SUN PROTECTION – PART 2 : INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SUN PROTECTION
In our previous article, we explained the various aspects of sunlight, its effects on us, as well as the good and bad parts that come with sun exposure. In case you missed our previous blog, you can read it here:
A lot is said about sunscreens, the importance of solar protection, and the precautions you need to take to make sure you stay safe from all the harmful effects of sunshine. In this blog, we walk you through the internal and external routine you need, in order to bullet-proof yourself fully from any harm!
A QUICK RECAP OF HOW THE SUNLIGHT COMPONENTS DAMAGE OUR SKIN AND CAN CAUSE AGEING + SKIN CANCER
VISIBLE LIGHT: NOT VERY DAMAGING UNLESS SKIN IS SENSITIVE AND PRONE TO PIGMENTATION LIKE MELASMA
UVA: PENETRATES DEEPER LAYERS + CAUSES DNA DAMAGE
UVB: AFFECTS THE SURFACE OF THE SKIN + CAUSES BURNS, DESTRUCTION OF COLLAGEN, ETC.
UVC: EXTREMELY HARMFUL BUT IS BLOCKED BY THE OZONE LAYER FROM ENTERING THE EARTH
INFRARED LIGHT: CAUSES THE SENSATION OF HEAT + CAN TRIGGER INFLAMMATION
A QUICK RECAP OF HOW SUNLIGHT LEADS TO INTERNAL DAMAGE / FREE RADICAL DAMAGE
– Reactive Oxygen Species is released by the body when exposed to UV radiation
– These unstable molecules when in excess, cannot be fought by the anti-oxidants of the body
– This leads to interference with cell DNA
– Oxidative Stress in the body gets increased and can begin to cause inflammation inside the body
– This is known as free radical damage
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM WITHIN?
Now that you are aware of the extent to which sun damage can affect your health, the first step is to take charge of your body by preparing it internally. For this, one must focus on tackling these three factors:
– Oxidative stress
– Inflammation
– De-hydration
At Ra Skin and Aesthetics, we have you covered with the mindfully formulated supplement range from Solskin Corp. Dr. Shetty advises the following:
1) Bright – A powerful anti-oxidant to help control free radical damage
2) Defence – The anti-inflammatory that defends you internally from sun damage
3) Hydrate – To assist your skin in retaining the much needed moisture and preventing dullness
Dosage: All three recommended tablets can be taken at anytime of the day, but on a full stomach. Depending on the severity of sun exposure or if you are planning a sunny vacation, two tablets of each per day is ideal, and should be consumed from ten days prior to the sun exposure. This must be continued for the duration of sun exposure, and an additional 2 weeks after return.
This can be eventually cut down to one tablet a day thereafter.
Note: Internal sun protection is a must even in the case of short daily sun exposure, in order to prevent an eventual cumulative damage in the long run.
Explore the Solskin Corp range of wellness supplements and amazing summer offers here:
HOW CAN I DEFEND MYSELF EXTERNALLY?
The three steps that you need to keep in mind when it comes to external defence are: Hydration + Protection + Healing
1) Hydration: Keeping your skin barrier well hydrated is an absolute must of a first step, especially in the summers. The sunshine can dehydrate your skin and harden its collagen and elastin, causing faster ageing. Make sure to choose a lightweight moisturiser that supports your skin with some much needed deep nourishment.
2) Protection: This next step is the one that you are probably most aware of – wearing a sunscreen or sunblock. During the daytime, your focus should be on prevention of damage, and here is where the role of topical sun protectants is essential. Physically preventing the types of ultraviolet light of the sun from penetrating your skin layers is the key, and picking a broad spectrum sunscreen is something you should be looking out for.
In Part 4 of this series, we breakdown sunscreens, sunblocks, and common terms used on product labels, that can help you to make the best pick for your skin health. So watch this space for more.
3) Healing: At night, your focus should be on healing the skin from any inflammations or burning if it all, or plainly calming the skin down from the heat of the day. For this step, your heroes are cooling ingredients like Aloe Vera, Calamine or Calendula, and in the case of minor burns or cuts – Allantoin.
Don’t shy away from indulging in the good old remedy of a Multani mitti face pack – with rose water or curd. Relieve your skin from the soaring temperatures of the day so that it can rest and repair itself well through the night.
Note: People often make the mistake of working on their tanning at this phase, or getting their skin bleached as soon as they have sun damage or darkness. Dr. Rashmi Shetty strictly warns against this, especially when the skin has a long way to go in order to heal itself. This is not the correct time for you to consider such treatments or remedies, as the harsh chemicals in them will only worsen your woes.
All it takes is these easy Dr. Shetty approved inclusions in your daily life, and you can go about your days being a carefree bird. Summer does not mean that your skin should look and feel any less brighter, so just remember that a little extra care from you will keep you as radiant as sunshine!
Our next blog is dedicated to the people who suffer from sun damage or are quick to run and get their tans fixed. If that sounds like you, then hold your horses, because we have a lot of things to share with you! So stick around!
Each article is written by Aastha Kottary after detailed discussions and notes from Dr. Shetty
Dr. Rashmi Shetty
Cosmetic Dermatologist,
Mumbai | Hyderabad
Dr. Rashmi Shetty is a celebrity dermatologist, industry pioneer, author , globally invited teaching faculty and a leading expert in aesthetic medicine having over 20 years of experience in aesthetic and clinical dermatology. She is the Founder and chief dermatologist at Ra Skin and Aesthetics in Mumbai and Hyderabad. She is named the best Dermatologist by Vogue 2020 and is the first Indian doctor on the International Advisory board of the Anti-Ageing World Congress, FACE London, ICAD Asia, and honorary faculty at UCL .
For more such tips and information from Dr Rashmi Shetty, follow her on
https://www.instagram.com/ drrashmishettyra/
https://www.quora.com/profile/ Rashmi-Shetty-297
You can also call on 09833055236 to book an appointment
If you have any questions or clarifications after reading this article, please comment.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!