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Your skin and the Sun

Sun rays

How much do you really know about the sun and what does it do to your skin?

Hello Beautiful, Yes it has been a while and it isn’t me if I haven’t mentioned that in every single post. I guess I should do a little life update before I jump right into our next topic about your skin and the sun. I was working in a lab and it was incredibly busy since my last post in October. :/ I was busy until the time I left industry to enroll in an accelerated Emergency Medical Technician Program. The classes occurred 3 days a week, about 12 hours a day, and it went on for 5 weeks. It was intense but absolutely fun. I learned an incredible amount about pre-hospital medical care. I’ll be taking my national test some time in August and that means I’ll be able to start working as an EMT. I could write a separate blog on it another day. Let me know if you’d like to hear about it!

Now it’s Summer and classes and research start up again so trying to rest and fit in as many adventures as I can! This next topic is about protecting our skin from the sun and I think about this in preparing for ALL of my adventures.

So, what do we actually know about sunscreen and sunblock? Amazingly, people do not take sunscreen/sunblock as seriously as they should.

Some tidbits about the Sun

The Sun, at this point in time, is considered middle-aged. It has been around for about 4 billion years and will continue for about another 5 billion years. It is actually a star that is a bit more than 300,000 times more dense than Earth. The sun emits a few different types of light; infrared, visible and ultraviolet. You might have seen these types on your sunscreen bottle or it just says broad spectrum. It is good to know what types of light your sunscreen protects against. Our Earth’s atmosphere does a good job of blocking ~70% of the sun’s UV lights; the big bads. That means that there is still a good amount of UV coming through. Please see this NCBI article to learn the differences between UV-A and UV-B.

UV Radiation and your skin

You’ve been told you can get vitamins from the Sun. That is true. Well, your skin is able to START making vitamin D using the components of the sun light. However, over-exposure from tanning, for example, can cause mutations to DNA. It is very difficult to find the motivation to fight against something you can barely notice in the short-run, but hopefully the image below can show how real and detrimental UV exposure is without protection. Once your DNA changes, a type of frenzy could happen where the cells replicate uncontrollably and, simply, that’s what we call cancer. If that doesn’t scare ya, then maybe the thought of aging will. There are different cellular defects that are caused and I suggest doing your own research! Holler if you’d like for me to break down a certain topic.

DNA mutation caused by UV exposure called thymine dimer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrimidine_dimer

Products

I won’t go into too much here because a member of The AEDITION had reached out to me and I am glad they did. They go over the importance of sunscreen/sunblock, what ingredients are critical, and the differences between sunscreen and sunblock. You can read their article HERE!

There are two products I have used for years and years and it is the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 mixed with Raspberry Seed Oil (also on Amazon but slightly cheaper on the actual site) with SPF ranging from 28-50. My Aveeno moisturizer doesn’t have the sun protection factor to be considered sufficient and anything beyond 30, like my raspberry seed oil, is best. I use this mixture year-round for my face and neck. For everywhere else, I like to use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 45 or the sunscreen stick which is SPF 70 and much more convenient. I am incredibly particular with the lip moisturizer I use because my lips are very sensitive. If I’m not using the lip balm I’ve made myself, it has to be Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15.

Many people think sunscreen/sunblock is needed only on sunny days. NOT TRUE. The sun will always be present in the day. Whether or not there are clouds, you are getting light exposure. I apply an ample amount of sunscreen during all four seasons, sunny days and stormy days.

That’s all today folks! If you want to find out what I use most in the Summer, check out my Waterproof Favorites! Thank you so much for reading and I hope you’re protecting your DNA well!

Until next time! 😉

Crystal

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Pack to scout for campsites!

Hello Beautiful!
I have promised a post outdoor gear for when I am hiking or when I am scouting for camping spots. Of course, what I pack, varies with every trip because I won’t be going to the same place every time or doing the exact same things. I will start by telling you what I pack, then I will go into what I usually wear and why, and finally I will include some safety and other tips from my outdoor experience.

What I wear:

Of course this isn’t the same every single time. I love my athletic clothes and I like to use them! It depends on the weather but for hiking I will wear either shorts or Capri leggings if it is warm. Longer and thicker tights are a must when I am hiking in colder weather.

Though, I am a California resident here, so hiking in the cold isn’t so bad. When I scout for camping spots, despite weather, I will usually head out in long leggings/tights that will cover my ankles.

I never scout on my own so I go with my boyfriend. He leads us to good camping spots and they are all usually off trails and through the trees and shrubs. With that, I prefer longer tights so that spikes and sharp branches and rocks don’t affect by pace.

