geekTo enjoy the sun or not
January 14th 2008 04:50
Being a Gemini does not help me easily choose which side of the fence to sit on because I see all or most sides to every story. On the subject of enjoying the Australian summer sun, I am confused as to what is right and wrong.
The Government is going strong with ads for skin cancer so one can't ignore the fact that people do get skin cancer from high sun exposure. My soul, however, absolutely adores basking in the late afternoon sun after a beach dip. I love the feeling of ocean water and sun on my skin - it is deeply therapeutic for me. I usually go for my beach swims after 3pm accepting that the midday sun is too harsh. I also slap on the sunscreen for fear of burning.
On my last couple of beach visits, though, I decided not to put on sunscreen. I wanted to let my skin enjoy the sun and surf without chemicals! They were both hot days but considering it was late afternoon I knew I wouldn't burn red raw but rather get some added colour to my faint tan. I thoroughly enjoyed letting myself be in nature without a safety net.
Will the occasional beach outing with no protection give me cancer? Will it make my skin age prematurely? Will using sunscreen everyday prevent aging? Are chemicals in sunscreens safe for everyday use? There is evidence to the contrary - just type in sunscreen chemicals in Google to find info that discusses this topic. One paper says that they can actually cause cancer and in countries where sunscreen has been heavily promoted there has been an increase in skin cancer rates.
Getting sun is important for feeling well so I am not about to hide in my house all day. I am using my instinct when it comes to the sun. Here are my rules of interaction:
1. Avoid going to the beach during the harsh midday-early afternoon sun (i.e. 12-3pm)
2. Take my walks in early morning or late afternoon - this gives me the pleasant sun
3. Wear sunscreen at the beach most times (I am now going to buy a chemical-free sunscreen)
4. Don't wear sunscreen everyday - let my skin breathe
5. Wear a hat on sun outings
6. Have lightweight cotton/linen cardi or jacket to cover up during extended outdoor excursions
As with all other things in life, isn't moderation the key?
The Government is going strong with ads for skin cancer so one can't ignore the fact that people do get skin cancer from high sun exposure. My soul, however, absolutely adores basking in the late afternoon sun after a beach dip. I love the feeling of ocean water and sun on my skin - it is deeply therapeutic for me. I usually go for my beach swims after 3pm accepting that the midday sun is too harsh. I also slap on the sunscreen for fear of burning.
On my last couple of beach visits, though, I decided not to put on sunscreen. I wanted to let my skin enjoy the sun and surf without chemicals! They were both hot days but considering it was late afternoon I knew I wouldn't burn red raw but rather get some added colour to my faint tan. I thoroughly enjoyed letting myself be in nature without a safety net.
Will the occasional beach outing with no protection give me cancer? Will it make my skin age prematurely? Will using sunscreen everyday prevent aging? Are chemicals in sunscreens safe for everyday use? There is evidence to the contrary - just type in sunscreen chemicals in Google to find info that discusses this topic. One paper says that they can actually cause cancer and in countries where sunscreen has been heavily promoted there has been an increase in skin cancer rates.
Getting sun is important for feeling well so I am not about to hide in my house all day. I am using my instinct when it comes to the sun. Here are my rules of interaction:
1. Avoid going to the beach during the harsh midday-early afternoon sun (i.e. 12-3pm)
3. Wear sunscreen at the beach most times (I am now going to buy a chemical-free sunscreen)
4. Don't wear sunscreen everyday - let my skin breathe
5. Wear a hat on sun outings
6. Have lightweight cotton/linen cardi or jacket to cover up during extended outdoor excursions
As with all other things in life, isn't moderation the key?
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