I don’t tan. I never could get a tan, but oh, did I try. Reclining on the chaise longue at noon, when the sun’s rays are strongest, slathering on tanning oil, and baby oil! I just loved the smell of Bain de Soleil – still do - but the Saint Tropez tan has always eluded me. I bought a package for a tanning salon once before a cruise, thinking I could avoid a burn by working ahead on my tan. Nothing. Great souvenir sunburn, though, as the photo from the Captain’s dinner reminds me.
The good news is that I’m finally learning to accept my pale self. I use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and choose to sit in the shade. Out of consideration for the people around me, I might use a self-tanner before putting on shorts or a skirt. There are several brands that I like, including Jergens Natural Glow moisturizers. Jergens is working to change bad sun tanning habits through its “Glow in the Dark” Campaign.
I bring all this up now because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The month may be half over but the time is always right to heed warnings about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that protecting ourselves from the sun at work and play is the best way to prevent skin cancer, not to mention the visible signs of aging attributable to sun exposure. Sun protection products keep improving. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock for the way it feels on my skin and on my hands when I’m applying it.
The Skin Cancer Foundation offers a lot of good information about skin cancer and the sun, and during May is teaming up with beauty and fashion companies for special offers, with some proceeds going to the cause. Jergens is participating, and Allure magazine and Sephora have limited-time offers to sample a variety of sun protection products.
Our world would be a very different place without the sun, so take advantage of all the smart, fashionable sun protection available today and enjoy it, beautifully.