Summers have arrived in its full glory, and we are certain that you are more than excited to embrace it with a huge smile. There is just something about those warm-breezy days that tends to bring out the best in everyone. However, as much as you love the sun and all its adventures, the sun certainly has mixed feelings about you. With all the fun and frolic, summer also brings the fear of dark and dull skin tone. It not only affects you physically but also tends to lower your confidence and self-esteem. We understand this must have left you discouraged and especially if you were eagerly waiting to flaunt that summer dewy look. Surely you must be questioning, ‘how to enjoy all the fun activities while preventing skin tanning in summer?’
Long story short, a little exposure to the sun is essential for deriving vitamin D. However, several pieces of the research study claim that excessive unprotected sun exposure can also lead various other skin issues ranging from tanning to severe problems like painful burns, rashes, blisters, red spots etc. Tanning and several other sun damages can take place in as much as an hour; sometimes even less. It is receptive to everyone, however; the paler your skin, the greater your risk. However, not disregarding your skin health over a few summer plans while trying to save your summer escapades from crashing down is surely a task. Well, fortunately for you, We have just the solution!
An ounce of precaution to avoid suntan
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Covered clothing
- Less sun exposure
- Antioxidants consumption
- Seek the shade
1. Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Sunscreen comes as the foremost step in preventing your skin from sun damage. Daily application of sunscreen is one of the best ways to shield your skin. An SPF 50 sunscreen not only helps to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun but also keeps your skin hydrated.
A recent study published in The American Academy of Dermatology stated that it is vital to understand the importance of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen meets the highest standard of safety and effectiveness by protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Be it indoors or outdoors, refrain from skipping sunscreen from your daily skin routine and reapply it every two to three hours.
2. Covered clothing
Keep in mind that the more covered your skin is, the better will your chances be to avoid sun tanning. Of course, this has to be something that helps to block the sun’s rays. Some clothing is specially made to provide protection and shield your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The rating for these kinds of clothes functions similar to SPF ratings.
You should also consider wearing light-coloured clothes as dark or bright coloured clothes tend to absorb more UV rays. Apart from this, you can also wrap around a cotton scarf or wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover your hair and neck as well.
3. Less sun exposure
You can’t always avoid the sun, but the lesser you stay under the sun, the lower your chances of getting skin tan and blemishes. Hence, try to avoid spending long hours under the sun, especially between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is when the sun is at its peak and so the chances of getting tanned are higher.
4. Antioxidant consumption
Health care experts suggest that antioxidants rich diet help to boost collagen levels in the skin. To add to this, it also keeps skin moisturized and nourished, ultimately helping you achieve your skin goals. Being generous towards your skin by adding ingredients rich in antioxidants is just what you need! Various dietary antioxidants like tomatoes, olive oil, berries, broccoli etc., offer a great degree of protection from sun damage.
5. Seek the shade
Throwing shade on someone or yourself is not always a bad thing. Be aware of how long you are out in the sun and go hug a tree every now and then. You can also carry an umbrella with you to shield yourself and give you something to twirl while singing on a nice sunny day.
Note that, it not only damages your face but equally harms the skin surrounding it. You generally pamper your face with all sorts of skincare routines; however, what gets left behind is your neck, elbows and knees. Dark neck is a term used to describe a condition in which your neck gets noticeably darker than the surrounding skin area. Few reasons that lead the skin around your neck, elbows and knees to turn dark are hormonal imbalance, obesity, negligence, poor hygiene etc.
Another main culprit behind discolouration is sun tanning. When your skin is overexposed to harsh rays of the sun, it starts producing melanin to protect the skin's lower layers from damage. As the skin becomes damaged, it produces even more melanin. The extra melanin causes the discoloured area to turn darker. The discolouring of your skin could be alarming; however, it not just affects you physically but also targets your confidence by making you self-conscious and uncomfortable. So, it is very important to look after it and take precautionary measures.
5 Best home remedies to treat a suntan from the neck, elbows and knees.
- Potato mask
- Berries scrub
- Cucumber mask
- Olive oil and honey mask
- Apple cider vinegar mask
Fortunately for you, several pieces of studies claim that you can overcome the discolouration and tanning in the comfort of your home with the help of natural ingredients present in your pantry. Natural masks are one of the most intensive treatments that work like magic. It is pivotal to understand the importance of natural masks in your regimen. Not only do they provide a soft and supple skin, but also remove the after-effects of sun rays like tanning, blemishes, sunburns etc.
