Since melanin is dark in colour, the skin also becomes dark, or gets tanned, on sun exposure. In summer, the effects of the sun increase. That is why protection is of great importance.
First of all, we should try to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Actual physical protection can help to a great extent. Avoid the sun as far as possible and wear a scarf around the neck, when in the sun.
Overexposure to the sun’s invisible rays — ultraviolet A and B — can cause irreversible damage to the skin. Apart from moisture depletion from both outer and inner layers, it can burn and damage the skin. It even causes degeneration of the skin’s supportive tissues and hastens premature aging of the skin. The skin becomes vulnerable to dehydration, sensitivity, lines and wrinkles.
So what’s the solution for protection against summer sun? One should avoid sun exposure as much as possible, at least from 12 pm to 3 pm. As at this time the sun’s rays are the strongest. Even a casual exposure to the sun’s rays while driving a car or even walking into a building can cause real damage to your skin. When the sun can’t be avoided, the side effects can be taken care with an adequate daily routine.
There are wide ranges of sunscreen products available in the markets, which one comes across as the easiest protection against sun.
It is essential to apply sun-block products, not only on the face, but also on all exposed areas. The back of the neck and arms are extremely vulnerable to sun damage. The sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before sun exposure. Know your sunscreen’s
essentials.
The SPF, or sun protection factor, is a number which is generally mentioned on the label of the sunscreen product. It is related to duration of sun exposure and also to individual skin sensitivity. Beauty expert Anju Chotrani suggests different SPF numbers on the basis of the duration you stay in sun.
SPF 10 is for people who are not too long in the sun. SPF 15 is for those who have to stay much longer in the sun and have the problem of skin pigmentation also. SPF 30 is apt for those whose skin is sensitive to sun and have to stay in sun for long duration.
The sunscreen should be water resistant as everyone sweats a lot during summers. The sunscreen should not wash away with sweat.
For oily skin, the sunscreen used should be either gel based or a sun block that’s not oily. If the block is too heavy, while using on oily skin, lighten it up with water; for dry skin, use a sunscreen which is cream based. For a heavier sunscreen block, use a moisturiser.
Lips are the most sensitive area, which also need to be protected. These days many lipstick brands like Revlon offer sunscreen in itself. Or you could apply a layer of
sunscreen before applying the lipstick.
Here are a few home remedies for sunburn. Apply cold milk using cotton wool. It makes the skin colour lighter over a period of time, if used daily.
Another remedy is by using sesame seed, or til. Take a handful of the sesame seed, crush it and add half a cup of water. Let it stand for two hours. Strain the liquid and use it to wash your face.
For dark spots add a pinch of turmeric to curd and apply daily on the entire face. Wash it off after 20 to30 minutes. This helps to lighten dark spots.
For hands take coarse sugar and lemon juice. Mix it just before use. Apply on the hands and keep rubbing till the sugar dissolves. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off.
For feet add lemon juice in water and soak feet in it. It cools, cleans and removes tan and odour. Rubbing a lemon on the feet also helps. —
MF
