When I was younger, I was crazy in love with having a great tan since I was so blond and fair. Yes, I saw what the sun did to “older people’s skin” but that wasn’t going to happen to me. I had young beautiful skin! If I only realized that not taking proper care of my skin would result in skin damage. The first signs of skin damage past the sunburns is dry skin which can progress to age spots and even to Actinic keratosis or even to skin cancers. Well I had dry skin for years and used copious amounts of lotions that seemed to help as long as I used them. But as I have passed into my 70’s, I’ve noticed an increase in the “aged dark spots” primarily on my legs and arms with some on my face and upper chest. I even have developed darker raised bumps that feel like sandpaper or are persistent patches of scaly skin. These are known as actinic keratosis. Over the past few years I have had multiple visits to the dermatologists and had several “spots” removed through cryosurgery (freezing) only to leave white scars. This is not to be played around with—what appears as simple “age spots” might indeed be skin cancers and should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Luckily mine are only age spots. Some doctors might recommend skin lighteners that are supposedly non-harming to your health, but I for one will not try them. There are also expensive treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels—but I’m not going to try those either. Even if you opt for any of these treatments, know that the age spots will eventually reappear. That’s not very encouraging. So, a word to the wise—protect your skin while you are young.
Protection
The best way to deal with the sun is to give yourself the protection that you need. Young Living now has Over-The-Counter approved Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s the UV rays of the sun that cause the skin damage. Unfortunately, when you are young, it only shows up as a “sunburn” and later dry skin. It’s not until years later with accumulated episodes of sunburns, that the age spots begin to show up. By then, the deed is done, and you are in for damage control. So, my advice is be kind to yourself and assume that the UV rays of the sun beating down on you WILL cause skin damage—use a sunscreen.
Some helpful steps to take:
- Apply a sunscreen before you go outdoors.
- Use a sunblock on your lips.
- Limit your time outdoors when the sun is at its peak – 1pam to 3pm.
- Wear sunglasses with UV light protection
- Wear long pants, a shirt with long sleeves and a hat with a wide brim.
- Know that some medicines and skin care products can actually increase your skin’s risk of UV damage. Check with your health care practitioner on this.
Dry Skin
Use a moisturizer on both your face and your body. Young Living has great moisturizers. I like the Genesis Hand and Body Lotion for my legs and arms and the ART Light Moisturizer for my face during the day and the ART Intensive Moisturizer at night.
Sunburn – Lavender essential oil and LavaDerm Cooling Mist.
Enjoy the sun but be wise and sensible.
Linda Smith
720-201-9377