In Japan, sun protection is taken to a whole new level. We’re all familiar with the near-unbearable heat during the summer, as we search for different ways to stay cool, but is protecting our skin still an afterthought? In the West, sunscreen remains the most common choice of sun protection, possibly with the addition of a hat, if you’re feeling fancy. But in the East, people have taken several steps forward in their mission to protect their skin.
In East Asian countries, many people favor the beauty ideal of a fairer skin tone and do what they can to prevent the natural darkening of their skin. It’s a stark contrast to countries like America and Australia, where a deep tan is a desirable look, achieved by baking in the sun for hours on end, without much thought to the long-term effects of skin damage. Growing up in England (when the sun did make a rare appearance) my eager pursuit of turning a ‘healthy-looking’ shade of bronze meant I would purposely avoid using sunscreen with the misinformed hopes of tanning faster. Facepalm.
Over time, exposure to the sun accelerates signs of aging, along with skin blemishes like sun spots. Staying out of the sun is not purely for aesthetic purposes, it reduces our risks of skin cancer as well as heat stroke. It’s an all-around no-brainer.
So what do Japanese people do differently in terms of sun protection?
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8 Comments
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Aly Rustom
Me personally, I'm a shade seeker.
virusrex
If anything it is better to err on the side of caution and be a little bit too pale than the alternative. Still, what I find surprising is the relatively low degree of eye protection that people wear in comparison to how skin protection is prioritized. I can understand people not wanting to use sunglasses, but perfectly appropriate protection can be obtained with clear glasses, googles, etc.
Chabbawanga
Do you have common sense, or do you want skin cancer?
piskian
Life is short.
Without harming others,do as you like.
Personally,even as a redhead,I love the sun and never pass on a chance to be outdoors.
wallace
I burn quickly even with sunblock so I cover up in the sun.
itsonlyrocknroll
There is only so much covering up, I carry an umbrella.
Then the stifling humidity, for the elderly it unbearable.
I, twice a week pack ours in the car for shopping, air con on warp nine.
Luckily sunnyMart is fully air conditioned, if a tad expensive.
But the heat hits you on returning to the car.
Yuuju
I love sun but my cuperosis doesnt
I love suntan but never seem to get one properly
i used to use special creams but not anymore
kibousha
Eat plenty of omega 3, seafood, not just fish, also algae (there are studies that showed omega 3 reduces sun-burn), 15 minutes in the sun to get that sweet Vitamin D and other stuffs we don't know we don't know, then shade.