No matter how wary of sun damage we are, we can’t really avoid going out in the sun or taking a sunbath. Not only is it fun but it’s a great source of vitamin D, and it can help us fight various bone-related problems, but the harm it can do to our skin is also a reality.
How Can Sun Rays harm Our Skin?
Sun emits harmful radiations called ‘ultraviolet radiations’ that cannot be seen with the naked eye (but the harm it does to some people’s skin can be seen). Long-term and frequent exposure to the sun damages elastin (fibres) of the skin, affects the healing power of the skin, and accelerates the ageing process.
Sun radiations can change the DNA of our skin cells and bring discolouration, freckles, dark spots, thinning of the skin, dryness, and rough texture. In some cases, it can also result in benign and malignant skin cancers.
Tips for protection:
Some women don’t bother to protect their skin from sun rays, but this can be a big mistake. Sun damage might not be visible at first, but the effects will appear later on in your life.
Here’s how to protect your skin from possible sun damage.
1: Develop the Habit to Moisturize:
Sun dries the natural moisture of the skin and takes away all the essential elements required to repair the skin. Moisturizing your skin on a daily basis will give that moisture back. If you are going out in the sun, use aloe gel as a moisturizer before and after the sun exposure. If you have sensitive skin and sunburn is irritating for you, this will help relieve the pain.
2: Use Sunscreens with SPF 30 or Higher:
If you already have some sun damage, avoid sun exposure for the time being. And if it’s really hard to avoid, don’t go without wearing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Apply the sunscreen and leave it for 15 minutes, then reapply it and again leave for 15 minutes after which you are ready to face the sun.
3: Consult a Dermatologist:
If your sun damage is severe, forget bleaching or using over the counter products on your skin. If the redness is increasing and it’s starting to hurt, it’s time to seek help from a dermatologist. Sun damage in some cases can lead to skin cancers, and they are curable, if detected at an early stage.
4: Eat Right:
There are certain fruits and vegetables that can help fight sunburn and restore skin to original condition. Some of these foods are strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, citrus fruits (lemons and oranges), red grapes, green tea, pomegranates, tomatoes, guavas, cucumbers, etc. You can also use homemade masks made up of natural ingredients such as white vinegar, olive oil, raw potato, calendula, lettuce, and aloe vera.
5: Drink Water:
Nobody can deny the health and beauty benefits of drinking a lot of clean water especially when your stomach is empty (e.g., early in the morning). It can help in reversing sunburn and adding the lost glow to your skin. It plays a significant role in repairing the damaged skin cells and removing acne, dark spots and freckles from the skin.
6: Take Necessary Precautions:
Last but not least, take certain precautions to avoid sun damage. Avoid direct sun exposure especially in the summer days during peak sun hours. If that’s not possible, avoid wearing clothes like bikinis, skirts and sleeveless or backless dresses that will expose your skin to the sun. Get yourself some trendy sunglasses, hats, and gloves, and you are good to go.