Skin Health/Disease?

[Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)
edited August 2021 in General

I saw someone using an umbrella on a sunny day today and was wondering how you guys feel about using an umbrella for sun protection. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. It is common for people to use an umbrella to protect against the sun in Asian countries, but not common in Western countries. Have you ever used an umbrella for sun protection? Would you feel comfortable doing so? I think it's a good idea, especially since sunscreen has its limitations and has some risks. There are also some skin conditions where limiting sun exposure is recommended.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]SoftPetals (deleted user)

    I am a woman of high melanin and I have used an umbrella to guard against sunlight exposure as I do get heat bumps, heat rash, and sun burn especially on my upper back and arms. Hope this helps. Also I'm in New Jersey USA 😊

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)
    edited August 2021

    @SoftPetals That's great. Do you find people stare at your or make comments when you are using an umbrella to protect against the sun? When I have used an umbrella for sun protection, sometimes people make comments like "but it's not raining". I feel the more people do it, the more normal it will become. I feel it's much easier to carry an umbrella than to have to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours per instructions. Some sunscreens also get absorbed into the bloodstream and have health risks.

  • BabichevBabichev

    I’ve used an umbrella. I think nothing of it. I’m not aware of anyone gawking at me and the only comments I’ve gotten are compliments on my umbrella. It’s a very nice one.

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)

    @Babichev That's great that people gave you compliments. Yes. You are right. They do have some great choices now. They even have umbrellas specially made for sun protection. They even tell you their UPF number, the equivalent of an SPF for sunscreens. One brand of sumbrellas says it keeps you several degrees cooler as well.

  • BabichevBabichev

    I do steam punk and lots of women use very pretty parasols. I had a pretty umbrella that I purchased in Croatia, it had a nice green/red/purple paisley print and I added fringe to it and a few dangly ornaments. It broke and I found a really pretty purple and black one with little bats on it and a pagoda shape to it. It doesn’t need any embellishment.

    The word parasol literally means “for sun” i.e. sun protection.

  • CuddleDuncanCuddleDuncan Mod

    Sure. But then I'm in Britain, and sometimes you just have the wrong kit ....

    I have found that the more colourful the umbrella, the less incongruous it seems. If this is a habit of yours, I would consider investing in a small portfolio of parasols.

    @shy_friend a good defence against such boors is to agree with them sadly, and then launch your own attack. "I know, I know, it's a crazy defence against the sun. I'm not a fan myself, but it was my Grandma's great thing, she always made me do it. We lost her last week, so ..... [pause] .... were those shoes a present or did you buy them yourself?"

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)

    @CuddleDuncan Yes. I agree. That does sound like a good defense. I was also thinking of saying it's for a medical reason. Usually when people hear "medical reason", they don't give you a hard time anymore. They might even apologize for being rude.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    When someone asks you why do you use an umbrella on a sunny day the answer is simple:

    A coffin is too heavy to carry. Now, may I ask what blood type you are?

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)
    edited August 2021

    @FunCartel LOL. That's funny. You are right. I don't get why some people have to make a comment about everything . People should mind their own business. Me carrying an umbrella on a sunny day does not affect you in any way.

  • BabichevBabichev
    edited August 2021

    I’ve been using umbrellas in the sun for years and no one has ever asked about it. Maybe they are more prone to commenting why a man would carry one? Because men aren’t supposed to care about these things but it’s okay if women do?

    @FunCartel and @CuddleDuncan , love your answers. I think having a good absurd answer ready in case someone asks is a good strategy. I’d be tempted to say I’m a vampire and will die if I get direct sun exposure.

  • cuddles_ndreamcuddles_ndream

    @shy_friend i don’t personally use umbrellas ☂ for the sun but I say go for it : ), try your best not to worry what others may think… it’ll be a bit uncomfortable at first but you’ll eventually reach a level of freedom where you become
    completely content living life in your terms vs society : )

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)

    @Babichev yes. There is definitely a gender bias, but I feel things have improved in recent years. I have used an umbrella for sun protection several times and people rarely say something. I feel the more people start using it, the more acceptable and normal it will become. Skin cancer affects all of us regardless of gender.

