**Author wearing sun coverup while hiking 9/2021 and results of skin protection at age 63, photo 4/30/2022**

I developed a habit in my mid-twenties of using clothing for sun protection while working as a hydrogeologist collecting groundwater well information and water quality samples on hot summer days in the southern Arizona desert sun. Inevitably, I felt a strong urge to protect my skin for health and beauty during those long sunny field days.

The skin is our largest organ, it is important to protect it so that it can function optimally and continue to provide its many health benefits throughout life.

At the time (mid-1980’s), I purchased silk scarves, silk shirts, silk pants and cotton gloves from the thrift store and contentedly completely covered myself, looking like a mirage of a desert sheik wearing a straw hat. In summers, I wore a tank top under a long-sleeved silk shirt. I’d soak the shirt and scarves in well water, squeeze a bit of water out and wear them feeling cool, fresh and shaded while I collected water samples in the blazing heat.

I wrapped a large silk scarf around my head, crossing it over my lower face and tying it at the back of my neck allowing the scarf to cover my lower cheeks, chin, neck and lip areas where a wide brimmed hat does not provide protection. With this wrapping technique the scarf is easily adjusted for more or less coverage as your position to the sun changes. When facing the sun, it only takes a light pull to adjust the scarf to cover the lower face for maximum coverage. I like maximum coverage.

Author wearing full-length bathing suit and gloves (photo 2015)

My sun protective clothing devotion includes swimming gloves and a full-length bathing suit for snorkeling and other water sports. I don’t have a face-kini, but I would like one.

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/08/20/159366234/on-chinese-beaches-the-face-kini-is-in-fashion

There’s always a pair of sun protective driving gloves and a set of scarves in the car and travel bags.

An umbrella provides a good backup plan to protective clothing and is handy for traversing parking lots, etc., and when traveling, rain or shine. Umbrellas provide a great shade source for surprise outings or those times when you don’t want hat hair.

Protective clothing not only protects the skin from the sun, it provides shade to keep skin cool; protects the skin from small scratches, scrapes, dust and dirt; and allows the skin to retain sweat to achieve a cooling effect when a breeze passes.

In addition to wearing sun protective clothing, I use a physical sun block 365 days a year on my face, neck, chest and any other exposed skin when out and about.

After following this practice consistently while doing field work, I ultimately gravitated towards protecting my skin while doing yard work, hiking, driving and any time that I am exposed. It’s been about 35 years (or more) and the sun protection neural connections wired in my brain are now super highways and it’s a bit uncomfortable for me to be exposed without protection.

I sometimes see others who cover up and I know that they are out there, but I rarely directly know anyone who covers up to this extent. It has been and can be embarrassing for me to look so different, it’s not a “pretty” look.

A sun protection cover-up practice may not be flattering. I care about what others think of me most of the time but I do not care what people think of me for protecting my health and skin. I made a decision many decades ago that I would do everything in my power to maintain my health to support my ability to work and care for myself (and my daughter). I chose and choose to religiously protect my personal health and skin.

Results of sun protection - author’s arm skin at 63, photo 4/30/2022.

Retail sun protective clothing is expensive. To protect the skin, it is most important that a tightly woven fabric is worn. I primarily choose light weight long-sleeved silk shirts and retail sun shirts, gloves, and sleeves; but any tightly woven fabric will do. My ad hoc DIY coverups are not fancy and may be off-putting. Overall, it is satisfying to finally take it all off in shady comfort.

Based on this anecdotal experience, my opinion is that using sun protective clothing, sunblock and umbrellas to protect the skin from the sun is the least expensive, most effective skin care beauty habit (health=beauty) that I can practice. I’m all in.

Results of sun protection, author’s thigh skin at age 63, photo 4/30/2022

Results of protecting facial skin, author at 63, photo 4/30/2022

P.S. My blood serum vitamin D levels have been and are gratefully and healthfully high.

Extreme sun protection may not be for everyone but it has been and continues to be right for me.

If you need more information, check out the article that I published in July 2017 titled Sun Cover-Ups for Life. Health = Beauty.

Otherwise, go to the library, search the Internet, check out my past Blog articles, or it would be an honor to me if you purchased my book. Thank you!

Take good care of yourselves!

XO Deborah

This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.