Active wear:

What I pack and wear
Forever 21 Jogging tights and Gymshark sports bra

As for shoes, I will usually wear regular running shoes. Honestly I could wear slippers too. I feel best hiking around in plush shoes but I can also feel the ground underneath to keep my grip and not fall over. Thin and comfortable is my go-to for climbing or hiking shoes.

What I pack:

First AID

First aid kits are a must anywhere you go! I bring a few other items, but gauze and medical tape is very useful.
Lip Moisturizer by Neutrogena Norwegian Formula

One thing I would take with me if I was stranded on an island is lip balm with SPF. This lip balm with SPF by Neutrogena is well loved. My lips are super sensitive and this one works very well for me!

Pack for hygiene

Flushable Wipes from Target by Up & Up

Wipes! I regularly have baby wipes, but these are the Target brand (Up & Up) flush-able wipes. Wipes are used for multiple reasons, but are most useful for cleaning up on the go.

Wet Ones singles for a quick use.

More wipes! These are for getting rid of bacteria. I like to use these throughout since I would most likely be touching the ground, trees, dirt and so many other things. So if there isn’t any water I will use these before I eat or before putting my hands to my face.

Snack

KIND bars are delicious!

This is a KIND granola bar, but I often bring a variety of snacks with me. I actually adore KIND bars. It is made so well with lovely flavor mixes that I actually enjoy without thinking it’s just bird food. The Oats & Honey is delicious.

Usually, I’d throw in my bag some fruits as well!

When darkness falls

Zoomable, Waterproof, LED Flashlight

I honestly have a flashlight everywhere I go. In case scouting takes longer than expected and the sun goes down, these will come to be very handy. I can’t remember exactly what this one is called but I did get it from Amazon.

This flashlight is waterproof and has a few features in light intensity and diameter coverage.

Cyalume Snaplight pack available on Amazon

In addition, adult glow sticks! I’m pretty sure that I jumped on purchasing these to satisfy the child in me. I’ve always loved glow sticks and if you’re like me, you want to use these like the Spy Kids did…. 😉  (Please entertain yourselves with two examples 1. Spy Kids, 0:30 2. Spy Kids 2, 0:05)

Other than the fact that these are so fun, I keep a few of these around for emergencies. They don’t need batteries and just all around practical, I think. I also purchased a pack of these from Amazon.

Protection

Kershaw Pocket Knife

Rarely do I leave my house without a pocket knife. I try not to leave it behind because it could protect me, but mostly I find that it is just so useful for everyday life. I can quickly detach something, open boxes (probably Amazon boxes) and get me out of sticky situations.

Pepper spray is also highly recommended! Good for long-range protection against weirdos and bears.

Tech Gear

Waterproof Iphone 6s/7/8 Case

This is a waterproof case I use to go everywhere and do everything. Even if I won’t be swimming that day, but I use to because it is sturdy, has a lanyard to hang on my bag, and in case it rains or I’m near a lake, I’d be prepared.

Tip: Make sure all flaps and openings are securely closed before going into the water. (I made the mistake of NOT checking before going into SALT water and fried my phone :/ )

Nalgene Water Bottle

My most loved Nalgene bottle. This is designed to mimic the military bottles and I love the shape. I could hold it by the cap loop or by the sides which is super easy due to the groove of the bottle.

Tips:

I’ll include these tips as bullet points for an easy read!

  • Long pants, like I have said above, to avoid scratches and stabs. Helps if you’re going off trail and are afraid of bugs.
  • Keep your knife and your flashlight ON your person in case you lose your pack.
  • Invest in pepper spray. A more difficult to accidentally hurt yourself, unlike a knife. This is unless you are experienced with handling a pocket knife.
  • Also keep your phone on you. (My waterproof phone case can attach to a carabiner that I can easily use to clip on).
  • Use a waterproof flashlight so you are sure it’ll work even in the rain.
  • If you stop by a gas station or fast food restaurant, grab napkins to use when you have to do your business. They should be biodegradable so it is easier to toss then wet wipes.
  • With that, bring a large Ziploc bags to use as a waste container for your wet wipes.
  • Always bring little snack, you won’t regret it and neither will the people scouting with you.
  • SPF in your lip balm!
  • Bring super glue if you get a bad cut and can’t go to the hospital immediately. It is sterile if you close it up right away.
  • No deodorant? Use your alcohol wipes (the odor is from the growth of bacteria). The alcohol should take care of that. No alcohol? Use some flowers..
  • Bring slippers in case you need to walk in a bit of water. No one likes trench feet.

I’ll update these tips if I can think of anything else. Of course, feel free to comment below with any input and questions! I would love to learn from you and answer any questions you may have as well!

You can email me your questions or keep up with me on IG!

Also, if you haven’t already, check out my VIDEO on my site or on YouTube.

Cheers! 🙂

Crystal