(Photo by: eelke dekker)

Remember the advice column? Well, we’ve been developing it and now it’s here for all of us girls seeking a helping hand along the road! How awesome is that?! Maia’s on a roll, and she’ll be the great guide here to to help throw us a life raft when we need it the most. Booyah!

Here’s what she has to say:

Ask Maia

Your Supportive Confidante

Welcome, ladies to the new Girls By Design advice column! Don’t fret, girls—we have a new advice column! My name is Maia, and I been there, done that, and I know how to help. After dealing with multiple situations, from friend drama, health trauma, family issues –the works, I can offer you some pearls of wisdom. I will give it to you straight, offering life and relationship advice in my new column. Life is most complicated whether at school, home, or a party, so let my honest advice provide a clear perspective for you, along with some witty interjections of the experienced and loving GBD editors.

So ask away, ladies! Your questions will remain anonymous

Here’s today’s question! Thanks to Criss for asking what’s on everyone’s mind!

Criss asked “I love the summer and I love the heat and outdoors, but I get burned…even when I wear sun block, what can I do to prevent this…any tips to actually make my skin better without burning?”

Dear Criss,

You might want to check the sunblock you are using, is it expired? Researches recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB. In particular, choose a sunscreen that includes a good level (around 4% to 5% or more) of zinc oxide (also called micronized zinc), or titanium dioxide, or Parsol 1789 (also called avobenzone) among the list of active ingredients. Second, choose a sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating or higher – this is the minimum level now recommended by most dermatologists across America. Third, determine the activity you will be doing for the day and apply a product that will meet the task, e.g. water activities mean you should use a waterproof sunscreen. Fourth, always choose a sunscreen that feels good on your skin – so you will be comfortable wearing it every day.

Also, a huge mistake many girls make, is applying their sunscreen outside, while they are already exposed to the sun. It is recommended that you apply sunscreen 20 minutes before any sun exposure. Sunscreen won’t work properly without accurate application, also they only last up to two hours, so reapply every two hours!
Need more sun protection? Consider getting additional UV ray protection from clothing – wear hats, and add Rit Sun Guard – it is a laundry additive that  enhances the level of UV protection in your clothing, however it only works on cotton. Check out this website for more sun protective clothing options: coolibar.com

Also, remember: 23% of your sun exposure and damage occurs before the age of 18 – apply sunscreen every day before leaving the house to avoid signs of skin damage a couple of years from now. And although a tan may look chic, any tan is a sign of skin damage. A tan is the result of UV radiation stimulating the cells in the top layers of skin to produce more pigment, This is a natural defense of the skin to protect against UV, however continuous exposure damages this natural defense, resulting in premature aging (wrinkles, sun spots) and potential health risks.

*Resource used: Sun Protection.net

*Note to GBD readers: Although each one of our responses to your questions are magnificent pearls of wisdom, the advice is not professional. We are simply sharing our loving response to help y’all sort out some sticky situations.

You need any advice? Hardships you’ve faced or are facing now? Having drama in your life? Have some quirky questions you want answered? Then send whatever is tumbling around your heart and mind to info@girlsbydesign.com or maia@girlsbydesign.com and Maia will help with your troubles. You don’t have to say who you are (but you can if you want to), all submissions will be held private, confidential and will remain anonymous! Mmmkay? We don’t bite, we promise.