incorporated into your daily skincare routine, even on days when you are primarily indoors. It is imperative to wear sunscreen all year round because UV exposure still happens even if it’s not a sunny day. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and even through windows, meaning that you can still be exposed to harmful radiation even when you are indoors or on a cloudy day. According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, over 90% of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is why SPF is so important.”
“In my experience, the biggest misconception about sunscreen use is that it only needs to be applied when it’s very sunny outside,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo. “Many people believe that sunscreen is only necessary for beach days or outdoor activities, but the truth is that UV rays can penetrate through clouds and even windows. Sunscreen should be incorporated into your daily skincare routine, even on days when you are primarily indoors. It is imperative to wear sunscreen all year round because UV exposure still happens even if it’s not a sunny day. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and even through windows, meaning that you can still be exposed to harmful radiation even when you are indoors or on a cloudy day. According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, over 90% of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is why SPF is so important.”
Fun in the Sun
During the parade in the French Quarter, dermatologists hoisted signs stating: “Wear SPF Daily, “Drink Water. Wear SPF. Be Nice.” and “FYI: Your Daily Moisturizer Needs SPF.” Signs held by Dude and Dudette with Sign read: “People Need to Listen to Dermatologists.”
Given the widely-held belief that bad habits can break and new ones can form after 21 days of commitment, skin experts and influencers challenged consumers to commit to wearing sunscreen, such as CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30, which was dermatologist-developed with three essential ceramides. Ceramides help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
According to CeraVe, a L’Oréal clinical study found that sun exposure can impair ceramides in the skin, therefore, using a CeraVe sunscreen can help keep the skin barrier healthy, according to the brand. Other actives in CeraVe’s sunscreens are niacinamide, which can help brighten the skin and improve texture, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. For beauty enthusiasts who wish to merge their moisturizer with their SPF, CeraVe recommends CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF to ensure both hydration and protection for the skin barrier.
Blue Light to Blame?
Dermatologists with CeraVe also say daily SPF usage is good to protect the skin from blue light from smart devices, which many keep on full blast around the clock. While blue light isn’t a causation of skin cancer, it can accelerate skin aging in the form of collagen loss and wrinkles.
“There is still research to be done on the impact of blue light emissions on the skin, but early studies show that this light from electronic devices may contribute to skin aging,” said Dr. Ugonabu. “While research is still ongoing, using SPF daily is essential to protect from UV exposure, so it can only benefit the skin by incorporating it into a daily routine. While there have certainly been positive strides in the research and awareness surrounding SPF and its usage, it's important to note that skin cancer is still a significant public health concern globally. It's critical to continue promoting sun-safe behaviors, including the use of sunscreen, to further reduce the chances of skin cancer.”
“There is still research to be done on the impact of blue light emissions on the skin, but early studies show that this light from electronic devices may contribute to skin aging,” said Dr. Ugonabu. “While research is still ongoing, using SPF daily is essential to protect from UV exposure, so it can only benefit the skin by incorporating it into a daily routine. While there have certainly been positive strides in the research and awareness surrounding SPF and its usage, it's important to note that skin cancer is still a significant public health concern globally. It's critical to continue promoting sun-safe behaviors, including the use of sunscreen, to further reduce the chances of skin cancer.”
CeraVe says sunscreen should be applied generously throughout the body—wherever skin is exposed. This equates to one ounce. Broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays should be reapplied accordingly throughout the day while outdoors.
“While any SPF is more beneficial than none, I typically recommend a minimum of SPF 30, and reapplying every two hours when outdoors and/or after any water-related activity, like swimming,” Ugonabu said.
“While any SPF is more beneficial than none, I typically recommend a minimum of SPF 30, and reapplying every two hours when outdoors and/or after any water-related activity, like swimming,” Ugonabu said.
