Sun tanning, although giving users a youthful look, is actually bad for your skin. Acute sun exposure is linked to skin aging, wrinkling, and it increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer. Here’s what you need to know about tans, how to avoid them, and what to do if one has been acquired
Preventing a tan is the best way to avoid getting one in the first place. Here are some sun safety tips you can incorporate into your daily routine
- Sunscreen, Every Single Day: Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis, including on cloudy days. Clouds are transparent to the ultraviolet A (UVA) rays which cause penetration into the dermis layer and a main cause of wrinkles and aging. Reapply frequently – every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Sun-Protective Clothing is Your Friend: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever it is possible to protect your skin from the sun. Choose dark or bright fabrics for your clothing, as they protect you better than lighter colors since they reflect UV radiation less. Consider wearing clothing with UPF – Ultraviolet Protection Factor to ensure maximum protection.
- Seek Shade Whenever Possible: Use protective clothing, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is hot, between 10 am and 4 pm. Take an umbrella to the beach or park and use natural shades by trees or buildings when it is possible.
- Don’t Forget the Accessories: A wide-brimmed hat is useful in protecting your face, neck, and ears from the scorching sun as well as ultraviolet radiation. Select eyewear that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays for your eyes’ health.
Taming an Existing Tan
If you do end up with a tan, there are ways to help reduce its appearance and promote healthy, even-toned skin
- Exfoliation is Key: Gently buff away the outer layer of the tanned skin with a purchased scrub or a homemade mitt. This will assist in smoothening your skin and enable the growth of a new layer of skin cells. But remember to be gentle because you don’t want to make your skin inflamed.
- Science-Backed Solutions: Use your local pharmacies to find creams or serums that contain ingredients that have a positive effect on skin that is overexposed to the sun. Some of the things that you should check on include Kojic acid, vitamin C, and licorice extract. However, one should always do a patch test on a small area of the skin before applying a new product to the face.
- Natural Remedies with Caution: Many people try homemade treatments such as yogurt facial masks or a mixture of lemon and honey. However, these should be taken with a pinch of salt. Before using any natural remedy on your skin, make sure to do a patch test to avoid skin reactions. However, some of the ingredients found in nature make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so be careful when using them and do not forget the sunscreen.
Diet for Healthy Skin
Another aspect that can impact the condition of the skin is what is ingested or taken internally into the body. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins is beneficial to your skin as it shields it from the harm that the sun can cause and also aids in repairing the skin. Minerals and vitamins present in fruits and vegetables such as vitamins A, C, and E are good for the skin. Introduce foods such as greens, potatoes, berries, and nuts into your diet plan.
Long-Term Sun Protection
It is important to understand that sun protection is not something we need to worry about only during the summer months. Tanning is a gradual process, and thus sun protection should be practiced routinely irrespective of the season. Ensure to apply sunscreen regularly even if the day is overcast and also avoid exposure to the sun during the day. For instance, if you drive to work, find a shady parking lot or use a car window shade.
Consult a Dermatologist for Personalized Advice
If your tan is extreme or patchy, or you have any questions about the effects of the sun, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist. They can advise the use of stronger skin-lightening creams or other treatments if needed. Hence, it is advisable to start treatment as early as possible to prevent more severe skin issues occurring in the future.
If well practiced and followed up, these sun safety practices and aftercare help one maintain healthy skin throughout the year. Just a reminder, tanning does not mean you are healthy, and people of all shades have beautiful skin.
