The Sunscreen Nazi

It is that time of year again......and I have come to the conclusion that since I have this platform on which to share my 'green eyed view', I shall take this moment to step up on my soapbox and give my speech on the ill effects of the sun and the needed use of sunscreen during this season....

Sarah steps up on an empty box of Borax, which caves in immediately.
Seeing another empty box in the corner, she tests it out.....it stays for a
while, then splits on the side. Aggravated, she pulls out her tallest pair of
heels from her closet and puts them on. Then, she proceeds.....

Ahem....alrighty then....as I was saying....

The time has come where one needs to take special consideration in regard to properly caring for the skin. I do not think that I will go into great detail reminding my devoted reader(s) what prolonged exposure to the summer's strong rays can have on the skin. I am going to assume that we have all heard the various official reports on the effects of sun exposure and leave it at that. I am, however, going to do my best to um....encourage.....all as to the benefits of sunscreen.

First of all, WEAR SUNSCREEN FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!! Do you not realize that the skin you have right now is the skin you will have when you are 50?!?! (If you are um...50...I apologize......) You can't just go out and buy a new suit of skin! If you don't take proper care of your skin now, then when you are old(er) your skin will look like a worn out piece of leather!!! (again, it is not my intention to offend...). Do you really want that? Is it really worth it to have "beautiful sun bronzed skin" now, only to have it look....uh....less than beautiful as time passes?? Think about your future! And don't even get me started on melanoma!

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "But sunscreen is so....greasy....and....smells like.....sunscreen!" Well, you may not be aware, but sunscreens have come a long way. You can find many non-greasy formulas, and some have really improved their scents. For instance, my favorite sunscreen this season is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock (in SPF 30). "It is a breakthrough in sun protection. It protects with Parsol 1479---advanced broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection---and it combines it with Dry Touch technology to provide and ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This lightweight sunblock absorbs quickly and has a light, fresh scent. The non-oily formula is enriched with anti-oxidant vitamins A, C, & E to help fight against environmental damage." [taken from the back of the tube of Sunscreen]
Quite simply, it leaves your skin feeling soft, not greasy, and has a light, fresh scent-- which is sort of citrus-y smelling. :) Its good.

I actually have already started wearing sunscreen daily on all exposed skin. Some may think this is silly, since I spend most of my weekdays indoors at work. Well, in defense, I do spend time commuting to and from work and other times during the day in my car, and have to walk from my building to the main church building a few times a day. So in those instances, I can go confidently, knowing my skin is protected.

Now, you may be one of those types who must "keep up with the Joneses" [this in no way references any persons I may know with that last name] and enjoy having that "summer glow". Be encouraged, because you CAN have beautiful bronzed summer skin like your sun worshipping friends, without the ill consequences. How you may ask??

Another skin care product that has improved tremendously in recent years is the Sunless Tanner. I remember the days when that was a scary word, for it produced results ranging from hideously streaky to creepishly orangy. If one had not the proper base skin tone, one could end up looking like an extra in a science fiction thriller. But now, there are many easy to use at home products that achieve a beautiful glow to a rich tan, without a lot of fuss. I have been told that Estee Lauder sells one that is top notch. I personally have tried a few products that Neutrogena makes [Please know that I am not some spokesperson for Neutrogena, I just really like their products...] and have been pleased with the results.

If you are not brave enough to try the do-it-yourself methods of sunless tanning, there are many salons and spas in the area that offer professional "Airbrush Tanning" services. I have not tried this method myself, but I am looking into it. I may possibly try it in the near future. But I have heard of a few people who know people who do it quite regularly, and those people have been pleased. I may need to ask my sister-in-law (a born Californian who is always on the "up and up" on 'hot' beauty techniques) her opinion.

Finally, it is not even necessary to keep up with "everyone" and have "tanned" skin. You may not be aware, but for centuries, pale skin was considered to be beautiful and greatly desired. Even the Song of Solomon speaks of the Shulammite woman apologozing for her "sun exposed" skin:

Do not stare at me because I am dark, for the sun has gazed
on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me
a keeper of the vineyards. I have not kept my own vineyard. Song 1:6 (HCSB)

In fact, tans did not become popularized until the '20s by Coco Channel. Before that, women avoided the sun. Remember bonnets and wide-brimmed hats? They didn't want their skin to become freckled or browned in appearance, as tanned skin was associated with poor, outdoor workers.

All that to say.....uh....wear sunscreen! :)

[The views expressed in this statement are the sole opinions of the blogger. ] :)