Sunday 5 April 2015

Sun is shining

Weather is sweet and sand under your feet, give me my sunnies and all i want to do is nothing but sleep on the beach . Getting a sun tan can really change your look and give you a healthy glow but the sun's rays are harmful to the skin. UV radiation causes sunburn, wrinkling, sagging , premature aging and *drumroll* skin cancer.

Melanin is lovely in this case , most of the time we hate it as it gives us freckles , but in here it gives some protection against these damaging rays.

Earlier on in my blog i mentioned about choosing the right sunscreen , i should elaborate more on this topic . First of all SPF (sun protection factor ) range from 15-70 , the general public would think the higher the number the better it is, let me tell you now , it is NOT . The SPF is a percentage ratio, SPF50 blocks out 98% of the UVrays but SPF 70 blocks out 98.9% of the UVrays , so don't be fool over by the marketing gimmicks and think the higher the number the better it is . PA+++ on the other hand is more important than the SPF number as the more '+' it has the more it blocks out UVA ( remember A for cAncer), the main UVrays that causes wrinkles and sagging and of course already mentioned cancer. UVB (remember B for sunBurn) and has a little role in the development of cancer.

Clouds , water and wind are not protecting you from UVrays. Jump into the water and swim so you don't get burn was a silly story my grandfather use to tell me, but i am telling you to jump into the water to avoid mosquito bites (because they can't swim LOL ) . Sunlight goes through water and cement ,sand and snow reflect sunlight and make you burn more easily.

My girlfriend invited me to be her bridesmaid  for her vineyard wedding during summer.  I can't wear a hat and sunnies and slap on my sunscreen every two hours, i will look strange. So ….Tadaaaaaaa i was totally burnt after the wedding *show tan line* . Clearly the tan line was the best door gift for her wedding as i still have it on me after 6 months !!

Depending on the area of the body that got burnt, which is normally on the back of the neck and back , sleeping could be very uncomfortable for the next couple of days, sleep face down is inevitable most times. Apply Aloe Vera Gel hourly to cool and soothe the area, strong steroidal cream (Elomet or Betnovate) can be 'diluted' with paw paw ointment (shown below -red tube) and to be dabbed on the affected area. My roommate was pretty rough and she tried RUBBING the ointment into my skin, and soon after that the rooms on the same floor could hear my scream. Take some ibuprofen to help with the fever and pain and get oral rehydration salts to help your body recover as quick as possible. Loose fitting clothes would be favorable now as the clothes causes friction to the affected area.

During the healing phase of a sunburn , skin might flake and itch, try non-steroidal creme like Ezerra or Atopiclair lotion to help with the symptoms. Taking antihistamines are not necessary in this case.

Love the Sun more than your skin ?? no problem. Only word of advice is to observe your own skin for changes of freckles, moles or irregular surface and uneven surface regular and get it checked early once you notice it.

I cheat.I personally prefer self-tanning creams , slap it on and sleep on a towel, next day i am a Pocahontas  x




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