What is your name?
Jen Brissenden.
Describe yourself.
Adventurist, early 20s and short.
What is your attitude towards sun protection today?
Today, my attitude towards sun protection is much different from a year ago. I feel we all, as people, are aware of the dangers of the UV, but we still have the tendency to believe 'it won't affect us' but really we should be more serious about it.
People assume that means just wearing sunscreen, but no..it's covering up..that's what I love about Solbari. It's clothing that is super practical, protects my skin but I also don't 'stand out'. Sun protection should be taken more seriously, it's not only old people that get affected. It's pretty scary when you think about it.
I feel schools should be educating this much more and also parents. I feel I am teaching my parents and friends of what I know of the UV, times of the day to be out and when is the worst time of the day to be out. People just laugh off, "oh look I got burnt..." but really this would happen every time that person is out and about. That happening at a young age till you're older, it would make sense for it all to catch up and have some sort of damage whether that be visible or not.
The worst thing to see is young children or babies out in the sun with maybe a hat but no shirt or no pants... how they have not realised the danger themselves, yet alone on the child's skin which is so 'new' to the world and so delicate. It worries me so much to see that. I know for sure, when I have kids, they'll be running around in a long sleeve rashie, a nice wife brim hat, and long rashie pants.
I laugh at the thought only because unfortunately most people assume that is strange, only because they have not been educated on the risks properly and how important all this actually is. It's nice talking to friends who have listened to what I have had to say about sun protection and then see them the next time wearing a brim hat and sunscreen or covering up in general. It's such a nice thought - people taking proper care of themselves.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?
It's all about awareness really, and people are aware, they just need to take it seriously and notice it more. Knowing the consequences and being mindful of how easy it is to avoid, life in general, being out and about, is much easier, happier and less painful, haha.
It feels nice being responsible as well. It's all preventable. Cover up! Don't just bathe in the sun. Or if I do, do it for shorter lengths of time, go out in the early morning or late afternoons and have the appropriate sunscreen on, and have shade with you (eg: beach umbrella). Also I'd tell myself, that I shouldn't have to try to be tanned to 'look nicer' to other people. Having tanned skin may seem like it's okay now... but later on, it will actually look leathery... so not so good after all.
Thank you Jen for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.
