#sun damage

The Grail War by Richard Monaco

Illus by David McCall Johnston Published 1979. Read more here.

sunscreen blocks ultraviolet radiation from entering the cells in your body. this radiation damages the proteins in DNA, causing cancer. skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and the number of people who get it worldwide increases every year as global warming gets worse and worse.

on a less lethal scale, UV radiation ages your skin unnaturally, making it wrinkly and leathery, if that's something you want to avoid. it is still damage though, make no mistake on that just because it's not cancer

it didn't occur to me people might think sunscreen only prevents burns until I offered to share mine with a black man I was lifeguarding with last summer and he told me, "my people don't need that," so now I make sure to emphasize how it protects your cells.

speaking of lifeguarding also reminds me how cloudy the pool always was. you need to apply waterproof sunscreen at least 15 minutes BEFORE getting wet otherwise it just washes right off!

Hi love! You're so sweet. Also, hope that you're doing well <3

For a sugaring recommendation: I love Sugardoh when I don't get it done professionally (it's a bit messy so I usually indulge in this service tbh!). I swear by Fur products for prep & aftercare regardless of the hair removal treatment I'm undergoing (their products are wonderful for all skin concerns like KP, bumpy skin, dry skin, etc.).

I personally don't use parasols or UV shawls (I couldn't be bothered tbh, but they can't hurt!). Tinted moisturizers are a great option! I love the Laura Mercier one to layer over another sunscreen but I've heard amazing things about the EltaMD one, so consider this option too! I'm more of a sunscreen, concealer, and bronzer kind of woman on a daily basis.

For a skincare product that doubles makeup: Personally, I love the Supergoop! SPF lip balm in the Lucky Me shade, Laura Mercer tinted moisturizer, and EltaMD lip balm (can't personally vouch for tinted moisturizer just yet, but check it out for sure) and Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40 for evening/cocktail hour type, dinners, or similar events for when the sun is setting/I want some shimmer to compliment an occasion look.

Beauty ritual or product I swear by: I would say using Wander Beauty eye patches. Personally, I love the experience of getting my nails done – I find it calming even if the result is the best part. My favorite ritual of all time is a luxurious hotel massage, but I only do those 1-2 times a year. The frequency of those indulgences will hopefully increase over the years.