Sun Protection Factor

Yesterday Jarrod and I went to the STL Air Show in Chesterfield. Jarrod had volunteered to work at the STEM expo for his company, and he also wanted to see the Blue Angels. We also wanted to go because the Air Show hasn't happened for a few years, and who knows how much longer the Blue Angels will be flying.

I met up with Jarrod after he checked in with the volunteer table and we grabbed a spot on the field to watch the air show. And it was great! They had three stunt pilots doing tricks and aerobatics that were quite impressive, and all some historical planes and helicopters used in wartime. Then the Blue Angels did their routine, which is even more impressive simply because of the aircraft. 

I saw many kids around us that were covering their ears or wearing the big earmuffs things (which were too big for their little heads, they looked funny :) and it reminded me of when I was scared of fireworks. I don't know why kids get scared of loud noises, but I was definitely one of them. I remember one time we were on vacation and went to see some fireworks. We kept walking closer and closer, I think my dad was hoping I'd face my fears. Nope, I didn't. I hated it, started crying, and we ended up leaving. Anyways, back to the air show...

It was a beautiful day with just a little breeze and thin clouds in the sky. I would say that I did okay, for it being my first air show. I put on sunscreen, brought more along, and we brought a chair. However, I forgot a hat. And since I forgot a hat I had to put my hand up on my forehead to block the sun off of my eyes.

Sunscreen has improved a lot over time. I am extremely pale and normal ol' SPF 30 does not cut it for me. I need 50, minimum. I've had SPF 110, but that was way too thick and almost like smearing on toothpaste. Right now I have this SPF 70 stuff that is amazing. But it works so well that the areas that you don't put it on look really burnt and you have the splotchiest, stupidest looking sunburns ever. Instead of getting an overall pink, like if it was SPF 30, your sunscreened skin is untouched.

Yesterday, I apparently did not put sunscreen on a patch of my lower leg, a spot on my left bicep about the size of a half-dollar, my left wrist (so I will be rockin' a watch tan quite early this season), and forgot to put it on my right hand... you know, the one I was putting over my face that was directly under the sun! 

My poor hand. It takes a direct hit of hot water under the shower head, it hurts to grip something really tightly, plus I'm right handed. I am lathering on the aloe vera or lotion almost every time I wash my hands (since the soap has alcohol which is drying enough) hoping that this will heal quickly!