Dr. Ashley Steffens on Sun Safety, Tanning Culture & Helioshield UPF Clothing
Dr. Ashley Steffens joins Episode 6 of Burnt Truths to discuss the evolution of sun protection, why tanning culture persists, and how dermatologist-developed UPF apparel is changing the conversation. Plus, shop Helioshield on Low Ultraviolet.
Remember when being tan was the ultimate beauty goal? When celebrities were bronzed year-round, tanning beds were a rite of passage, and a sun-kissed glow was practically synonymous with looking healthy?
The beauty conversation has changed. Sunscreen has become a skincare essential, dermatologists are sharing sun-safety advice on social media, and sun-protective clothing is becoming a bigger part of everyday fashion.
But has sunscreen really become hot?
That's the question at the center of Episode 6 of Burnt Truths: Uncovering the Shady Side of Getting Sun-Kissed, the limited podcast series from The Ultraviolet Tide, hosted by Low Ultraviolet founder Erica Feggeler.
In “Shifting the Narrative: How Sunscreen Finally Became Hot,” Erica speaks with Dr. Ashley Steffens, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Helioshield, about tanning culture, sunscreen misconceptions, UV protection, and the role dermatologists play in helping people make informed decisions about their skin.
There's another reason to celebrate this conversation: Helioshield is now available on Low Ultraviolet, expanding our curated selection of sun-protective clothing and everyday sun-safety essentials.
Shop Helioshield on Low Ultraviolet
Who Is Dr. Ashley Steffens?
Dr. Ashley Steffens is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Helioshield, a brand creating dermatologist-developed UPF 50+ swimwear and activewear.
Her work brings together two important perspectives: the clinical experience of a dermatologist who educates patients about UV exposure and skin health, and the practical experience of a founder creating sun-protective clothing people want to wear.
After seeing the limitations of traditional sun-protective apparel, including concerns about fit, comfort, style, and inclusive sizing, Ashley set out to create options that make sun protection more accessible.
Her mission reflects a broader shift in sun safety: protecting your skin shouldn't mean sacrificing personal style or settling for clothing that doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Erica and Ashley first connected through social media when Ashley reached out to Low Ultraviolet ahead of Helioshield's March 2026 launch. Their conversation for Burnt Truths explores how education, innovation, and more appealing products can help move sun protection from something people know they should do to something they actually incorporate into everyday life.
Has Sunscreen Finally Become Hot?
For decades, tanning was marketed as glamorous, healthy, and aspirational. Celebrity culture and the popularity of indoor tanning helped reinforce the idea that a bronzed complexion was the beauty ideal.
Today, the conversation around skin health looks different. Sunscreen is increasingly part of daily skincare routines, and people are paying more attention to UV exposure, skin longevity, and the benefits of sun-protective clothing.
But greater awareness doesn't mean tanning culture has disappeared.
In her dermatology practice, Ashley encounters people who still have misconceptions about tanning beds, sunscreen, and the risks associated with UV exposure. Some people may not fully understand that a tan is a response to ultraviolet radiation, whether that exposure comes from the sun or an indoor tanning bed.
This is one of the central questions explored in Episode 6: Why does tanning persist even as information about sun safety becomes more accessible?
How Sun Protection Became Part of Skincare and Beauty
One reason sunscreen has become more prominent is the growing connection between sun protection, skincare, and skin longevity.
People may initially explore sunscreen because they want to prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and other visible signs of sun damage. Over time, those conversations can also create opportunities to discuss the broader benefits of protecting skin from UV exposure.
Dermatologists are increasingly using social media to share evidence-based skincare information, challenge common misconceptions, and reach audiences beyond the traditional doctor's office.
That visibility matters in a digital environment where sun-safety advice can be difficult to evaluate, and misinformation can spread quickly.
Ashley represents another evolution in dermatology: moving beyond recommending products to creating solutions that address unmet needs. Through Helioshield, she is applying her dermatology background to UPF 50+ swimwear and activewear designed to make sun protection more comfortable, functional, and inclusive.
However, there's an important distinction here. Sun safety shouldn't become another unrealistic beauty standard. Protecting your skin isn't about achieving flawless skin or avoiding the outdoors. It's about understanding UV exposure and finding practical ways to reduce it.
What Is UPF Clothing, and Why Does It Matter?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric allows to reach the skin. UPF clothing is specifically designed and tested for UV protection, making it a useful addition to a comprehensive sun-safety routine.
