Sun protection, what I learned from Navajo Grandmothers.

The topic has been covered repeatedly by the media, so it won’t be news to you when I tell you that sun damage can cause health problems. We all know that now. Notice I say sun damage- meaning over exposure. Your body does benefit from some sun, so you need to strike a balance.

We should go back to Victorian style—tan-free skin was fashionable, a sign of the affluent leisure class. Only the common, less wealthy working people had tans. We know the sun causes problems if over indulged in; most of us are just not well versed in how to avoid it.

When I moved to the Southwest, I was fascinated by the Navajo grandmothers, who would be clothed from top to bottom. These lovely ladies spent their whole lives under the glare of the desert sun, and they knew how to protect themselves: long-sleeved blouses of dark velvet buttoned to the collar, long tiered skirts almost to the ankles. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Navajo grandmother wearing sandals without socks.  There is no better protection than covering up. Buy and wear long skirts, loose long pants, and long-sleeved shirts in light fabrics. If you wear light fabrics, you won’t be too hot, and the protection is fantastic.

Many of those Navajo grandmothers also carried an umbrella when it wasn’t raining. When an umbrella is used to protect against sunlight, it’s called a parasol. What a great idea—instant shade wherever you go. How many times has a family outing been ruined because the little ones got too hot? Take an umbrella/ parasol with you if you plan on outdoor activities where you’ll be walking, hiking, or sitting in the sun. You’ll stay cooler, get less sun exposure, be the envy of everyone around you still suffering from the heat, and you’ll be ready for those sudden showers!

What happened to those big hats ladies used to wear? Maybe it’s time for them to come back into style. A wide brim all the way around protects the face as well as the shoulders, and it looks great too. Many styles are available for both men and women. Come on, be adventurous—get a safari hat, a cowboy hat, or a wide-brimmed garden hat. You’ll be protected from the sun and strike a much more interesting figure.

Baseball caps may be popular, but they don’t give you the protection you really need—the back of the neck and the sides of the face are left completely exposed. Baseball caps are good for baseball players and as inexpensive advertising billboards, but not for much else.

I used to think sun screens lotion was the answer, but now we know the chemicals in most sun screens cause as many problems as the sun itself.  If you want to wear a protective lotion, use one that is all natural. search online for recipes that include coconut, avocado or other natural oils as well as therapeutic grade essential oils that protect your skin, Young Living just introduced a pure carrot essential oil, and that really will protect your skin.

So mix up a batch of natural sun protection and use it every day- Guys, I’m talking to you too. If you live in a very sunny climate, just make it a part of your morning routine: wash face, brush teeth, brush hair, and put on essential oils. Keep the oils wherever you do your morning routine, so you use it.  Don’t forget your hands and, if you wear sandals, your feet.

Sun protection is not just for the seaside or the desert. your all natural sun protection should be included in every golfer’s bag, gardener’s basket, skier’s boot bag, fisher’s tackle box, hiker’s backpack, and so on. Any activity that exposes you to the sun puts you at risk.

I remember a story told by one of my friends, who honeymooned in a tropical paradise. On the first day, she and her new husband played it smart and stayed under the big umbrellas near the pool. However, they neglected to factor in the rays reflecting off the pool, and spent the rest of their honeymoon in agony from sunburn.

I think that tanning beds are generally a bad idea if used excessively.  However, before a seaside vacation, it might be a good idea to carefully get a little base tan, just to help protect you from getting singed by that strong sun.

Even when you’re not planning on outdoor activities, you can still get too much sun, especially if you live in a sunny climate. Make sure you’re protected from daily sun exposure.  When you choose skin creams or moisturizers make sure they are all natural so sun exposure does not cause chemicals in your lotions to do damage to your body.

 

One last thing- don't forget your body does need some sun. Especially if you live in a cold or cloudy climate, sun bathing can be good for you as long as you don't over do it. Your body needs sun exposure for normal biochemical reactions to occur, and your eyes benefit from some sunlight as well, so, don't wear those sunglasses day in and out.