The recent spell of delightful weather in South Carolina, coupled with the departure of pollen season, created the perfect window for an overdue outdoor project: staining our boat dock. This expansive dock stretches gracefully from our lakeside gazebo, a prominent feature of our backyard, and its rejuvenation had been a project long anticipated.
Last year, my husband, Ed, took on the strenuous task of replacing the damaged wooden boards that had endured years of exposure to the elements. His meticulous repair work laid the foundation, leaving me with the comparatively simpler, yet equally satisfying, job of staining the refreshed surfaces. It’s a task I relish, offering a unique blend of physical activity and the calming presence of nature.
Armed with a paint roller stick and a versatile 5-inch wide paintbrush, the staining process itself proved remarkably efficient. There were moments I felt less like I was staining a dock and more like I was “swabbing the deck” of a grand ship, immersed in the rhythm of the work. My love for the outdoors makes tackling such projects a joy, a welcome excuse to spend hours under the open sky. However, this particular endeavor presented a challenge that has become an increasingly significant part of my outdoor life: the imperative to keep my face thoroughly protected from the sun. This often means donning a wide-brimmed hat, which, while essential, can sometimes be cumbersome, especially on a breezy lakeside day.
Living with Vitiligo: A Personal Journey of Acceptance
Today, I want to share something deeply personal, a reality I’ve been navigating and coming to terms with over the past couple of years. It’s a significant aspect of my life that profoundly influences how I approach activities like staining a dock in the sun.
Roughly two years ago, I began to notice small, irregular patches of lighter skin appearing on my chin. Initially, I dismissed them as typical signs of aging, a natural progression of time. However, my concern grew as these patches started to develop unusual brown dots within other brown dots, creating a very peculiar and distinct appearance. This prompted a visit to my dermatologist, as I suspected it might be a reaction to a new serum or cream I had introduced into my skincare routine.
Her diagnosis, however, was far more profound than a simple allergic reaction. With a gentle but firm tone, she explained, “No, sadly that is not what is happening. You are showing signs of Vitiligo, and unfortunately, there is nothing that can really be done about it, and it may get worse and show up on other parts of your body over time.” Her words were a somber revelation, shifting my understanding of my skin and future outdoor endeavors.
Her prediction proved accurate. The Vitiligo has indeed spread beyond my face. I now observe new and expanding white patches on my hands, arms, and knees, marking a widespread loss of pigment. Over these two years, my dermatologist has prescribed various topical creams, always tempering expectations by reminding me that Vitiligo is a notoriously challenging disorder to treat effectively. The radical option of skin bleaching or laser treatments, famously associated with Michael Jackson, was discussed but quickly dismissed due to the irreversible nature and the potential for bleached spots if the Vitiligo were to spontaneously clear. It’s a path not recommended, reinforcing the reality of living with this condition.
Understanding Vitiligo: Causes and Triggers
During the cooler fall and winter months, the noticeable effects of Vitiligo tend to recede, as my outdoor sun exposure is naturally limited. However, with the arrival of spring and the deepening embrace of summer, the condition becomes markedly more prominent. This is because the areas of skin that retain their pigment will tan under the sun’s rays, creating a starker contrast with the depigmented white patches, which, instead of tanning, often turn a delicate pink. Each year, I observe further pigment loss and the gradual enlargement of these white areas. A closer look at my blog sidebar photo, taken two years ago, subtly reveals the early stages of pigment loss on the right side of my chin.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder where pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes, either die or cease producing melanin – the natural pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. This leads to the characteristic lighter or entirely white patches of skin. It can affect individuals of all skin colors and types. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it is believed to be triggered by various factors, including significant stress, severe sunburn, skin trauma, or even contact with certain chemicals.
For me, the onset of Vitiligo strongly correlates with a period of intense emotional stress following a deeply upsetting and life-altering event involving someone very dear to me. The lingering emotional impact of this event, which continues to affect me daily, undoubtedly pushed my immune system to its limits, I believe, triggering the condition. Furthermore, research suggests that sensitivities to certain foods, such as gluten and dairy, along with sun exposure, can exacerbate Vitiligo. This has led me to adopt a holistic approach to my well-being, prioritizing a healthy diet, incorporating regular exercise, and actively seeking strategies to manage stress and cultivate mental calm. Unfortunately, the current global climate doesn’t always make maintaining low stress levels an easy feat.
