Tips for Protecting Your Skin from the Harmful Rays of Sun
The summers are at peak and there are no cool winds till the monsoons arrive. Even though the sun might hide for a few weeks, there is no chance that the sun will not be a scorching fireball later. Sun is important for our lives and thus sunlight shall be taken through bare skin but only at specific times. You can’t roam around with a tank top in the onslaught of the ruthless midday sun even in the winters. While there are a lot of people who have the habit of sun tanning themselves, the reaction of direct rays from the sun causes a faster ageing process.
Rigid tan on the skin, dark spots and wrinkles are some of the long term effects of sun damage. The skin ages faster when it gets burnt by UVA and UVB radiation from the sun and is more prone to damage and infections. You need very few products and good food.
Use sunscreen every time you step out
Sunscreen is a saver in the days of summer when you have to go out on adventures. Sun block creams have SPF (sun protection factor) levels of above 50, is a good choice for the summers and keeps the skin protected from the UV rays. Sunscreens create a layer over the skin and block the sun rays partially. It does not mean that double the SPF will have more sun protection.
You certainly can’t be in the sun for too long at one stretch. Your body will still need intermittent shade. However, when you are out with your sunscreen on, it will certainly protect the skin from a sunburn. Sunburns are the most damaging wounds which cause faster signs of ageing and even permanent skin damage if endured for too long. So, if you need to really go out in the midday, apply sunscreen but try to get back into shade or indoors before the sunscreen burns away.
Avoid going out during the peak of summer days
Some people have vacations lined up that can't be missed or an outing on a nature trail. It is good to keep your body fit but keep your activities limited to 11 AM. Try being under shade or indoors before 12 PM because the SPF will protect you only from 11 AM to 1 noon; resume your activities only after the clock strikes 4 PM. Being away from the sun in the days of peak summers is the best way to protect yourself from serious sunburn and tan.
Wear protective clothing
Even sweating in jeans will protect your skin more than wearing shorts with sunscreen on. A layering of t-shirts and shirts will protect you more than a thin breathable t-shirt. Clothing matters when you're stepping out for summer fun. If you're not going to go indoors to a hotel room, restaurant, or even a supermarket, wear clothing that covers you up properly. If wearing full-length or thick clothing isn't possible, go for a T-shirt but remember to use sunscreen beneath it.
Wear a cap or a hat
The skin on the face and neck is much more sensitive than anywhere else. It is necessary to provide good shade for it when walking outdoors. Wearing a cap or a hat will prevent direct sun rays from your face and neck. It will help you keep away from sunburn and the aging that comes with it.
Eat foods that relieve sun damage
Since nature has always been magical, summer's seasonal fruits and vegetables keep the skin firm and protected from sun damage. Eating these foods daily during the daytime helps the skin adapt to withstand damage from the sun. Here are some of the foods that can help you reduce sun damage.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the summer's seasonal fruits, a boon to strengthen your skin against sun damage. Radiation from UVA and UVB creates a lot of free radicals in the body, which show up on the skin as wrinkles and spots. Blueberries contain antioxidants that eliminate free radicals and stop their growth when you're out in the sun. It also includes a lot of Vitamin C that helps reduce signs of aging. Having a bunch of blueberries in your morning smoothie or fruit salad can help.
Watermelon
Fruits red in color are known to contain lycopene which absorbs the radiation of UVA and UVB rays. Out of all, watermelons have the most amount, followed by tomatoes. Watermelon also has a lot of mineral-filled hydration that keeps the skin supple and helps fight inflammation. You will, however, need to eat a watermelon every day for a week for the effects to take place. This will also benefit you internally by lowering your body temperature.
Carrots
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. Since vitamin A is good for skin health, eating raw carrots in your daily diet provides sun protection within a few weeks. There are many reasons to use beta carotene- it recharges the natural sunblock of the skin and keeps away free radicals that cause wrinkles, warts, dark spots, and other signs of aging. Other vegetables like kale or spinach and other red or green leafy vegetables contain beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are known to prevent ageing from sun radiation.
Wrapping up with help for general tanning
Many remedies give you sun protection, and there is always shade you find. However, hiding all of yourself from the sun is not always possible. Then sun tan and uneven skin tone trouble lots of us. There are natural extracts that are beneficial for relieving inflammation. A scrub and cleanser made of essential oils- Qraamen De-Tan Scrub and Cleanser for Men- has the healing properties of clove oil, tea tree oil, lemon extracts, and Fruit AHA. It exfoliates and cleanses dead skin cells from the skin and polishes tough tans on men's skin. Add it to your weekly skincare and fight off the summer tan.