There are things I’ve learned to say no to- sports games, pool parties, kayaking trips, my best friend’s haldi. Not because I don’t want to be there, but because sometimes, the sun decides for me.
I was diagnosed with photosensitivity when I was 12, but it took us a while to figure out what was actually causing the random white patches and rashes that kept appearing on my skin. By the time we did, the sun had already done quite a bit of permanent damage in the form of pigmentation.
Since then, I’ve basically been on a lifelong mission to figure out the perfect combination of sunscreens, skin treatments and clothes that can keep my skin protected from UV exposure.
My everyday essentials now include a UV-shield umbrella, a UV protective jacket and, honestly, a ridiculous amount of sunscreen.
Living with photosensitivity in India can be especially tricky. We have sunshine pretty much all year round, but a lot of people still don’t realize that photosensitivity is an actual medical condition. And sometimes, that means having to sit out of things you really want to do- sports games, your best friend’s haldi, kayaking trips, pool parties... the list goes on.
And after explaining to the tenth well-meaning person that, no, I’m not being antisocial or “too sensitive” I genuinely can’t be out in the sun you eventually reach a point where you think, “You know what? Maybe I’ll just accept the rash.” 😂
Protection shouldn’t mean sitting out of your own life. I still want to show up. Stay outside. Keep living.
MY EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
UV-Shield Umbrella
My first line of defence.
Tuque UV Protective Jacket
Light. Comfortable. Non-negotiable.
Sunscreen (Lots of it)
The extra layer I never skip.
STAY OUTSIDE. STAY COVERED. KEEP LIVING.