Sunny day in Glasgow brings about a change in atmosphere, yet I simmer with anger
In the heart of Scotland, men strolled around with sunburnt chests, a clear sign that the weather was "taps-aff" - a local term for gloriously sunny. As Amna Saleem navigated the city of Glasgow on a particularly sunny July day, she couldn't help but ponder if the weather might have a profound impact on the city's, and perhaps Britain's, personality.
For Amna, the heatwave brought a unique set of challenges. Sweat dripped from her face as she struggled with her makeup, fearing she would either look like a raccoon or sickly. Arriving at Glasgow Central, the humidity caused her hair to become frizzy, adding to her discomfort.
Yet, the weather in Britain has played a significant role in shaping who Amna is. She believes that it doesn't just affect her mood or her vitamin D stores; it has helped shape her identity. This sentiment is echoed by the author, who suggests that the British tend to be suspicious of joy because unabashed sunny optimism is usually followed by cold reality.
However, the myth that brown and black skin doesn't need sun protection is a dangerous one that Amna had to unlearn in her early 20s. Despite the natural advantage provided by melanin, it is not bulletproof against sun damage. UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation, cause scars to heal more slowly and darken further, lead to premature aging, and even result in skin cancer.
Thankfully, the skincare industry is now offering tinted and sheer sunscreens specifically designed for melanin-rich skin, making it easier to incorporate sun protection into daily routines. Dermatologists recommend daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30–50) for everyone, regardless of skin color, to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
As Amna regretted not bringing a jacket due to the cold at the beginning of the day, she couldn't help but marvel at the city's transformation when the sun came out. The cobblestones became catwalks, and the atmosphere filtered selfies with a natural golden hue. The city adopted a breezy European vibe, with alfresco dining, sunglasses becoming functional, and more open-toed shoes being worn.
Yet, Amna couldn't shake off the feeling of being stickier and more harassed during the heatwave compared to others. The author, comparing themselves to Michael Myers from the horror movie franchise "Halloween," due to the sweating caused by the heat, jokingly suggested that without the constant threat of rain, they would lose their small talk, their lush scenery, and their general self-esteem.
In conclusion, it's probably for the best that the weather in Britain is not consistently good. It keeps the British humble and prevents their dry sense of humor from evaporating into warm air. But one thing is clear: all skin tones need sun protection, and daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and sun avoidance are essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing serious health issues, regardless of skin color.
- As Amna navigated the fashion-and-beauty aspect of her lifestyle, the warm weather posed unique challenges, making it difficult to maintain her makeup and tame her frizzy hair.
- The author suggests that the unpredictable British weather, including both scorching heat and gloomy rain, contributes to a dry sense of humor among the British, keeping them humble.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, Amna unlearned a dangerous myth about skin protection for people of color in her early 20s, understanding that UV exposure can cause sun damage in melanin-rich skin.
- The city of Glasgow, transformed by the sun, created a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment, with alfresco dining, sunglasses usage, and a "breezy European vibe" replacing the usual cold and damp atmosphere.
