The day prior to my first dermatologist appointment, I was convinced horrific news was on its way. Thoughts of doom cycled in my head. I expressed my fear to Sam and in my own psyche braced for the harsh reality coming. As a teenager growing up in Southern California, I slathered baby oil on my body; passing the afternoon on a lounge chair, until my skin sizzled to a golden brown. Many years of competing in beach volleyball tournaments & employment as a backcountry guide/outdoor educator...I have ample reason for concern.
My habits to protect my skin have changed as I grew older & more freckly. I am now the awkward beach goer who puts sunscreen on their feet when laying belly down on the beach and I am oftentimes found fully clothed while out surfing. Don't get me wrong...there is a time and place to throw on that cheeky bathing suit and bronze thy bum.
Much to my delight {and shock}, my dermatologist complimented me and encouraged me to keep up the good work in protecting my skin. Of course, I have a few recommendations and habits I must change to protect some delicate areas & some moles being tracked. However, the practice of scheduling an appointment on a regular basis as preventative care is the second most important step in sun safety.
The first and most important = everyday habits + protection.
On a side note: The dermatologist was rather intrigued with the change in pigmentation on my arms...they are officially brown {& better protected from future sun damage}.
A Beach Bum's Top 3 Recommendations For Protecting Your Skin....
My habits to protect my skin have changed as I grew older & more freckly. I am now the awkward beach goer who puts sunscreen on their feet when laying belly down on the beach and I am oftentimes found fully clothed while out surfing. Don't get me wrong...there is a time and place to throw on that cheeky bathing suit and bronze thy bum.
Much to my delight {and shock}, my dermatologist complimented me and encouraged me to keep up the good work in protecting my skin. Of course, I have a few recommendations and habits I must change to protect some delicate areas & some moles being tracked. However, the practice of scheduling an appointment on a regular basis as preventative care is the second most important step in sun safety.
The first and most important = everyday habits + protection.
On a side note: The dermatologist was rather intrigued with the change in pigmentation on my arms...they are officially brown {& better protected from future sun damage}.
A Beach Bum's Top 3 Recommendations For Protecting Your Skin....
SPF Skin Protection
Full blown sweat mustaches and SPF face moisturizer is a daily battle before work. The idea of a thick, greasy beach sunscreen; when not going to 'la playa' makes me want to vomit; thinking about the heavy, sweat inducing feel. So does the idea of a sun burn from not wearing any sunscreen.
The solution = a mineral sunscreen powder + a light weight moisturizer.
My faves, Dermalogica & Color Science for face & Neutrogena for body.
A day at the beach = heavy duty zinc oxide & titanium dioxide sunscreen. Reapplied every few hours.
The solution = a mineral sunscreen powder + a light weight moisturizer.
My faves, Dermalogica & Color Science for face & Neutrogena for body.
A day at the beach = heavy duty zinc oxide & titanium dioxide sunscreen. Reapplied every few hours.
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Stay Covered [In & Out of the H2O]
Contrary to popular belief it is possible to surf & recreate in the ocean with clothing on. Even more shocking; super stylish bathing suits offering more coverage, actually do exist. The most difficult aspect is ditching your fear of what other people think of you. 99.9% of the other girls in the water are wearing thong bathing suits and the media is telling us this is what is hip. Although, fashion trends in surf and beachwear are transitioning towards keeping covered.
Still not convinced?...Here is a helpful trick for making this difficult change: close your eyes and picture an old thick leathery; almost orange, saggy skinned bikini wearing granny. This is going to be you if you don't protect your skin. In addition to sunscreen, layer up with surf leggings, a trucker hat and a rashguard.
Besides, a wax rash on your bare buns from surfing, a sunburn or damaged skin is never sexy.
Still not convinced?...Here is a helpful trick for making this difficult change: close your eyes and picture an old thick leathery; almost orange, saggy skinned bikini wearing granny. This is going to be you if you don't protect your skin. In addition to sunscreen, layer up with surf leggings, a trucker hat and a rashguard.
Besides, a wax rash on your bare buns from surfing, a sunburn or damaged skin is never sexy.
Time 0' Day
Choose the time of day to visit the beach.
Early morning and late evening sun are less intense; better time to bronze your bod. Bonus of the late afternoon beach soiree is the sunset. Mid day play deserves an umbrella or tree coverage for shade. Many beach side restaurants will let you sit under their umbrellas the entire day; as long as you make a few food or drink purchases, every now and again. A local supermarket will sell inexpensive umbrellas {you can then leave with somebody else}. A sarong and a few pieces of drift wood make a rustic little shade shack.
Early morning and late evening sun are less intense; better time to bronze your bod. Bonus of the late afternoon beach soiree is the sunset. Mid day play deserves an umbrella or tree coverage for shade. Many beach side restaurants will let you sit under their umbrellas the entire day; as long as you make a few food or drink purchases, every now and again. A local supermarket will sell inexpensive umbrellas {you can then leave with somebody else}. A sarong and a few pieces of drift wood make a rustic little shade shack.
Drinking lots of water, exfoliating your skin & applying coconut oil after a shower {& a margarita}
....the perfect end to a day at the beach.
Side Note Rampage About Protecting Yourself From the Sun:
Living in Mexico, I often hear tourist complain about 'Mexi-belly'. 'Careful of the water, watch out for the food' and other bullshit comments. Yes the food and water are different than where you live & can irritate your belly {each time I go back to the States my stomach gets rocked from the change} However, more often than not many tourists plop themselves down in the tropical sun, drinking cervezas all day. Being sun-smart will also keep your belly & body happy while on vacation.
....the perfect end to a day at the beach.
Side Note Rampage About Protecting Yourself From the Sun:
Living in Mexico, I often hear tourist complain about 'Mexi-belly'. 'Careful of the water, watch out for the food' and other bullshit comments. Yes the food and water are different than where you live & can irritate your belly {each time I go back to the States my stomach gets rocked from the change} However, more often than not many tourists plop themselves down in the tropical sun, drinking cervezas all day. Being sun-smart will also keep your belly & body happy while on vacation.
