Summer is happening down under and that means it’s the season of water and skin. In the past I’ve gotten a little grief about the colour of my skin - particularly when I was around 15. Growing up in a small coastal town, tanning was the thing - and I’m naturally very very fair. I’ve been guilty of capitulating to the trend of the tan in the past… and even shamefully… have used a tanning bed.
Then one day I realised I didn’t give two farts for what people thought about my very pale skin, I didn’t find it ugly or offensive so why should I bother tanning - which I also found to be a total bore and a pain in the butt.
One of the key reasons I decided tanning wasn’t for me was my vanity - ageing. When I was 18 I visited Canada to see family and was so amazed at how much younger Canadians look than Australians. I'm talking about ten years younger! Then of course, Canada is a place that really get’s just a fraction of the kind of sun exposure you’ll get from living Down Under.
The second reason is a little more grim, skin cancer. Australia has the highest rate of it in the world - so much so that I could bet every Aussie knows someone who has been through it. Personally - my Mum was diagnosed with melanoma (which was operated on) and my Dad has had radiation treatment on his face. So you can see why promoting sun safety and awareness is a cause that touches close to home for me.
Gratefully I’ve noticed a shift in attitudes about tanning since I was younger and more and more people are wising up to the benefits of being sun smart. It’s thanks to initiatives like Pretty Shady, forging a new trend in a generation who understand that having a tan isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
This being said, Pretty Shady isn’t about avoiding going out in the sun altogether - but knowing what you need to make the most of summer and not put your precious skin on the line - literally! It’s so important to protect your skin - and your eyes - from the harsh rays of the sun. Pretty Shady is here with all the tools you need to avoid the dreaded C in the summer.
I’m really proud to be working with the Pretty Shady initiative, to share with you the incredible importance of being smart in the sun. Hope you like my work!