Hi, my name is Helena Mc Loughlin.
I was diagnosed with SCLE Lupus two years ago after having had a skin rash that covered my chest for about six months at a time over the previous four years. I eventually showed it to a dermatologist who took a biopsy and diagnosed SCLE Lupus. It is an autoimmune disorder which is mainly triggered by exposure to sunlight. This means I am extremely sun sensitive - even the winter sun is very dangerous for me.
When my lupus flares I get an ugly skin rash and am very unwell with aching joints and terrible fatigue. I have always been an outdoor person, a gardener and golfer and need to be able to get out and about. I am learning ways to do this. SP50 suncream doesn't work for me. It is messy, gets in my eyes and aggravates my skin.
I now wear UPF 50 leggings and long-sleeved tops with high collars or hoods, a big sunhat and sun gloves. I have searched the web for suppliers and have tried many but the one I find the best for me is Solbari's Sensitive range. The fabric is fantastic, no overheating.
Thanks Helena, for sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.
The Solbari Team
Your skin is your largest organ and has a long memory. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage is cumulative throughout your life. Research shows that sun damage contributes to more than 90% of wrinkles, brown spots, premature skin aging as well as precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.
Limiting sun exposure is very important. As the UV rays cause the most damage to the skin.
It often takes many years and sometimes decades for the effects to become visible.
But the good news is that taking care of your skin from now onwards may be able to help you to reduce the probability of skin cancers and minimise skin aging.