Sun Protection in Southern California: My Experience and Advice

Recent moves to Southern California, especially San Diego, have brought me face to face with the harsh realities of the sun. As a pale-skinned individual, the question of sun protection has been a persistent concern. While I don't wear a sunblock regularly, my 10-year experience in Greater LA has shown that sun protection can be effective without the need for constant sunblock application.

Living in Greater LA

During my 10 years in Greater LA as a pale-skinned Canadian, I noticed that I burned easily due to my lighter skin tone. Nonetheless, I only used about 2 bottles of sunscreen during that time and still have half of one left after 12 years. I never had any sunburns, even though I owned two convertibles and spent substantial time outdoors.

Protection Strategies

My approach to sun protection included several strategies:

Wearing Light Clothing: I often wore a light nylon jacket over my short-sleeved or spaghetti strap tops. The tight weave of these jackets allowed minimal UV penetration, protecting me from the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses: I had sunglasses on hand for all outdoor activities, which further protected my eyes and the delicate skin around them. Hats: I wore hats to protect the back of my neck, an often overlooked area for sun damage. Light Pants: I had a variety of light pants to wear, but my most significant exposure to the sun was during biking, where I did occasionally use sunblock.

Understanding Sun Exposure in Southern California

It's important to note that there's no need to wear sunblock every day in Southern California. The city is cloudier than one might initially think. The farther south you go, the more UV rays you encounter. This is due to the increased exposure to the sun's rays after a period of cloud cover.

My Observations

Unlike many, I never had to rely on sunblock extensively. However, I do believe that smart individuals take sun protection seriously. Not-so-smart people often spend time lying on beaches trying to get a tan. It's important to understand that a tan is a sign of skin damage and can accelerate the aging process of your skin.

Long-term Consequences

People with ancestry from naturally sunny places tend to have darker skin, providing a protective barrier against the sun's harmful rays. Light-skinned individuals, like myself, need to compensate for this lack of natural protection by using sunblock and adopting other sun protection measures.

Conclusion

Whether you live in Southern California or another region, taking proper sun protection measures can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Remember, every tan is a sign of skin damage, and protecting your skin can help you look younger for longer.

If you're planning a move to Southern California or just started living there, consider these tips:

Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that can help reflect sunlight. Be cautious on days with high sun burst activity and try to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Remember, smart sun protection is always the best choice.