With the onset of summer, the fear of sun tan looms large. March has already started on an extremely scorching note and the skin would need all the protection in the coming months from the fiery sun. And what better than a good sunscreen to shield your skin?
Choosing the right sunscreen can offer the respite the skin needs during these hot days.
Here is a look at what dermatologists and beauty experts in the city have to say about the timely and appropriate use of sunscreen and also a few home remedies to benefit the skin.
Dr. Sanjita Tripathy, Dermatologist, VLCC:
Sunscreens are used to protect the skin from the harmful sun rays which may cause a lot of problems including photoaging, sunburns, polymorphous light eruptions and even cancers. So, sunscreens are a must for summers. However, while choosing a sunscreen, the sun protection factor and the skin type should be kept in mind.
For Indian skin, a lower SPF (less than 30) is advisable. As far as skin type is concerned, a gel-based sunscreen is required for oily skin. Those with dry skin should go for cream-based sunscreen. For larger surface area, a lotion base is suitable. Those who sweat a lot and swimmers should opt for waterproof or wateresistant sunscreens.
Depending on the skin condition, a physical sunblock which completely blocks the sunlight and prevents it from reaching the skin or a chemical sunblock which absorbs UVA or UVB or a combination of both is opted for. Regular use of a proper sunscreen has no deleterious effects on Vitamin D metrabolism in healthy individuals. Hence after considering factors like individual requirement, skin type, outdoor activity, efficacy, sensitisation and proper medical advice, a sunscreen can be used as a daily product.
Sukriti Patnaik, Beauty Expert, Indulge:
Even though sun is very essential for our well-being, the very first step at acheiving a healthy skin is sun protection. With the onset of summer, the skin needs full support with good SPF (Sun Protection Factor) creams in order to prevent dark, patchy and dull skin. Sunscreens are designed to adhere to skin and sit on the surface - meaning yucky build-up and the potential for breakouts. Daily application of SPF will help shield skin from UV light to control melanin production on a cellular level. It can even help lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation triggered by hormone fluctuations (such as melasma) or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (scarring).
SPF determines the time capacity of a cream to prevent your skin from the UVB (burning) rays of the sun. The higher the SPF the more time you are safe in the sun. Most creams do not provide us shield against the UVA (ageing) rays of the sun. However common people should not mistake that a higher SPF gives more proportionate protection from the sun. A SPF 30 cream will bock 97 percent of UVB rays while a SPF 45 will block around 98 per cent. The best recommended SPF for normal skin is SPF 30. If you are going to the beach or trekking or exposed to sun for a longer period then you can opt for a higher SPF. But it needs reapplication after 4-5 hours as all SPF stop working after a specified time. At Indulge, we have launched a new 24 K Gold Treatment, priced at ` 5000, which is doing wonders for all types of skin, young and ageing. It is removing dullness, tanning and giving that golden glow which every woman wishes to have. Currently as a launching offer, we have introduced a 50 percent off for the current month.
Rashmi Panda, Beautician, Homely:
Undoubtedly, sunscreens are a must for summers. But one must apply it at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. In fact, sunscreens can be used the whole day even when staying indoors. That apart, some simple steps need to be followed at home to protect the skin and also remove the tan.
Covering the skin as much as possible is advisable. Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated is a must.
Washing the face with cold water, applying tomato and lemon juice, cucumber juice with milk and even grated apple or papaya can help the skin stay cool and look fresh even after being exposed to the sun.
Homemade packs like sandalwood paste with rosewater or a combination of gram flour, dried orange peel powder and curd can be applied to remove tan.