Even though I presently live in a part of the country where people find it very easy to get a good tan, I am very careful about avoiding sun exposure. I know that it is unusual to not want a tan, but it seems to me that it should be an obvious choice.
Does a tan look nice? Yes, it does. I do not like to look like a ghost, either. But honestly, how much better do we really look with our skin just a tad darker? We don't really look that different, anyway. A tan will not transform a homely girl into a beautiful model. But that beautiful model will not look the same with a face full of wrinkles when she is still young!
Skin cancer is certainly a big risk. However, people seem to have a hard time focusing on that. Perhaps it is because we do not see that consequence for many years. Perhaps it is because we do not see tons of people with skin cancer all of the time, and therefore we do not think that it will happen to us. But we must consider whether what we are doing right now might possibly prevent us from living a long life, putting ourselves and our families through misery that could have been easily avoided.
But wrinkles and tough, leathery skin are consequences that people all seem to really fear. Tanning is done for the sake of beauty, but that purpose is surely defeated!
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We really need to be careful not to become obsessed with tanning. What is better: to be a little darker right now, which only lasts for a couple of weeks, or to preserve our complexions for the rest of our lives?
1. Avoid spending more time in the sun than necessary when the rays are most harmful.
2. Wear good sunscreen. I would like to find a good foundation that contains sunblock, because that would ensure protection on my face every day, all year. I frequently forget or do not bother to put sunblock on my face on a daily basis, partially because I do not like the way it feels.
3. Wear clothing that protects the skin, such as a hat.
4. Remember to do the same for your children!
Someday, I want somebody to look at me and say to my grandchild, "What? She's your grandma?" ;-D
6 comments:
Lean,
I avoid the sun and use sunblock on my face regularly, due to history of skin cancer in our family. I also do a check-up once a year.
Do you know how bedouins dress? I think there's a reason why you don't see them parading in shorts to get some tan. We could learn from them a bit on really hot days ;)
Anna, when you get your check-up, what do they do to look at your skin damage? Is it like the picture of the girl in the post?
Hi there!
I avoid the sun, too. I am very light skinned and my legs are ghoulish white!! LOL!! But I would MUCH rather be healthy and cancer free than tan!! :)
It's interesting that the rich in society used to be those that were overweight and very white because it showed that you had money to buy good food (and a lot of it) as well as enough money to hire someone to do your work for you (hence, no tan from being in the sun).
Wonderful post!
His,
Mrs. U
Nice to see you, Mrs. U.
That's a good point. Now, we want to show that we are thin (enough time to spend working out, not working at a job) and tan (in the sun during the day instead of stuck in an office). Funny how our trends can be traced to status like that!
Here's what bothers me....
There is so much pressure for women, especially under 40, to be tan! I have close family members that are quick to ask me when they see me when I plan on working on my "tan". I'm sorry, I kinda like being white! I do like a little color, but protecting my skin from useless rays seems more important now than ever. I like getting a little color being out working in the yard, but laying in the sun and rotting, NO THANKS!
For women older than 40, being tan becomes a faux pas! How funny it is that the World determines our skin tone!
Lean,
In check-ups, they usually look for suspicious moles. So far, nothing unusual was found, thank God.
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