Hello, sunshine! Aren’t you excited to head to your favourite destination to enjoy mimosas, sea breeze and sunny weather? Hell, yeah! But return home looking like a baked potato? Eww! When dermatologists and skincare influencers tell you that sunscreen is a must, they aren’t lying. You have to apply it thrice a day, whether it’s sunny, cloudy or rainy. You have to apply it whether you’re sitting indoors or outdoors otherwise be prepared for sun damage. Don’t know what that is? We’re dishing out the deets.
What Is Sun Damage?
What does sun damage on the skin look like? In simple terms, sun damage is caused by exposing your skin (directly or indirectly) to the sun. And if you think staying away from the sun (maybe) is the best way to avoid sun damage, girl, it’s an emphatic NO!
Tanning, sunburns, redness, rashes, dryness, and dehydrated skin are the immediate effects of sun damage. Freckles, pigmentation, lentigo, and photoaging, which result in wrinkles and fine lines due to skin elasticity loss, are all cumulative effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
It’s the sun’s UV light that can cause major sun damage to the skin. So, how to prevent sun damage? Just follow a proper skincare routine or use sunscreen every two hours if you’re out and about.
How Does It Damage Different Skin Types?
Today, we’re here to share with you a list of signs that show up on different skin types.
For Dull & Dry Skin Type
If you’ve got dry, itchy skin, we all know that sun exposure can further dry out your skin and cause further irritation (like a flaky, cracked appearance). In dry skin, the scorching sun frequently damages the natural moisturising factor (NMF). Hence, you should be on the lookout for a sunscreen that does double duty, both moisturise and protect.
Sun Damage On Oily Skin
Your natural oil serves as an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays. As a result, oily skin is naturally more resistant to the sun than other skin types. Compared to other skin types, your skin is less likely to burn, but it may tan faster as well. Just remember you need a mattifying, non-pore clogging (non-comedogenic) sunscreen that not just protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also prevents oiliness on your face.
How Sensitive Skin Reacts
Redness, itchiness and other inflamed skin concerns are a fair share of warnings to use the right sunscreen for sensitive skin types today. Men and women with sensitive skin tend to get rashes when exposed to the sun. A minimum SPF of 30 to 50 is ideal for this skin type. You may keep your skin well protected by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
How Can You Reverse Sun Damage?
The good news is that you can reverse the damage caused. What is the best time to start? Today. Experts suggest that applying the right amount of sunscreen every day and limiting your sun exposure is the best way to prevent sun damage.
The expert goes on to say that there are several treatments available on the market that can help combat the physical signs of ageing caused by sun damage, such as fine lines and uneven skin tone. Eating a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet can also help reduce oxidative stress and thus fight ageing and pigmentation, which is another way to avoid sun damage.
Depending on your skin type, add the right sunscreen to your skincare routine and reduce the risk of sun damage.
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