Happy May Curlfriend!
Ok so the weather has been beautiful, cold but beautiful still. Before you go running outside trying to be cute, pause. We need to do a self care check. Do you have a hat or headwrap? Did you put on sunscreen today? Do you have water?
Go back inside and love yourself.
I don't care what shade you are. I am also your esthetician, don't argue with me you need these things. Period. Yes your melanin does provide you some protection. But let's be real we seem to be on mother nature's shit list so you might not want chance it.
Melanomas are in fact less common in black people than those with lighter skin tones but it can still develop and is often associated with worse outcomes when and if it is diagnosed. Melanomas are more likely to present on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and on the nail beds under the nails of black people. For increased survival rates early detection and treatment are key.
I just ordered this large brimmed hat from amazon. Here is the link.
Look I gave up Target don't you judge me! This is rough on all of us!
I liked it so much I also ordered the tan one. The hat comes folded and the rim is malleable so don't worry about the creases you'll just need to shape and style it to lay the way you want. Or if you want it to stand up you can shape the rim so it stays up out of your face. I like mine with these big waves.
My hair is twisted down and the ends are rolled into these little pincurls so the fit is really snug. I think it would be fine if I just took out the pincurls. I could also try a scarf or wig cap underneath the hat.
I do sell SPF in the store, normally. But I'm out right now and I also don't know when I will be able to get more in. So in the mean time don't feel like you have to get anything fancy or expensive. Lira isn't fancy or expensive and you probably don't need any special ingredients.
I like my Lira hydrating moisturizer because it has SPF in it so I don't need an extra product. My skin regime is just as basic as my hair care regime, cleanser + moisturizer with SPF morning and night. Well at night I just use Jojoba oil. I have noticed more skin tags and moles popping up so I've been contemplating a visit to the dermatologist too.
Check to see if your make up products contain SPF. You still need to apply to places like shoulders, neck, and chest so do a quick inventory of your product's INCI list to see who is working on your behalf and who just smells good.
I keep a hand cream in my purse, but she's just a smell good. When I run out I will get something with SPF. Remember the effects of the suns rays are intensified through glass like your windsheild, so protect your hands while you're driving. Remember what we learned about melanomas and nail beds.
As the weather does warm up and the air dries out keeping your hair put away is also a good idea. Braids and twists help keep hair from drying out. I do twist sets as a service that can easily fit under a hat. Remember that the sun literally bleaches hair and you may not notice the your level 2 hair change to a 3 but it is in fact happening sis. The sun is a heat source. Protect your hair and scalp from it like it's a flat iron. LMAO
Large brimmed hats protect hair, scalp, shoulders, chest and back skin. I want you to be cute, but I also want you to be safe. If you have questions about your skin or your hair, email me or schedule a virtual consultation. We can talk about your concerns and get you scheduled for a facial or a trim if you like.
Ok, remember to breathe, pause and save your energy for those and that who deserve it.
Take care of yourself Curlfriend
XOXO
Ehrin
