Every day, we have to leave the house for various reasons. Winter, summer, or monsoon—basically, no matter the season, there’s no way to avoid the sun when going outside. No matter how much we try to protect ourselves from the sun, sometimes we underestimate the last line of defense. Sun and heat both have adverse effects on our skin. The top layer of our skin is very thin and sensitive. The ultraviolet rays of the sun increase the level of melanin in our skin, causing it to darken. Extreme heat leads to sweating, increasing the risk of chafing. Not only that, sunlight can also cause fungal infections on the skin, along with redness and increased facial acne. Black spots may also appear on the hands and feet.
Along with these external problems, the sun also has negative effects on the body. The body becomes weak due to dehydration from the hot sun. Colds, coughs, perspiration, and headaches become frequent. There are also many other problems. Therefore, it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun by taking some extra precautions. In today’s article, we will discuss ways to protect yourself from the sun.
First of all, let’s understand the harmful aspects of the sun.
Does the sun only darken our skin?
No!
Apart from darkening the skin, the UV rays of the sun can cause more serious damage to our skin. The disadvantages include:
1.Constant sunburn can leave black spots on the skin.
2.The skin’s glow is lost.
3.Black spots may appear under the eyes.
4.Various types of skin diseases can develop due to sun exposure.
5.Studies have shown that UV rays from the sun are also responsible for skin cancer.
What can we do? It is understood that sunscreen protects not only your skin color but also from serious diseases like skin cancer. Unfortunately, only 20 percent of people use sunscreen every day. Therefore, we should be more careful about our skin. Let’s learn about some ways to protect our skin from sunlight!
1.Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the essential tools for summer skincare. It must be applied to protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Lotions, creams, powders, and sprays with sun protection factors are available in the market. Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB shafts from your skin.
Many people are unsure how much SPF sunscreen to use. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from sunburn. Never go out without sunscreen, and apply it to exposed areas like the face, neck, hands, and feet. Reapply sunscreen every two to four hours, especially if you sweat profusely or are exposed to reflected light. Use sunscreen according to your skin type—matte sunscreen for oily skin, moisturizer-rich sunscreen for dry skin, and water-based sunscreen for those who sweat profusely.
2.Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and keeps the skin fresh. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week in summer.
3.Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the summer to keep your skin hydrated. Sunlight affects rough and dry skin more, so staying hydrated is essential to maintain skin moisture. Aim to drink 2-3 litters of water daily and consume juicy fruits to prevent dehydration and keep your skin soft and smooth.
4.Keep the skin moisturized
After returning home, wash your face with a suitable face wash. You can also use a cleanser or toner if you want. Don’t stop moisturizing your skin because it’s summer. Before going to bed at night, massage a light cream or lotion on the face, neck, hands and feet.
5.Wear long sleeves
There is really no choice but to wear long sleeves if you want to go out in the afternoon sun. It will cover the skin and protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Protect your skin from harmful sun rays by wearing long sleeves and trousers made of cotton or clothing with UPF. Hats are also recommended for additional protection, especially when spending time outdoors.
6.Scrub
Exfoliate your skin two to three times a week with homemade packs or sugar scrubs to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin.
7.Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Avoid dragged sun exposure. No way to stay in the sun for long. Take breaks and seek shade, especially during the peak hours of sun between 10 am and 4 pm. Carry an umbrella and wear a hat or visor for added protection when outdoors.
8.Use lightweight products
Always try to use lightweight products. Choose oil-free and water-based skincare products in the summer to prevent your skin from feeling heavy.
