by Guest Writer Jacqui Olorunnisola

Summer is here in many parts of the world and it is wonderful that we do not have to walk around bundled up in three jackets and four scarves with a shovel in one hand and a prayer in the other. This is the time when most people will open their pools, go to the beach and enjoy outdoor summer activities such as barbecues and family gatherings.

The sun is a wonderful gift, but we have to remember that too much of anything is poisonous. Many of us think African skin is tough and resistant to harsh weather conditions and this is true when compared to other skin types, but the truth is our skin needs to be taken care of just as much as any other kind of skin. We glorify God when we take care of our bodies. I have a theory that when you take care of your skin, then the joy of the Lord shines through more brightly! Taking care of your skin does not mean getting an expensive regimen. Simple steps can go a long way and I’d be glad to share a few with you!

First, remember that 90% of wrinkles are caused by the sun’s rays. Please don’t try to prevent aging, it is a natural process of life. But do not try to rush it either! The Bible says to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1. It is not bad to have wrinkles, but if they come sooner than they are supposed to, they can cause insecurity. If you walk around all day wondering if anyone can see the crow’s feet on your eyes, then you will have taken your mind away from God where it is supposed to be.

Remember that the best sunshine, the kind that provides Vitamin D and is good for your skin, is morning sun. After 10am, and especially after midday, the rays become 90% UVA. UVA rays are the kind that cause aging. You cannot confine yourself to the indoors, but do not lie under the sun for hours doing nothing after midday every single day for an entire summer. That’s actually idling which the Bible does not recommend anyway. As far as is possible without being crazy about it, stay away from direct sunlight from 10am – 4pm.

To protect yourself from direct sunlight if you have to be out during the day, use an umbrella, sunscreen and sunglasses. If you wear glasses, try a hat or switch it up and use contacts for a while so that you can wear sunglasses. If you can get wraparound sunglasses, that’s even better. You can get these at any department store for a relatively good price. Otherwise ask your optometrist about photochromatic glasses. The average African skin has an average Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 13. You need to use sunscreen with an 8-15 SPF for darker skin and a 30+ SPF for the very light African skin.

Exfoliate your skin regularly. Every single day, you accumulate dead skin cells. If you ever looked at your skin under a microscope in Biology classes, you know what I mean. It’s disgusting and applying lotion over that mess every day will cause your skin to look dull and lifeless. Once a week, use an exfoliator to gently scrub out layers of dead skin. Don’t be too rough on yourself or else you’ll get sores and bumps as well. Two great exfoliators are St Ives Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash and the Cocoa Butter Body Scrub from the Body Shop. A simple homemade exfoliator can be made from olive oil and raw sugar. Another simple recipe that smells wonderful is oatmeal, vanilla, honey, green tea and olive oil mixed together.

Protect your lips. To prevent sunburnt and dry lips, use a lip balm that provides sun protection. Fougera A&D cream works wonderfully. Many people use Vaseline as well, but some react to it.

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