What makes us human is our amazing human bodies. Our skin is the most obvious, as well as least obvious, part of who we are. It is also the simplest and most complicated part of us—it’s the first thing people see when they look at us.
But when you hear “health and wellness” or “self-care”, you may not think immediately of skincare. While some approach skincare the way they approach the care and maintenance of other parts of our body (heart, liver, kidneys) or our mental health, many of us don’t think about our skin until it demands it, whether it’s a first major sunburn, pimple, wrinkle, or a first skincare screening. After all, we are simply born into this magic layer of protection, and it grows with us; we learn to “live in our skin” and we learn to take care of it more intentionally whenever we notice it changing in ways we don’t like. We tend to forget that the skin is a living, breathing organ like all the rest.
But changing that mindset is not difficult. It all comes down to making skincare part of your daily self-care and basic routine, as basic and crucial as brushing your teeth or drinking enough water. Here’s one way to think about it: Begin each morning paying attention to your outermost layer, and move inward…Wash your face, moisturize, apply sunscreen, then move inward from there to ingesting coffee, stretching, exercising, walking the dog…and pretty soon, you’ve got everything covered, from outer to inner health.
BUT LET’S FACE IT: Developing a daily routine for skincare is hard. While anyone who wears makeup has some extra work cut out for them, everyone should be in the habit of washing their face and moisturizing before bedtime.
And—everyone should be applying sunscreen daily. That’s right, 365 days of the year, no matter where you live.
If this seems overwhelming, remember that just limiting time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., wearing clothing that covers arms, legs, and head, and other simple efforts can also go a long way in preventing sun damage.
If you are a parent, you must remember this for yourself as well as your kids. But if you start the summer with a daily routine (as noted above—remember, outer to inner?) before heading outdoors, it will become as streamlined as all the other things you’ve learned to do unconsciously in your daily parenting life.
Teens + Skincare
For teens, skin is nothing they need to be reminded about. Among the many things they are trying to adapt to all at once is to take care of their own evolving bodies, which for them includes skin and hair even more than the rest of us. Considering that up to 85% of Americans ages 12-24 deal with acne at some point, this is an unavoidable focal point. Add to that the expense of skincare and acne products and you now have even more stress to clog your mental pores!
You can help your teens by reminding them to wash their face before bed, so that it becomes as habitual as brushing teeth. This sounds extremely obvious and basic (and, yes, a bit annoying) but if they get into this habit, it will help with their long-term self-confidence and can become a key part in developing overall self-care habits.
Having a nighttime and morning self-care routine that is pleasurable can become a lifelong calming mechanism, as a time to wind down (or wake up) and to reflect. Washing your face and applying moisturizer and/or sunscreen can act as a sort of meditation…And honestly, it could be one of the few times a device is not in anyone’s hands!
Skincare has come a long way in the past few decades, and some of today’s OTC products are enviable for those of us who grew up with very few options at the local drugstore. On the other hand, it can get costly. One fun thing to consider is making homemade masks and other skin products together. DIY skincare products can save money and offer another hands-on project during the long summer months. With recipes that use everything from items you already have on hand like honey, avocados and yogurt to cocoa powder, garlic and apple cider vinegar, it can also be a humorous and eye-opening experience to share together.
Here are some resources for finding DIY facial mask recipes. Most lifestyle magazines as well as YouTube have plenty of these types of recipes as well:
Helloglo.com
Healthline.com
Ecolivingmama.com
Skincare Basics
This advice is often repeated in most lists of “must do’s” for teenagers, but it applies to all:
- Wash and moisturize and wear sunscreen face daily
- Exfoliate once a week
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t pop pimples
- Get enough sleep
If you can master the above, you are well on your way to improving your skin’s health and your overall health.
Double Trouble: Acne & Sunscreen
While you might assume that sun is good for acne because it dries it out, the fact is that in the long term, sun exposure causes more damage. The skin produces extra sebum to help rebalance the moisture, and that causes more clogged pores. Another thing sunscreen does for acne prone skin is help to reduce the redness and pigmentation from breakouts.
From TeenVogue.com:
- Sunscreen is a must 365 days of the year!
- Look for non-comedogenic and oil free sunscreens.
- Always use SPF 30 or higher.
- Avoid oils like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and fragrances.
- Find thinner, gel-like, or liquid facial sunscreens rather than thicker creams.
From Sun Gods and Goddesses to Sunscreen, Sunblock and SPF
Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light that can alter DNA and prematurely age your skin. Over time, DNA damage can contribute to skin cancers after many years, including deadly melanoma.
Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells. In the short term, this damage can cause sunburns. In the long term, it builds up and raises the risk of skin cancer.
But before we knew the dark side of the sun, we thought it was cool. Ancient cultures worshipped sun gods and goddesses, from Ra the Egyptian sun god to Sol the goddess of light and solar deity in Norse mythology. How did we go from sun worship to sun fear?
Pale skin was the preference in Greek, Roman, and Elizabethan cultures and during the Victorian period, women wore hats and carried parasols to fashionably avoid the sun. Darker skin was associated with laborers or people who had to work outside. But by the late-1800s, sunlight became a “cure” for certain medical conditions,
In 1923, in what she claims was an accidental tanning in the French Riviera, Coco Chanel started the tanning trend, soon equated with health, money, and leisure.
After World War II, leisure time increased in the United States, and people spent more time at beaches and pools. In addition, surfing and beach culture entered the mainstream. By the 1960s, having a tan indicated relaxation, expendable income to travel to warm locales, and physical vim and vigor resulting from outdoor activities.
These habits began to change as the public became more aware of the link between long-term sun exposure, sunburns, tanning beds, and skin cancer, as well as the main cause of wrinkling. In the early 1960s, the concept of sun protection factor was introduced.
In the 1970s, Piz Buin introduced sunscreen with both UVB and UVA filters, but the SPF only ranged from 2 to 15. As scientists continued to study the sun’s rays throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, they first concluded that UVB rays are linked to skin cancer and then discovered UVA rays contribute, too.
This brought on a new wave of sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as UVA blockers. Lightweight sprays and gels were also introduced in the 1990s as more comfortable sunscreen options.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first proposed regulating sunscreens in 1978, it wasn’t until 2011 that the FDA issued new rules specifying that sunscreen products must protect equally against UVA and UVB rays to be considered “broad spectrum.”
Additionally, the FDA prohibited sunscreen brands from claiming their products are “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” since the FDA determined this is leading, and only sunscreen products with an SPF of 15 or higher can claim they help prevent sunburn or reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Hats
We are no stranger to hats in New Orleans. Whether you purchase something that has UPF protection or not, shopping for hats should become part of your annual spring ritual, right around festival time!
Not a hat person? Now’s the time to try on all the varieties that exist and stretch your comfort zone in the name of healthier skin. Who knows? You might discover that the practical has become a fashion statement for the new you. And who doesn’t want to be anonymous sometimes? Covering yourself with a hat and sunglasses can do wonders for your inner misanthrope. (Because, really, sometimes it’s just too hot to talk to people…!)
Sunglasses
According to Eyewearsnola.com, sunglasses protect your eyes from potentially harmful UV (Ultraviolet) light, preventing possible degenerative eye disease, uncomfortable growths, and even signs of aging!
Here are a few of the recommended styles of sunglasses that can become part of your sun blocking attire, as mentioned on Eyewearsnola.com:
“Sunglasses aren’t just for show. They also protect the sensitive skin around your eyes! The right sunglasses can prevent accelerated signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots. However, not all sunglasses offer this benefit. Talk to your eye care professional to see which shades will give you the most protection. These sunglasses should have 100 percent UV protection and will likely be a wraparound style.”
Skin Tone & Skin Care: Darker Skin And Sunscreen
There is a misperception that people with darker skin don’t need to protect themselves from the sun as much as lighter skinned people, but this is not entirely true. Ultimately, skin cancer does not discriminate, and everyone needs to wear sunscreen.
According to the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), based on data from over 30,000 people, around 13.2% of Black people and 29.7% of Hispanic people experienced sunburn, compared with 42.5% of white people.
While people with lighter skin are significantly more at risk for developing cancer, people with darker skin are more likely to die from skin cancer due to delays in detection and a lack of awareness from physicians, according to a 2016 article in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention which notes: “Most people of color have a misconception that they are immune to skin cancer but recent studies indicate that skin cancer does not discriminate, and can occur in all populations whatever their skin color.”
And according to Medical News Today: “Having darker skin provides protection from some forms of sun damage due to increased melanin in the skin. That said, it is still very possible for people with dark skin to experience sunburn. Melanin does not protect against all forms of damage. UV rays may still damage the skin cells and put people at risk of skin cancer. For this reason, doctors encourage people of all skin tones to use sun protection to prevent skin damage. As a result, it is still crucial that people with darker skin protect themselves from UV light with proper skincare and sunscreen.”
Sunburn Treatment
To help ease the discomfort from mild to moderate sunburns:
- Take cool (not cold) baths or showers.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of nonalcoholic beverages.
