Summer Skin Care
By Brenda Hyde
I was never a person to tan...my skin was too fair
and I burned....I'll admit I always found laying in the
sun boring and as a teenager would rather read a
book sitting in the cool shade. Now, it seems that
is exactly what we should be doing! There is no such
thing as a safe tan from the sun or a tanning booth.
Studies have been done over and over and they all
reach this same conclusion.
There are four types of skin cancer: basil, squamous,
melanoma and actinic keratosis. All our serious, though
they can be treated with removal. Just in my family alone
we've had two of these occur. It's nothing to fool around
with. Be aware of your moles, birthmarks and check your
skin on a regular basis. If anything looks irregular or odd
it's better to go in and have it checked then ignore it. If you
need something removed it's a simple procedure.
There are things you can do to protect your skin. Every
day use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 15, even when it's overcast (UV rays
pass right through the clouds). Use a sunscreen of
SPF 30 when you are working outside, at the beach
or attending summer activities. The FDA has said that
it will no longer allow manufacturers to market products
with an SPF higher than 30, since there's no evidence
they work any better. Try to plan your activities in the
sun for morning or late afternoon, before and after the
sun's rays are the strongest.
Like most things, we need to make it habit to use sunscreen,
hats and sunglasses. Think of it as a part of your daily routine.
With our children, and grandchildren, we need to include this
along with the use of proper car seats and bike helmets.
We didn't have those options when we were kids, but they
DO protect and they are necessary. Ask anyone that works in
a hospital and has seen the injuries. Make it part of your
family's routine and show your kids by example. They
will follow your lead!
Start a sun care kit to keep in the car. Include for you
and the kids:
sunglasses
sunscreen
lip balm with sunscreen
hats
Keep it in the car just in case you start out the day
with errands or a museum visit, but end up at the
park or beach, then you will be prepared!
You want to avoid sunburn at all costs. It's not only
painful but your skin is damaged---it's not a healthy thing
even if it turns to a tan in a few days. That is a reaction
to the burning. You can soak in a tub filled with lukewarm
to cool water and 4 cups or so of apple cider vinegar for
15-25 minutes. You can also make a bath and add baking
soda, or oatmeal that you grind up fine in the blender. Or
place both in cheesecloth, tie and add to the bath. This will
draw out some of the heat and soothe the skin. Afterwards
use very mild lotions with no perfume. An aloe lotion is a
good option because it will help heal and soothe. You don't
want to use anything with a petroleum jelly base, an ointment
or a skin butter. You want to be as gentle as possible with
the burned skin until you heal. Also, drink plenty of water to
keep hydrated. If the burn is severe, if you feel queasy or
sick at all call your doctor.
There are many, many remedies out there, but be careful
when trying new things, especially if you have sensitive
skin or allergies. The best thing to do is protect yourself
against the sun, and check your skin on a regular basis.
Even if you've tanned and burned your entire life it's not
too late to start protecting it now. Make it part of your
family's routine!
About the Author
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, editor, herb gardener
and mother to three children. For more herb recipes and
tips visit
The Garden Path
