Skincare Beyond the Summer Sunburn and Skin Cancer Care with Dr. Moondust
Skin cancer is on the rise all over the world. It is a significant motivator behind the life’s work of Vancouver-based cancer biologist, Dr. Moondust. It is one reason for her formulation of Moondust Cosmetics® revolutionary suncare product, Skin Protector Plus (SPP). It is designed to blend with our lifestyles yet give confidence and security for the sun sensitive and for anyone vulnerable to skin cancer in the family or recovering from it. More than 90% of skin cancer is attributed to over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Tanning booths are also implicated but this post is about how to avoid being the one in five who will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by age 70.
Essential tips to protect yourself from sun damage and risk of cancer
Before we get to the sun safe tips to enjoy summer, we look first at the three main kinds of skin cancer as explained by Dr. Isaac Eliaz who practices in the sun-drenched Santa Rosa, California. Dr. Moondust finds his approaches to suncare, and in particular, his professional ideas on zinc oxide and the pitfalls of many commercial sunscreens, in sync with those of Moondust Cosmetics®. Cancer care is important to both of them as is a holistic health approach. Below is an excerpt from his writings on skin cancer types.
Skin Cancer Types and Risk Factors
There are three main kinds of skin cancer. The first and least harmful is slow growing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), followed by more aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The most dangerous and life-threatening is the highly aggressive and invasive melanoma skin cancer. Basal and squamous cells are considered non-melanoma skin cancers, and this group also includes other less common and slower growing skin cancers.
- Basal cell carcinoma is considered the least dangerous because it doesn’t tend to spread. It usually shows up as a raised area of skin that may be red or dark pink and is commonly found on areas of the body that get more sun exposure, like the face, ears, scalp, and back and shoulders. Although it’s the least dangerous in terms of cancer risk, BCC can still cause skin damage and require removal.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is more dangerous than BCC, because it can spread to other areas of the body. SCC usually appears as scaly red skin patches, growths with indented centers, wart-like growths, or other lesions. SCC can be deadly if left untreated, causing around 2,500 skin cancer deaths each year in the US. Like BCC, it appears mainly in areas of the body that get the most sun exposure.
- Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. Damaged skin cells mutate and multiply rapidly to form aggressive tumors that start in the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma often looks like black or brown moles, although it sometimes shows up in other colors, or blends in with skin. The risks of metastasis in melanoma are very high if left untreated. Around 10,000 people die each year in the US from melanoma metastasis to other organs. This is why early detection is critical, and with surgery, it can be curable. However, even after surgery, risks of recurrence are high and call for targeted strategies to help keep this invasive cancer from returning.
Tips from Team Moondust on the risks of sun exposure and tips on self-care and healthy living
Dr. Moondust encourages getting out into nature for physical health and mental well-being. One advantage is helping your body produce Vitamin D – for free. It benefits our overall health, adds to immunity and even protects us from cancer, including skin cancer.
Getting D in the outdoor sun requires caution. How much is too much when you risk damaging ultraviolet radiation from UV? Over time this kind of damage weakens the skin, affects your DNA, and can lead to increased cancer risks.
Our sun exposure adds to oxidative stress in our bodies, causes wrinkles, premature aging, increases other risks to both our skin and overall health.
Do sunscreens lower your risk of skin cancer?
Common knowledge says they do. This had led Dr. Eliaz, who is of like mind with Dr. Moondust on the issue to write:
“With the increases in melanoma and other skin cancers, public health experts have been urging people to increase their sunscreen use. New guidelines recommend that sunscreen be applied multiple times a day, especially in sunny climates.”
As Dr. Moondust has elucidated from her cancer research, it helps somewhat but it has limitations not advertised to the public. Dr. Eliaz writes further:
“Sunscreen can prevent the DNA damage caused by too much sun exposure, but unfortunately, it’s only a first step, and may be damaging. Analysis from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that many sunscreen brands contain chemicals that can damage cells, disrupt hormones and even cause cancer.
One of the safest topical sunscreens is natural zinc oxide, which delivers broad-spectrum mineral-based protection and also helps repair damaged skin.”
Zinc oxide (13% in the new formulation) is one of the central ingredients in Moondust Cosmetics® natural Sun Protector Plus and helps to protect anyone during the Human Sunburn Cycle.
Time tested and easy to follow sun safety tips
To protect your skin from outward aging and skin cancer, we review Dr. Moondust’s tips that help your skin reflect your health, inside and out!
The fashionable tips
- Seek shade when possible and as respite from sun time
- Wear comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Rock that floppy or wide brim sunhat. It can shade your eyes, ears, neck and face.
- Protect your eyes and block both UVA and UVB rays with sunglasses
The food and culinary fun tips
Enjoy summer’s bounty with a healthy diet. Eating ‘the rainbow’ ensures you get a delicious dose of vitamins, minerals and natural anti-aging nutrients including antioxidants that protect you from the inside and out of your skin, too!
Why the focus on antioxidants? They are a powerful and protective nutrient for your cells and skin from the sun. Imagine increasing your skin’s defenses against sun damage and cancer caused by against excessive UV exposure by keeping a healthy diet and possibly some supplements
Looking to add some yummy antioxidant ingredients to help you protect your skin and reduce risks of sun damage and skin cancer? Try these easy additions:
- Green leafy vegetables: contain carotenoids at work to enhance skin pigmentation and sun protection
- Tomatoes: high in Lycopene which serves many functions and can help prevent sunburns and UV damage.3
- Green tea or green tea powder (matcha): sip some tea in the shade and refresh while it defends against UV radiation and the resulting damage.
Natural ways to protect yourself in the sun at work or play are within reach. Lifestyle tweaks for our health, as you can see are easy and doable so that healthy sun exposure is ours to enjoy with a:
- Healthy diet
- Clothes that say summer and safety
- Proper sun protection…Like our gentle but effective, all natural, reef safe, easy to apply and tote along SPP.
Suitable for all skin tones and ages from 3+ to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to boost your body’s defenses with super-nutrients and antioxidants to prevent sun damage and nourish your skin from the inside out.
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