For example, UPF 50+ fabric allows no more than approximately 2% of UV radiation to pass through under the applicable testing conditions.
Unlike sunscreen, which needs to be applied to exposed skin and reapplied as directed, UPF clothing provides protection to the skin covered by the garment while it's worn correctly.
Sun-protective clothing can be particularly useful for outdoor activities, swimming, walking, travel, and spending time with family. It can also reduce the amount of exposed skin that needs sunscreen.
However, UPF clothing and sunscreen serve complementary purposes. Sunscreen remains important for uncovered skin, and other protective measures—such as seeking shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses—can further support sun safety.
The key is finding products that fit comfortably into your life so you're more likely to use them consistently.
Why Regular Clothing Isn't Always a Substitute for UPF Apparel
During the episode, Erica reflects on a Low Ultraviolet pop-up market where someone questioned whether UPF clothing offered anything beyond the protection of ordinary leggings.
It's a fair question, and one that highlights a common misconception about sun-protective clothing.
Everyday clothing can provide some UV protection, but the amount varies depending on factors such as fabric construction, fiber type, color, stretch, and how tightly the garment is woven. A garment's actual protection shouldn't be assumed based on appearance alone.
Comfort and functionality matter, too.
Heavy leggings may technically cover your skin, but they may not be the most comfortable choice for a hot, humid day at the pool. Clothing designed specifically for swimming or activewear may offer features better suited to those activities.
This is where innovation in UPF apparel becomes important. The goal isn't simply to create clothing that provides UV protection. It's to create clothing people actually want to wear.
Helioshield approaches this challenge through dermatologist-developed swimwear and activewear, with thoughtful design and an emphasis on inclusive sizing.
Shop Helioshield on Low Ultraviolet
At Low Ultraviolet, we believe sun protection should be part of everyday life, not just something reserved for beach vacations or summer afternoons.
Our marketplace brings together sun-protective clothing, UPF apparel, sunscreen, and other sun-safety essentials to help individuals and families find products that work for their routines.
We're excited to welcome Helioshield to the marketplace because its mission aligns with our belief that effective sun protection should be accessible, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.
Founded by Dr. Ashley Steffens, Helioshield offers dermatologist-developed UPF 50+ swimwear and activewear. Its collections include options designed to combine coverage, functionality, and style, with an emphasis on serving a broader range of body types.
Whether you're looking for sun-protective swimwear, a UPF layer for outdoor activities, or more ways to build sun safety into your wardrobe, Helioshield offers another option to explore.
Shop Helioshield at Low Ultraviolet
The Future of Sun Safety Is About More Than Sunscreen
One of the biggest takeaways from Erica's conversation with Ashley is that there isn't one perfect sun-protection product or routine.
Sunscreen, UPF clothing, hats, sunglasses, and shade can all play complementary roles. The right approach depends on your activities, environment, and individual needs.
For parents, that might mean sunscreen, a rash guard, a sun hat, and sunglasses for a day outdoors with the kids. For someone else, it might mean choosing a UPF layer for a morning walk or finding swimwear that offers comfortable coverage at the pool.
The more accessible and appealing these options become, the easier it is to build a routine that works.
And perhaps that's the real cultural shift underway. Sun protection is increasingly becoming part of conversations about beauty, wellness, fashion, and everyday self-care. But there is still work to do to ensure accurate information reaches more people and that practical solutions are available to those who need them.
The goal isn't simply to make sunscreen trendy. It's to make sun safety a lasting habit.
Listen to Dr. Ashley Steffens on Burnt Truths
What happens when beauty standards change, but our habits don't always follow?
In Episode 6 of Burnt Truths: Uncovering the Shady Side of Getting Sun-Kissed, Erica Feggeler speaks with Dr. Ashley Steffens of Helioshield about tanning culture, sunscreen misconceptions, dermatologist-led education, and the evolution of sun protection.
The episode also features Vy Nguyen, founder of SunClad, discussing fabric innovation and new approaches to making sun protection easier to incorporate into everyday clothing.
Together, these conversations explore how dermatologists, founders, and advocates can help reshape our relationship with the sun.
Listen to Episode 6, “Shifting the Narrative: How Sunscreen Finally Became Hot,” wherever you get your podcasts.
Then discover more ways to protect your skin with Helioshield and other sun-safety essentials on Low Ultraviolet.