Sunburn, Tanning And Pigmentation: How To Protect Your Skin During Peak Summer

According to Dr Khushboo Jha, MBBS, MD, Chief Dermatologist, Consultant Metro Hospital and Founder of One Skin Clinic, “Summer season brings along that time of the year which possesses brighter days filled with outdoor fun, but exposure to sunlight too. Sun’s rays have the potential to uplift the mood and enable vitamin D substitutes, but along with that, excessive exposure can also lead to concerns such as sunburn, tanning, pigmentation that doesn’t fade, etc. When it is peak summer, the sun's UV rays get stronger, raising the sun’s damaging effect. Knowledge of the changes caused by the sun and taking preventive steps helps to maintain a healthy and even-toned skin.”

Knowledge Of Sunburn And Skin Damage

When the skin gets exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun, especially the UVB rays, the immediate effect is sunburn. This predisposes the skin to redness, inflammation, tenderness and even skin peeling. When your skin gets exposed to sun rays on a long term, the risk of skin cancer also rises.

Tanning And Its Relation To Skin Stress

Tanning is often thought to be a cosmetic concern, rather than a health concern. But it is actually the skin’s way of responding to UV rays. Exposure of skin to the sun triggers the melanocytes to produce more melanin to protect the deeper layers of the skin. Though thought to be temporary, tanning can even turn out to cause skin dullness, discolouration or even lead to uneven skin tone. Premature ageing can also take place.

Pigmentation Concerns Worsening In Summers 

The summer season, with its scorching heat and exposure to the sun, can exacerbate pigmentation problems, which include melasma, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This can lead to an overproduction of melanin, resulting in dark patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline. These dark patches can become more pronounced if one is not careful with sunscreen, making it harder to manage.

Usage Of Sunscreen Daily 

Sunscreens are still considered the best defence against damage to the skin due to exposure to the sun. According to dermatologists, sunscreen with high SPF, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is recommended. This sunscreen should be liberally applied to all exposed skin surfaces at least 15-20 minutes before going out. 

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Skin Health Support During Summers 

Keeping the skin well hydrated and focusing on strengthening the skin barrier are helpful ways to support skin health. Usage of gentle face cleansers, lightweight creams and calming ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc. helps to keep the skin balanced despite heat.

A dermatologist suggested treatments such as chemical peels, medical-grade facials or even laser procedures in case of persistent tanning or skin pigmentation. They give skin clarity when done under professional guidance.

Additional Measures For Skin Protection 

Adding antioxidant-enriched products to your skincare regimen helps to protect the skin further from damage. Using ingredients, namely vitamin C, niacinamide, ferulic acid, etc. help to scavenge the free radicals produced from UV rays exposure and this in turn reduces the risk of skin pigmentation and dullness.

Sunscreen is definitely non-negotiable when it comes to protection from skin damage. Along with it, using a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses or full-sleeved clothing helps in significantly reducing the impact of sun damage and exposure. Limiting outdoor time during peak sun hours (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m) can further help protect the skin.

Consistent Skincare Regime In Summers 

Summers and skin protection are not just dependent upon any one product or treatment, rather it needs a cumulative effect of healthy skincare practices, such as using sunscreen, protective wear, antioxidant-enriched products, as well as adequate hydration. The right habits help to achieve a healthy and evenly toned skin in summer. 

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Image credits: Freepik

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