Your Story Series: Meet Lin
What is your name?
Hello, I am Lin Norling.
Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.
Positive, health-conscious and love the outdoors.
What is your attitude towards sun protection today?
It is never too late to protect yourself against sun damage. I grew up thinking pale was beautiful till I started university in the mid 70s. Then I took a U turn and decided a tanned look would make me look more attractive. I went all out achieving a tanned look, lying out in the sun during the summer holidays, after my summer job hours and all weekends. That went on for many years. Yes, I did get compliments on my outdoor look. There were some dire warnings that I was risking getting skin cancer but I paid them no heed.
Decades later, I was informed by a dermatologist whom I served at a cosmetic counter, that I had skin damage. She pointed to the slightly indented white spots on my entire arms. I had noticed these before but had no idea what they were or what caused them to appear. A visit to a skin clinic assured me I had no melanoma. Although I have not been formally diagnosed with a serious skin condition, it was a wake up call.
Ever since I had been careful to slop on sunscreen when out in the sun. The drawback with sunscreen was it stained my clothes. Also for me, applying sunscreen was quite an effort, having to remember to do so some 20 minutes before sun exposure. Mostly I avoid going out in the sun between 10 am to 4 pm but sometimes this was unavoidable and if I was wearing a favourite and also expensive outfit, I might skip the sunscreen.
So it is great now I have a SPF 50 hat, arm sleeves and a swim dress from Solbari. Couldn't be more pleased with these Solbari items. No more trashing sunscreen-stained clothes. I am protected against sun damage. I can go out and accompany my husband who insists on walking mid afternoon. He adores the sun. My mission now is to convince him to use sun protection.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?
Instant gratification in a tanned and illusory slim look is only that. The tan fades but the long term undesirable consequences stay. Skin damage, premature wrinkles, potential skin cancers and resultant surgeries are not worth it. Skin cancers are serious matters and I have known a few friends who are no longer with me because of this. It is all about prevention, prevention, prevention.