Essential Sun Protection: My Daily Routine and Hat Collection
Navigating life outdoors now means always wearing a wide-brimmed SPF hat, with my face thoroughly coated in sunscreen. My growing collection of hats allows me to combine essential protection with a touch of personal style, transforming a necessity into a fashion statement.
During a recent online shopping excursion for a new hat, I stumbled upon this Burberry hat. It possesses the exact design I need for comprehensive sun protection, particularly around the sides of my face, which many standard flap hats (typically designed only for neck coverage) lack. However, the price tag was, to say the least, exorbitant – an astounding $490.00! I can only assume it’s marketed towards jet-setters whose opulent lifestyles take them from one tropical paradise to another, year-round, for whom such a price is a mere trifle for a simple hat. Perhaps, I might just have to channel my inner DIY spirit and attempt to replicate its design to craft my own version.
Embracing Life’s Challenges with a Positive Outlook
There’s an old adage that often comes to mind: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I hold onto this philosophy, maintaining a positive attitude about my patchy skin and diligently working towards “owning it” with unwavering confidence. After all, life could undoubtedly present far greater adversities. This condition has not, in any way, hindered my ability to pursue my passions or engage in cherished outdoor activities, including ambitious projects like staining the entire boat dock.
The satisfaction of seeing a project through, regardless of personal challenges, is immensely rewarding. The dock, extending into the glistening lake, transformed under layers of fresh stain, stands as a testament to perseverance.
Indeed, wide-brimmed hats, alongside an ample supply of high-quality sunscreen, have become non-negotiable staples in my daily life, especially when embracing the beauty of the outdoors. They are not merely accessories but essential tools for maintaining my health and continuing to enjoy the activities I love.
From Lakeside to Home: Continuing Our Staining Projects
Once the dock project was successfully completed, my staining endeavors didn’t stop there. With the same determination, I transitioned to another significant area requiring attention.
My next mission was to tackle the second-floor deck of our house. This elevated outdoor space, much like the dock, endures considerable exposure to the elements and periodically requires renewal to maintain its beauty and structural integrity. The process was similar, but the change of scenery kept the work engaging.
Now that both the lakeside dock and the upper deck have been revitalized with fresh coats of stain, my attention turns to the main deck of the house. With my arsenal of protective wide-brimmed hats and the experience gained from these previous projects, I’m ready to approach this final staining task with both efficiency and style. Once this last section is complete, I look forward to sharing a detailed post about the entire process, including the specific brand and type of stain I found most effective for these outdoor surfaces.
Recommended Sun Protection: Hats and Sunscreens
Protecting my skin is paramount, especially with Vitiligo. Over time, I’ve refined my choices for effective sun protection. When it comes to wide-brimmed hats, I seek designs that offer comprehensive coverage, particularly those that shield the sides of the face and neck, not just the top of the head. Look for materials with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. Brands specializing in outdoor gear often have excellent options that combine practicality with comfort and breathability.
As for sunscreens, I’ve experimented with numerous brands and have developed a few steadfast favorites. My preferred sunscreens consistently boast a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor), are easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue, contain no harsh chemicals, and are fragrance-free. These criteria are crucial for daily use, especially on sensitive skin affected by Vitiligo.
Opaque Sunblock Application Tip: A valuable technique I’ve learned for applying opaque white sunblock is to use small, gentle circular motions rather than simply swiping across the face. This method significantly helps to blend the white color into the skin more effectively, making it less visible. It’s a simple trick, but it truly makes a difference in achieving a more natural look while ensuring maximum protection.
Embarking on DIY projects like staining our lakeside dock, while navigating a personal health journey, has been a testament to resilience and adaptation. It reminds me that challenges don’t have to halt our passions. Instead, they can reshape how we approach them, leading to new routines, discoveries, and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple joys. Here’s to tackling projects, embracing change, and always finding the sunshine, responsibly protected!