1. Potato mask
Potatoes contain an enzyme known as ‘catecholase’ that helps to brighten your skin. In addition, Journal of Medicinal plant studies states that a component named azelaic acid from potato not only helps to reduce pigmentation, discolouration and scavenges any free radicals present. Apart from that, the benefits of potato mask exceed far beyond this, as it also helps in the process of anti-ageing while decreasing the appearance of dark circles.
Ingredients required
- 1 potato
- 1 bowl
How to apply?
- Take one potato and grate it into a fine paste.
- Squeeze all the juice from this paste and pour it in a bowl.
- Apply it on the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with freshwater and gently pat-dry your skin.
2. Berry scrub
Summer is the season of Berries, ranging from strawberries to scrumptious mulberries. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic dermatology, berry scrubs also make an amazing scrub to treat any discolouration and tanning. Especially the divine mulberry tends to have crunchier seed which makes them an amazing exfoliator for your skin.
Ingredients required
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pureed berries (mulberry/strawberry etc)
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 bowl
How to apply
- Combines all the ingredients in a bowl
- Blend them gently until it forms a thin paste consistency.
- Apply a small amount of scrub on the affected area and rub it into your skin with a gentle circular motion.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.
3. Cucumber face mask
Cucumbers are undoubtedly a healthy snack. However, you will be amazed to know the topical benefits a cucumber brings to your skin. Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, cucumbers are rich in antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin A, C and K as well as folic acid. This makes it an eminent ingredient for a DIY mask to prevent tanning.
Moreover, cucumber also provides a base for hydration and helps to soothe acne-prone skin from any unwanted skin irritation.
Ingredients required
- Half cucumber
- Cotton balls
- 1 bowl
How to apply?
- Chop half a cucumber and blend it with a blender or food processor into a puree.
- Pour this into a bowl with the help of a strainer to avoid any pulp.
- Apply this fresh cucumber juice on your face with the help of a cotton ball and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Wash it with fresh or lukewarm water and gently pat dry your face with a soft cloth.
4. Olive oil and honey mask
Being enriched in vitamin E makes olive oil a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, it also helps to prevent any damage caused by the harmful sun rays. Top dermatologists reveal that, when combined with honey, this combination not only prevents skin tanning but also provides ultra-hydration. Hence, delivering a perfect summer dewy look.
Ingredients required
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon of honey.
- 1 bowl
How to apply?
- Pour one tablespoon of honey and three tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
- Warm the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds and mix it well.
- Apply this pack on your face in a circular motion and let it dry for 10 - 15 minutes.
- Wash the mask with fresh or lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
5. Apple cider vinegar mask
The presence of malic acid present in Apple cider vinegar makes it a great ingredient to exfoliate and balance the pH level of your skin. It also fights against your neck tan, helping you achieve your natural glow.
Ingredients required
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- 4 tablespoons of water.
- Cotton ball
- 1 bowl
How to apply?
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 4 tablespoons of water in a bowl.
- Mix the solution well then apply this mixture with the help of a cotton ball.
- Leave it for 10 minutes then wash it off with fresh water.
- Repeat this process at least once every few days to achieve desirable results.
Hopefully, you understand by now that overexposure to the sun is dangerous. And even a slight bit of “healthy bronze glow” of yours? Sorry, but that counts as skin damage, too! Your skin is being damaged on a cellular level and that microscopic damage is what can ultimately lead to severe skin issues. Being said that, it is pivotal to know that not using sun protection is one of the easiest ways to give yourself premature ageing, freckles etc. So, to save yourself from some trouble, follow these tips and remedies religiously without overlooking your daily skincare routine. Not only the tips will help you avoid sun tanning, but also the home remedies will help you maintain your glowing skin while providing more hydration and suppleness to your skin. So, without exhausting any more time, start these home remedies now and achieve long-lasting results!
P.S.
Now that you are all ready to invest in sunscreen for optimal sun protection, it is important to understand that finding the right sunscreen is easier said than done. If you use a sunscreen that is not apt for your skin type, then it will do you more harm than good. Many pieces of research have claimed that chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, commonly used in sunscreen have harmful effects on skin and marine life as well. On the contrary, broad-spectrum sunscreen containing sunscreen filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer both UVA and UVB protection without causing damage to the skin.
