THE SUN AND THE SKIN – Skin care in summer

Day temperature is rising now and it will be more in upcoming days. Exposure to sunlight for long period leads few complications from mild sun allergy to life threatening sun stroke. Always keep in mind the adage, “Between eleven and three, stay under tree”.

The blazing sun and the scorching heat can be unforgiving, especially to your skin. Pollution and other environmental contaminants take away your skin’s natural radiance, leaving it oily, dull and blemished.

How awful the sun is…

Increase in temperatures during the summer months, combined with humidity and heat, can increase the activity of the sebaceous glands. This makes oily skin appear oilier and dry skin appear rough and patchy. The intensity of the sun’s rays also causes tanning by producing more melanin pigments. The heat can also cause more pores to open, which can get clogged with dirt and oil trapping bacteria, causing acne, pimples and blemishes on the face.

Sun rays is of three types UVA, UVB and UVC. Out of which, UVC does not penetrate ozone layer. UVB is absorbed in the epidermis and it causes sun burn and skin cancer. UVA is less absorbed and it produces aging and tanning of skin.

Effects of Sun exposure

Generally, exposure of sunlight gives few benefits like Vitamin-D production, sense of wellbeing and clearing of psoriasis. But same radiation produces ill effects when exceeding the limit like Skin tanning, sun burn, photo sensitivity, skin wrinkling and skin cancer.

Skin tanning (Pigmentation) due to sun is temporary and it will disappear after some time. Sun burns cause redness and painful of affected area which may settle after 2-3 days.

Photo sensitivity is due to absorption of UVB by drug or chemicals that produce reaction. It is limited only to sun exposure parts of body and skin becomes deep tan (Pigmentation).

Prolonged exposure of skin to sun leads to skin wrinkling or photo aging which causes the skin to become thin and wrinkle on extremities. The elasticity of skin will be lost and never reoccur to normal and it is permanent.

Knock out these with summer care essentials

Take cool baths of minimum two times a day, which will not only keep your skin fresh but also help you stay away from summery lethargy

Hydrate your skin. Drink enormous fluids. Binge on cooling foods to reduce the temperature of the body that is exposed to the sun. Vegetables juices and coconuts water will be the best electrolyte on a hot sunny day.

Go for lightweight moisturizer with SPF of 30
Make sure all your skincare products are non-comedogenic
Treat sun spots and fight acne all over
Use Face Mask to exfoliate dead skin cells and black heads
Clear up body breakouts like prickly heat rashes

Load up on melons, buttermilk, coconut milk
Get recharged with antioxidants (figs, guava, oranges, papaya, tomatoes)

Wear a Wide-Brim Hat. Protection for eyes and head
Opt natural fibres for clothing mostly cotton
Target outdoor activities in early morning and late afternoon.