  • BabichevBabichev
    edited August 2021

    I don’t care too much what other people think, it doesn’t bother me one whit and doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do. I’m not the kind of person to do things that are inconsiderate of others but if the way I dress or the things I like to do are outside of the norm, who cares what other people think?

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)
    edited August 2021

    @cuddles_ndream Yes. I agree completely. My health is much more important to me than caring about a comment someone makes or what they think.

  • cuddles_ndreamcuddles_ndream

    @shy_friend absolutely : )

  • [Deleted User]Sue13 (deleted user)

    I used to go for a walk on my lunch break every work day, and I used a Coolibar UPF 50 parasol. One time a police car pulled up next to me and the officer said “Hey! It’s not raining!” I said “It’s raining photons.” He just looked confused. Luckily he didn’t arrest me or anything.

    I’ve never actually used this comeback, but if someone hassles you about using an umbrella or parasol you could say “It protects your skin from sun damage. See how great my skin looks? And I’m 75!” Or whatever your age is plus 30 years.

  • [Deleted User]shy_friend (deleted user)

    @Sue13 As an earlier poster mentioned, I feel there is a gender bias in our society when it comes to this issue. As a male, I would feel more comfortable saying that I am using the umbrella for a medical reason than to gain some aesthetic or anti-aging benefit. I guess as men, we have been taught not to care so much about our physical appearance.

  • cuddleNsqueezecuddleNsqueeze

    I don't use an umbrella but I use a large Sunhat that ties under my neck to keep it in place on a windy day. Not as much coverage as an umbrella but I rather have less things to carry/hold since I'm usually chasing after my toddler when we're outside. She usually wears hats too 😊

  • [Deleted User]Sue13 (deleted user)

    @shy_friend there are really good medical reasons to protect your skin from the sun! Like not wanting to get sunburned. Or not wanting to get skin cancer (by far the most common cancer). I think “Did you know it’s 10 degrees cooler under a parasol?” is a good response to someone asking why you’re using a parasol too, if you want to keep it light.

  • [Deleted User]CharlesThePoet (deleted user)

    I’m a big fan of “What umbrella?”

  • JoyfulHeartJoyfulHeart

    @CharlesThePoet A fan and an umbrella make a GREAT combo.

  • Hi_Im_TimHi_Im_Tim

    @shy_friend When a woman and especially young woman is using an umbrella for sun protection, it actually attracts me since I know they are smart about skin cancer. Not sure I've seen a guy use an umbrella for sun protection. I may see it as odd. As for myself, I wear a wide rimmed hat and always try to stay out of the sun. I am especially vulnerable to sunburn and have already had minor skin cancers removed. I'm 59 in the US midwest.

  • MxBlissMxBliss

    I live in the central Sonoran desert and alot of people use umbrellas but you’re right about it being gender specific to women & children. Be brave and show off your GAF side lol

    This morning I went out to a cooperative farming spot to lay down irrigation pipes -hurraaay food forests!- and didn’t bring a hat or an umbrella and have been lazy in bed all day snoozing off the exhausting sun. Was not a good choice I made. But isn’t it funny how so many people have vit D deficiencies because they live indoors here? Balance.

  • cuddles_ndreamcuddles_ndream

    That’s really cool @MxBliss do you have pics of the food forests you don’t mind sharing? 🌱 🌳 🌵

    & you’re absolutely right, vit D deficiencies is a very common thing here in nyc

  • Hi_Im_TimHi_Im_Tim

    @MxBliss Arizona is way too hot for me. Wishing you the best. As for myself I will always live in Indiana or North of here. Indiana in February is not so bad really. ... More to the point, I have found this website useful and had a cuddlebuddy pro. She was amazing and the sense of touch is SO much underrated. @MxBliss in Arizona protect yourself from the sun ALWAYS.

  • OhioMikeOhioMike


    Just some colder inspiration from Ohio for us in the hot 🥵 zone. 90s this week here !

  • krissyjaekrissyjae

    I live in Texas, I see people do it all the time. Smart idea!

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