SPF Demystified: What That Number on Your Sunscreen Really Means (and Why It Matters)

One of the more prominent catch phrases of late is “Self-Care”. But what does that really look like? The truth of it is, only you can answer that! Self-Care is a gentle way of reminding us we need to take care of ourselves, possibly first. For example, if you have flown in an airplane they teach us even before takeoff - dawn your mask first before assisting others. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so whatever your version of Self-Care looks like, it should be something we all do every day. It teaches us the importance of Self-Love. Here are some genuine ideas. Health is first. Most doctors are not seeing patients in person right now. But this does not mean you do not address issues of concern. Update your blood work, discuss mental health strategies, ask their team about resources to assist you through COVID decisions. Yes, book your dental checkup and cleaning. Body hurts? Book that massage. Revisit the Chiropractor. Exercise and stretching are also important. You will thank yourself later. Health is first and foremost! Get out there! Shut off the phones, the tv, and crank the tunes and wiggle a wee bit, or dance like your life depends on it. “Music is to the soul what words are to the mind.” Exercise is important, but now your mental health is at the forefront. Do you have a hobby or is there something you have always wanted to try? Recently, I took up Archery. Called a few friends, and once a week we get together, kill a few balloons, giggle, belly laugh and have a lot of fun. A massive thank you to James and his crew at Antler River Archery in Delaware. It does not matter what you do, as long as you get out and do something, even if it’s just going for a nice walk, getting fresh air is also important. We all need to protect our skin as well. The hard truth is an appropriate SPF is required for all seasons, for all skin types, for all ages, no matter what your vocation. In addition, healthy skin can assist in our mental health by boosting our confidence. Do not misunderstand this, it is not meant to be body or age shaming. Every day we rise and the first person we usually see is ourselves staring back in the bathroom mirror. You are beautiful. I know from firsthand experience, sometimes it is just harder for us to see it. Dehydrated, malnourished, mask irritated skin can flood our brains with less than accurate thoughts. Cleansing adequately, replenishing hydration, repairing environmental damage and adding nourishment when our skin needs it, is a very clear choice in boosting our health as well as our confidence. But of course, my favourite suggestion, pamper yourself in life's simple pleasures. Get that facial, update your skincare, reserve a table at your favourite restaurant, take a ride in the country, play golf, whatever is your key to mindfulness. You absolutely deserve it. Take in the “Easy”. One of our therapists said that to me and I felt stupefied. Almost as if I did not even realize this was an option. So again, take in the “Easy”, look at your to do list and see what can be eliminated, and what can you delegate in order to make time for yourself and your wellbeing. I guess what I am trying to say is, YOU are absolutely amazing! Don’t doubt it for a moment, I am talking to you. For most of us, we never find enough time in our day to realize just how amazing we actually are. We are so busy trying to be strong for those around us, the time just slips on past us. And at the end of the day, exhaustion rocks us to sleep, bedded in the blanket of worry. Bottom line… Did you do enough? You did. Now go take in the “Easy”. Who is Terryanne Daniel? Terryanne is the Centre Director for Synergy Centre, a multidisciplinary health care facility located in Northwest London. Owner of Synergy Aesthetic & Laser. Dental Professor for Fanshawe College. Certified Human Behaviour Specialist. Advanced Skincare Specialist, Certified Laser Technician. Humanitarian and Sponsor Mum to three children in Nicaragua. More importantly Mother of four, Grandma of two and let’s not forget wife to the most incredible person that is able to keep up with her shenanigans. Terryanne remains passionate about healthcare work, and the caring for others.

When the skin is hydrated it is healthy, glowing and feels great! So how do we keep the skin hydrated and nourished? Contrary to popular belief, moisturizers do not give the skin hydration, they lock it in. A serum is what gives the skin hydration! Moisturizers and serums work together to replenish hydration and keep it in the skin.