Fun in the sun

It's Sun Awareness Week this week (4th - 10th May) and luckily we have
seen a bit of sun in between the showers over the last few days.  I thought I'd use this blog to talk about my experiences in the sun, which I am pretty sure are very similar to many of you with Vitiligo.

I do take very good care in the sun because the lack of melanin in my skin means I have no natural protection from harmful UV rays.  I don't sunbathe and try to avoid going out when the sun is at its hottest, from midday until 3pm.  I always make sure I have a hat to cover my face and wear loose, light fabrics.  However, before I developed Vitiligo,
I absolutely loved going out in the sun and I really enjoy being outdoors,
so I do find it difficult as my instincts are always telling me to get my bikini on and lay on a sun lounger!

On my recent holiday to San Fransisco, I did spend time in the sun cycling round San Fransisco and generally sight seeing.  It was really important for me when developing Vitiliglow, that it had a sun protection factor in it - Vitiliglow has SPF 15 - so that it became an all in one product.  This gave me the flexibility to go out in the sun at times to suit me and gave me peace of mind that I was protected from the sun whilst also having my patches covered.  After years of applying various creams, it was great not to have to add suncream as well.

Now, this might not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but I really got into the Californian way of life and did a Boot Camp plus a spin class at Soul Cycle (I didn't see the Beckhams this time unfortunately).  Vitiliglow really holds up in the gym and is sweat proof and rub proof, meaning if I DID bump into Mr Beckham, I would have been looking my absolute best and my skin would look even, not patchy.

Sunday 10th May is also World Lupus Day and I know over 60% of people with Lupus experience sun induced rashes and also need to be really careful in the sun.  SunSibility, a specialist company in UV protection have developed a large range of clothing, accessories and skin care products to help people with Lupus to enjoy the sun safely without aggrivating their condition.  They have recently launched a new Facebook page - do check it out as there are lots of sun protection tips on there - www.facebook.com/sunsibility.

What are you doing to get ready for the sun?  Let me know - comment below or message me on Twitter or Facebook.

Polly
Creator of Vitiliglow

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