In April, we shared the “Go SHED” formula for getting swimsuit ready. We hope you’ve been able to achieve your goals daily for donning that suit, and that you’re feeling good about addressing a couple areas where you want to improve. Now, let’s talk about getting ready for the actual day of fun in the sun.
The Sun: A Love/Hate Relationship
Without the sun, there wouldn’t be life. And we like getting out and giving our shining star a bit of an embrace. Who doesn’t love basking in the sun? That heat sinking into your skin, warming you up.
But … all too frequently the sun doesn’t know its own strength—or maybe it’s us. For all the love we give the sun, who doesn’t hate the damage the sun can do? It’s a love/hate relationship.
May is “Skin Cancer Awareness Month.” Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that one American succumbs every hour from skin cancer. Reduce your risk of skin cancer by loving the sun intelligently.
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared the Friday before Memorial Day, May 27, 2016, as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness. The National Council gives us this tip:
Remember to Slip! Slop! Slap!…and Wrap when you’re outdoors — slip on a shirt, slop on broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap on sunglasses.
Slop
Stock up on sunscreen and slop it on. You might like the look of tanned skin, but the sun takes a heavy toll on your health and your appearance. UV rays can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. A broad-spectrum UV sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 will protect you. And don’t forget to use a UV protective lip balm. Apply generously, every 2 hours.
Wrap
Buy quality sunglasses and wrap them on. UV rays are damaging to the eyes. Too much exposure raises the risk of cataracts over time. The bright light also makes you squint, which can contribute to fine lines around the eyes. Look for sunglasses that specifically offer protection against UV rays.
Slip & Slap: Both Sun Protection & Flaw Strategy
‘Slip something on and slap on a hat’ are excellent tips for shading yourself from harmful UV rays. But there’s another strategy here as well: Dealing with flaws.
Flaws, we all got ‘em. The important thing is to be healthy, happy, and confident. If you’re not totally comfortable with parts of your body, cover certain things up and move the attention elsewhere. If you’re a bit shy about your butt, hips, or thighs, there are plenty of skirts, sarongs, shorts, and other swimwear accessories that are cute cover-ups. If you have long beautiful hair, flaunt it. If you have captivating eyes, accent them with some waterproof makeup. Do your nails or get them done. Take a few minutes to make yourself feel beautiful. Remember, no one else is as critical of us as us. When all is said and done, feeling comfortable in your own skin, even if it’s not totally perfect, is the most attractive attribute you can have.
Please visit us at Elase to check out the EltaMD® Sunscreen line of products, specially formulated with transparent zinc oxide, and is noncomedogenic, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free. This diverse line includes products for extra-sensitive skin; skin prone to acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation; tinted formulas for 2-in-1 sunscreen/bronzer convenience, and several oil-free options. Our clients try it once, and they’re hooked!