White skin in country with high sun exposure

[orangetree]

Hi,

 

I wasn't sure in what forum to put this, but I hope to get some advice.

 

I'm a 27 years old female from a Nothern European country- I have light skin (no freckles though), can tan a bit and have blonde hair and blue eyes. Naturally, I have to wear sunscreen to not get burned. In my own country I only wear sunscreen in summer, usually an SPF of 20 (well, my country isn't very hot or sunny so it's fine).

 

Two years ago I moved to a Latin American country, where the seasons never change. It's 30 degrees all year with a lot of sun and a high risk of getting burned because it's close to the equator. My skin isn't really made for this, so I'm always worried about my skin and never go out without an SPF of at least 50. When I'm outside for longer I also usually wear a hat and I always sit/lie in the shadow. Additionally I moisturize my face with creams.

 

 

What do you guys think? Is this enough to protect my skin and prevent premature ageing? I'm kinda worried that I'll age faster anyway because my skin type is not made for this sun exposure.

Is there anything else I should take into consideration?

 

 

Thank you!

[Els]

You're taking all the necessary precautions, so it should be fine.

 

IMO while melanin does play a part, part of the reason why Caucasians are more predisposed to skin cancer is their love of basking in the sun, and tanning. With sunscreen, a hat, and not lying in the sun for hours, you offset most of those risks.

[Ethan78]

Don't forget you are meant to reapply every two hours or so. I prefer to wash off the old layer when possible. Also, some people say to get the best protection you should apply a lot of cream, instead of applying it liberally.

[regine_phalange]

I'm kinda worried that I'll age faster anyway because my skin type is not made for this sun exposure.

Is there anything else I should take into consideration?

 

 

Thank you!

 

Don't worry, since you take care (no tanning before 5 pm, lotions, hats) you will be fine I know some ladies from the Netherlands and Germany who live here in Greece and they've aged very well despite the sun. Much better than some greek old ladies with darker hair who never used sunscreens or moisturising lotions.