Happy Summers

By Dr. Neetu Saini

The sun is the ultimate culprit for skin ageing and excessive exposure can weaken the skin’s immunity to the sun and lead to skin cancer. More than 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin ageing are caused by the sun.

Using sunscreen lotion or cream is a must factor during summers.  Taking care of your skin can protect you from the harsh rays especially ultraviolet rays of the sun and lower your risks of developing skin cancer. It doesn't matter if you are male or female; you need photo protection every time you step out in sun.

You may even skip a moisturiser but never a sunscreen. One should use a sunscreen according to their skin types, like gel based for oily skin or a lotion or a thicker texture for dry skin.

Some believe we do not need a sunscreen when indoors even though we are indoors there are UVA rays passing through everything though in

lesser amounts, be it your PC or laptop screens or tube lights or windows etc. We should use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more when going out and re-apply it in every 3 to 4 hours and also apply when staying even indoors.

Sun protection is recommended when the ultraviolet index is 3 and above. Now the question arises how to choose the right Sunscreen and how to apply it? 

Here are few tips to choose from: 

• The ideal sunscreen should have a high SPF rating more than 30 and be non-toxic, water-resistant properties.

• It is also advisable not to choose a sunscreen based on SPF alone- always consider broad spectrum protection and photo solidity, which means that it won’t break down after exposure to sunlight.

• Drink as much as water you can. Before you think that you are thirsty drink water and have water based fruits such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges etc.

• The chemicals break down over time, sunscreen remains on your skin only for 2 to 3 hours, so you have to reapply. And put it on 10 or 15 minutes before you go outside.

• But if you're out in the sun especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm, re-apply in every two three  hours.

• Last but not the least, cover up your exposed parts, wear your shades, cover your head with hat, if possible wear full sleeves cotton fabrics.

Have a Happy Summer..!!