- Cover the burn area with a dressing or gauze to avoid any further friction
- Apply skin moisturizer early and often to help reduce dryness and peeling. If your skin has blistered and is turning purple, seek prompt medical attention.
From UCLAhealth.org: “Be sure to treat the sunburned areas gently. Instead of rubbing the skin, blot and pat with a soft towel. Apply lotion while the skin is damp, which will help create a physical barrier to preserve moisture.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers containing aloe vera can help soothe sunburn. You can also use the gel (or “juice”) directly from the leaves if you have aloe vera plants. Pre-packaged aloe vera gel that contains 100% aloe vera is also recommended. Avoid using aloe vera on severe burns.
Most sunburns lose their pain and redness in three to five days and should heal completely in one week. If your sunburn lasts longer than a week, seek medical advice.
If you have large blistering on the skin or fever, dehydration, vomiting, infected blisters, severe swelling, or severe pain, you should seek medical attention.
Kids + Sunscreen
“My Friend the Pediatrician” recommends mineral versus chemical sunscreens. According to her, “The FDA has acknowledged that more safety data is needed for several sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone…due to questions about skin absorption and he effects on the human body”. Mineral-based sunscreens, rather than getting absorbed into the skin, these contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide molecules that state on the skin’s surface and physically deflect the sun’s harmful rays. They leave a white or silver residue, which is normal. They are also gentler on sensitive skin and less toxic to the ocean’s coral reefs.
Her advice is to select a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50. Make sure it does not ONLY contain titanium dioxide, as this alone does not filter out all UVA rays like zinc oxide does, so a combination of the two ingredients is preferable.
According to the AAD, sunscreen is not the preferred method of protection for babies younger than 6 months. Instead, dress them in lightweight long sleeves and pants, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect them from head to toe.”
Anyone who is spending time outdoors should follow these basic guidelines:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above.
- Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Sit or walk in the shade when possible.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Wear protective clothing if out in the sun for extended periods.
- Check the skin at least once per month for changes.
Chemical sunscreen versus mineral sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, which absorb UV rays as they attempt to enter the skin. Physical or mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, contain active mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV rays.
“Mineral sunscreens have been around for decades, but in the past, the user experience was poor as the zinc oxide left a thick white cast on people’s skin,” explained Drake Blessum, founder of Svens Skincare, a mineral sunscreen product.
Now with growing consumer demand for natural and organic products, mineral sunscreen use is on the rise because they are broad-spectrum and protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays. Additionally, some mineral sunscreens block blue light rays from the sun and digital screens.
MEN VS. WOMEN’S SKINCARE
It is stereotypical that most men do not pay as much attention to skincare as women. Taking skin and sun care a bit more seriously can become something that everyone can feel good about adding to their morning and evening routines.
First and foremost, men’s biggest enemy (besides the sun) is the razor. Not only do razors remove a layer of protective skin, dirty or old razors can contribute bacteria. Perhaps due to this significant difference and daily obstacle for so many men, shaving and shaving products have taken over men’s counters and store shelves rather than basic skincare and sun care for men, compared to these items for women and kids.
A few other notable differences in men and women’s skin that contributes to variations on skincare include:
- Men lose collagen earlier and steadier than women, but their skin contains more collagen, which gives it a firmer appearance. Because men’s loss of collagen is steady throughout life whereas most women lose the most after menopause, the effects are usually more noticeable in women.
- Men have bigger pores. Sebum (oil) production in men is double that of women, and they have more and larger pores. This means that not only is male skin oilier and shinier than female skin, but that they are also more prone to acne and less prone to dry skin.
- Men have thicker skin which leads to deeper wrinkles. The deeper layer of your skin called the dermis is about 20% thicker than a woman’s dermis. This is why men and women get wrinkles in different ways. Men tend to have fewer superficial fine lines than women.
- A woman’s skin is about 15 years older than men of the same age. But, since most men are don’t typically use sunscreen on their faces, the “15 year” skin age difference is not readily noticed. UV damage from the sun can add years to a man’s skin and negate the benefit of slowed intrinsic aging.
Clothing with Sunscreen Protection
Simply Google “sun shawl” or “cooling sun shawl” or “UPF 50+ clothing” or ask your favorite local athletics or lifestyle store what UPF protected clothing is available.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor which indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin.
