Skin secrets: Ban that tan this season

Summer is here and so is the problem of skin darkening. So how do you prevent uneven tanning of your skin?

Staying out of the sun altogether may not be a logical option, but you can enjoy the sun sensibly with these pointers.

Tanning is not all that bad

Your skin darkens as a defence mechanism against the harmful radiation of the sun. The skin produces melanin, which acts as a sun block and this causes the skin to darken.

Follow the routine

"There are six skin types. The Indian skin falls between skin type three to five. And these skin types can't prevent themselves from tanning," says dermatologist at Kaya Skin Clinic Dr Aparna Santhanam.

So while total prevention is ruled out, you can minimise skin darkening by religiously following these routines.

Before stepping out:

• Remember to hydrate yourself well with enough water and juices.
• Apply a sunscreen half an hour before stepping out. Since ours is a tropical climate, the humidity can cause you to sweat and wash out the sunscreen. A half an hour period will allow the sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin properly and will be more effective.
• Apply it in the thickness as mentioned on the product label. Applying it in a minute portion is not sufficient to save your skin from tanning. For example, if you were to use only a small portion of SPF 15 sunscreen, then it will give you the protection of 7.5 SPF, which is half of it.
• Do not forget to wear a cap and loose fitting, full-sleeved cotton clothes.

Under the sun:

• While out in the sun, remember to stand under a shade. Never stand directly facing the sunlight.
• If you happen to stay out longer, remember to reapply the sunscreen every three hours.

Within cool confines

• Once you are inside your house or office, wash your face with a mild face wash and reapply the sunscreen.
• Do not use a strong soap that contains harsh chemicals.
• If sunscreen is not handy, any soothing lotion.

Certain medications such as antibiotics used to treat acne or birth control pills can increase your sun sensitivity. If you are on any such medication, use plenty of sunscreen.

The sunscreen for you

There are various sunscreen products available in the market. But which one is best suited for you?

The SPF number on a sunscreen shows the level of protection it gives. "SPF values range from two to 60. However, for the Indian skin type, an SPF 15 is more than enough. It will give you 95 per cent protection from the UV rays," says dermatologist at MGM Hospital Dr Satish Udare.

So does that mean higher the SPF the better it is?

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"Not really. An SPF 30 might give you 97 per cent protection, which is just a 2 per cent increase from SPF 15. There is no huge increase in the protection factor of sunscreens with a higher SPF values. Plus, higher the SPF, the more thicker and stickier it is, which is simply ill suited to the tropical climate of India," informs Dr Santhanam.

What's my type

When hunting for a sunscreen, one with an SPF value of 15 or 30 is more than enough. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UV A and UV B rays. It should also be hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it doesn't cause a rash or clog your pores and give you acne.

Salon special

You can also go to salons and lighten up your complexion. However, a chemical bleach is not advised at all. It is harmful for the skin and is temporary.

If you do go in for a bleach, go natural by using a ground almond face pack or a cucumber face pack. Again, these are only temporary whiteners.

You can also go in for Microdermabrasion, wherein a machine exfoliates the top layer of the skin. However, consult your dermatologist before taking a decision.

Home remedies

Here are some kitchen tricks to help you get rid of the tan.

• Sandalwood paste cools and lightens your skin.
• Potato peels have antioxidant properties and it also whitens the skin.
• Grated, peeled or mashed cucumber is cooling and is a good skin lightener.
• A combination of almond and sandalwood paste is also good for tans.

Apart from these external beauty masks, eat healthy and bright coloured foods such as pomegranates, carrots, etc. These are rich in antioxidants and help you fight the damaging effects of sun.

Sun smart

Follow these basic tips and remain sun smart.

• As far as possible, avoid venturing out between 10 am to 4 pm, when the sun is at its peak.
• While playing sports, use a sunscreen that is waterproof and sweat proof.
• Do not be fooled by an overcast sky. A sunscreen is a must even on days when you can't see the sun.
• After the age of two, you can apply sunscreens on your children. Since children tend to play outside longer, an SPF 30 would be the best bet.

Both water and snow are major reflectors of UV radiation. So do not forget to apply sunscreen before hitting the waters or the hills. Reapply every one hour.