Sun tanning is the condition where in the skin is concerned, it is darkened due to prolonged subjection to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation for a period of time. While tanning can be okay and appear cool at times, excessive exposure to the sun can result to skin disorders such as premature aging, sun burns and even skin cancer. Hence protecting your skin from the damaging effects of sunlight is crucial in order to maintain clear and healthy skin. Here is how you can avoid sun tan and protect your skin from UV rays otherwise.
What is Sun Tanning?
Sun tanning occurs when the UV rays penetrate the skin and stimulate production of more melanin. This is the skin pigment that causes the darkening of the skin in response to UV rays as an effort to protect the internal skin layers from the ultraviolet radiations. While a sun tan may look innocent, the damaging effects of the UV rays over time will damage the skin deep causing pigments, wrinkles, et al that increase chances of skin cancer developing.
Simple Ways to Avoid Tanning of Skin from Sun
Cover Up Yourself
One of the proper techniques that you can use to protect the skin is to cover the skin with clothes. Hope this helps to protect other parts of your body where durable and breathable clothing such as light cotton, linen and long-sleeved t-shirts do not reach. This helps protect the face and neck from the sun directly. Moreover, there are protective wear which consists of UV blocking functionality so that one’s skin can still be protected while engaging in outdoor sports.
Always Use a Sunscreen
In protecting the skin from sunburn and tanning, sunscreen is one of the most important products every person needs to wear. For the best cover choose a broad spectrum textured sunscreen with 30 SPF or more. Apply it liberally on all the parts of your body exposed to the sun, particularly the face, the front, and the back of the neck, the arms, and the legs. When swimming and sweating as well, reapply every two hours, or even more often than that. Do not skip the ears, the back of the neck, or the hands, among other areas. So, sunscreen will help you to avoid sunburn and overexposure tanning.
When Possible, Stay Indoors During the Hottest Times of the Day
From 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, the sun is highest in the sky and its rays are more intense than any other time. If at all possible, minimize sun basking within these hours, to reduce chances of tanning and sun burns.If you go outside, use an umbrella or wear a hat and sunscreen.. Primarily, being cautious of the time of the day has a lot of impact in reducing sun damage to the skin.
UV Protective Sunglasses
A good pair of UV sunglasses is essential when engaging in outdoor activities. The sensitive skin surrounding your eye area suffers considerable exposure to direct sunlight. Such parts of the skin possess a higher risk of aging and thus wrinkles from the damage agent themselves. Ensure eyes are shielded and skin around eyes is protected with sunglasses blocking 100% of UV rays. Also, ensure the shades cover a big area enough for over the most part ocular coverage
Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation helps in the removal of dead skin cells and promotes healthier and radiant skin. Use a scrub or exfoliating brush to gently cleanse the skin. External layers that have been worn off due to sun exposure may be removed. This helps you keep a nice skin tone and helps avoid degradation of tanned skin or reticulation of dark patches. But do not practice the same too much since it may lead to some skin irritation or skin damage.
Conclusion
Protect skin from harmful sun rays to maintain long-term health and prevent damage. Dress up to protect yourself. Apply sunscreen to shield from UV rays. Avoid being out in the sun during peak hours. Even wearing sunglasses and scrubbing the skin at regular intervals, can help protect the skin. With this, one can have fun outdoors without the fear of any damaging effects on the skin. Be sun tan-free and moisturize your skin to keep it looking young.
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