“According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, A UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays, reducing your exposure risk significantly.” —skincancer.org
Brands like Coolibar® and UVSkinz® offer a variety of clothes, swimwear, hats and more with UPF fabric and materials. Whether you shop at Lands’ End or Wal-Mart for your or your family’s clothing, you can easily find UPF protected clothing, swimwear, and hats.
NOTE: Make sure you are getting both UVA and UVB protection. If they offer a UPF factor and SPF factor of 50 or higher, this means they provide both.
Why? Because regular fabrics like cotton and polyester are not tightly woven enough to provide UV protection. UPF fabrics are made of tightly woven materials that provide a stronger barrier. Average clothes block about 10% of UV light but some sun protective clothing can block up to 98%.
Good Advice
Here are some social media comments about skincare gathered from locals on Facebook:
“Moisturize and STAY OUT OF THE SUN! Hats are your friend. Advice from a 50 year old with still fairly decent skin.” –Danielle Tanguis
“Clean hair helps the most for avoiding breakouts, but my kid also uses probiotic cream.” –Louise Fenton
“Use sunscreen every day!”—Alyssa D’antonio Fortier
“Remember to include hydration and movement. I can’t stress enough the importance of hyaluronic acid and moisturizing oils!” –Sunni Gail Shafer
“I’m not a fan of sunscreen, preferring the loose, UV blocking long sleeve shirts that are on the market now, combined with a hat that at the very least, protects my face, and better, also shades my neck. I love the long sleeve kid swimsuits that are also available now.” –Cindy Wexler
Inner Beauty
Beauty is not only skin deep. It is important to think of skincare and sun care as self-love and self-care. In other words, you are taking care of your body for yourself, and not for someone else’s judgement or approval.
“I finally realized that being grateful for my body was the key to loving myself.”– Oprah Winfrey
Romance novelist Kate Angell claims that “outer beauty attracts and inner beauty captivates”.
Bobbi Brown said: “Feeling confident, being comfortable in your own skin—that’s what really makes you beautiful.”
And Lady Gaga sums it up best: “You define beauty yourself. Society doesn’t define your beauty”.
When we asked locals online to tell us what the term “Inner Beauty” meant to them, here are some responses:
“Hard work is beautiful too! The art you make, the dancing alone in your room. That splash of color in your eyeliner that makes you feel creative. That act of kindness that made someone’s day or picking up litter to improve the environment. All those things make me think of inner beauty.” – Jennifer Day-Sully, 44, Australia
“Inner beauty is kindness and compassion. A love for your fellow woman without judgement. Striving to make this world a better place!” – Christine Thompson Briede
“My mother always told me ‘pretty is as pretty does’. In middle school I never really understood it but even then, it was somehow reassuring…that pretty was not some gift bestowed upon certain people but something you had control of.” – Kathleen Whalen
“Compassion, patience, the art of truly listening. Kindness.” – Susan Landry
Sunny Side Up: The Sun Is Not All Bad!
Basically, some sunlight is necessary and good. We don’t want to live our lives with only light coming at us artificially from a computer or phone, and with our main source of Vitamin D coming from a pill.
In his article “Sunlight: Good for the Eyes as well as the brain”, Dr. Phillip Maffetone, an internationally recognized researcher, educator, clinician, and author in the field of nutrition, exercise, and sports medicine, says “When sunlight enters your eyes, it stimulates the parts of your retina that then cue your brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin appears to play a role in regulating mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion.
And it offers us vitamin D for free. Vitamin D allows one to use calcium, improves the immune system, helps prevents cancer, and is important for the brain to function more effectively.”
Believe it or not, rickets has made a comeback and many Americans are low in Vitamin D. Perhaps we have taken our sun protection a bit too seriously? You do need the sun, and it is not entirely your enemy! Protect yourself, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying fresh air, recreation, and of course—festivals.
Umbrellas: Sunscreens + Secondlines
We already know umbrellas are useful in NOLA, whether for secondlines or the tropical weather bringing surprise showers throughout the year. But just like Victorian women and their parasols, umbrellas are making a comeback as fashionable sunshields. Consider decorating a UV blocker umbrella before the next festival, secondline, or your summer stroll through the Quarter….
You can use a regular umbrella to block the sun or purchase umbrellas that include UV protection. “An umbrella isn’t perfect nor a substitute for sunscreen, UV-blocking clothing, or sunglasses—but it can block most of the direct UV rays” says tripsavvy.com.
Resources
The American Academy of Dermatology Association has many excellent, easy to understand pages on their website about everything from how to properly apply sunscreen to what to look for on your own skin in terms of skin cancer concerns, as well as skin types, acne prevention and treatment, and more. Visit them ataad.org.
