We spend a fair amount of time in the sun, as South Africans. If it is not on the beach, it’s hiking up a mountain or out on safari. As I lived in the Kruger National Park for about 5 years and have been on many safaries in my life, I wanted to share some top tips on how to look after your skin while out on a bumble.
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“While I worked in the bush, I often noticed how people struggle to look after their skin properly, especially staff living there, men and women. We spent a lot of time outside. I would notice concerns like sun damaged and premature aged hands of safari guides, sun damage on lodge host’s skin, sunburned and tired looking faces and even peeling skin. Guests also struggle as it is a brand new routine, early mornings, late nights and lots of sun.
But first, let me just give you an idea of how damaging the sun can be to our skin”
I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOU THIS
This is a very popular photo of a truck driver became public a couple of years ago. A 69 year old male, who has been on the road for 28 years. You can clearly see which side his window was on. This a prime example of what UV Radiation from the sun can do to the skin. You are looking at premature aging, deep wrinkles and excess pigmentation which we know is a high risk for potentially deadly skin cancer.
Needless to say, taking care of your skin is something EVERYBODY should do. It’s way beyond the beauty factor, we need to focus on our skin health.
WHEN OUT AND ABOUT ON SAFARI, MAKE SURE YOU REMEMBER THESE 5 TOP TIPS:
•APPLICATION
Safari mornings start early, very early. Some people do manage to get a shower in, some wait for after the morning drive. Whichever way you do it, wash your face and apply a layer of broad spectrum spf50 from your hairline (for those who don’t have a hairline, cover your whole head) over your ears, the whole face, neck, back of neck and finally the chest. Don’t rely on a foundation or moisturizer with spf in it, it won’t do the job. Depending on your clothing, apply to your shoulders, arms and hands as well.
•KEEP YOUR SUNBLOCK WITH YOU
Do not leave the lodge without your Spf. Pop it into your bag or put it in the pocket of the seat in front of you in the game drive vehicle, some even have a console box in each row that you can put your stuff in. Reapply every 2 hours. For those who have make up on, you get fantastic Spf Sprays that you can apply over your foundation.
•COVER UP
Always take a hat! A wide brimmed hat is much better than a cap for full protection. Take a scarf with or something you can cover your neck, chest and shoulders with.
•MOVE AROUND
Try not to sit and “bake”. Some of the vehicles do have a roof, so you will be in the shade mostly. But when you can, try to move your face out of directly sunlight.
•RECOVER
When you get back from drive to the lodge, it’s always a good idea to cool the skin down. ICING skin has MANY benefits. I use it mostly for my melasma. If you have melasma, you would know that heat is not your friend. So as soon as I get the chance I ice my skin, especially where my melasma is located, to cool it down. Sometimes even during the drink stop.
TOP TIP FOR LODGE STAFF
•As most of you have leave every 6 weeks, it’s a good idea to have your skin procedures done during leave.
•Make sure to get a full body mole screening done at least once a year. In the case where you have a family or personal history of skin cancer, your Dr will advise you to have the screenings done more often.
•Chances are that you have some sort of sun damage already, if you have not addressed it yet. Preventative and Corrective procedures such as Broad Band Light and Nano Laser Peel are good options to start addressing the problem.
•Once you are happy with the health of your skin, maintenance treatments are important to keep preventing premature aging and maintaining your glow during the year.
•Invest in good skincare. This does not mean a million products on your shelf. Everybody (men and women) has to wash their face morning and night, use a proper sunblock during the day, and restore their skin’s during the night. Most of the time two or three products will do the trick.
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As a #safariwife and my experience working at lodges, I know that trying to look after your skin in the bush can get tough. But don’t let years of carelessness result in you looking 50 when you are 40.
We would love to start your skin journey with you. If you work at a lodge, whatsapp us on 0764248809, quote the name of the lodge you are working at to qualify for 10% off your first treatment at Dermology!
