“Doctor’s Guide to Summer Skincare”: All you need to know about Skincare this Summer

As the summer sun intensifies, it's crucial to prioritize skin protection to prevent sun damage and maintain skin health. Apart from staying away from the heat and going out in the Sun, opting for a lighter moisturizer can alleviate the heavy feeling often experienced in the heat, while regular cleansing and exfoliation help prevent summertime breakouts. Cleansing and exfoliate to avoid summertime breakouts.  More time in the sun then sunscreen with 40and above SPF is required. Factors like skin type, amount of sunscreen applied and reapplication frequency affect the choice of sunscreen selection.

Misconceptions about sunscreen
Most people believe that an SPF of 100 sunscreen offers more than three times the amount of sun protection compared to an SPF of 30. Actually, 97 percent of the sun's rays may be blocked by sunscreen with an SPF of thirty. Even though they cost more, higher SPF sunscreens only block an additional 1 to 2 percent of light, and none of them can block 100% of it. The amount of time sunscreen will protect you is likewise unaffected by the SPF; it usually lasts two hours or less for both high- and low-SPF sunscreens.

Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

For Individuals with sensitive skin or specific allergies, it is better to stick to mineral-only sunscreens to avoid a potential reaction. Reducing risk of sunburn and skin cancer can be achieved by finding shade under a tree, umbrella, or other structure. To protect yourself from UV rays, try to wear long sleeves, long pants, and long skirts. Sunglasses and hats are also great tools for protecting against the sun.

Lather a generous amount of SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously 20 minutes before you start working outdoors. Wear sun protective clothing. Long pants and work shirts with a collar and long sleeves are best.

Early Signs of Skin Damage and precautions

Signs of sun damage often shows up in various ways. This includes wrinkling, pigmentation changes like age spots, liver spots, and freckles, as well as a loss of skin tone due to decreased elasticity. Additionally, sun exposure can result in rough and uneven skin texture, indicating underlying damage to the skin's structure and integrity. These visible effects serve as reminders of the importance of sun protection and skincare practices to mitigate and prevent further damage caused by harmful UV radiation

To protect against damage from the sun's rays, it is important to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, when venturing out, use sunscreen beyond these hours. Also do not miss sunscreen usage even on cloudy days.

There are certain skin and medical conditions that are made worse or aggravated by sunlight. These include common conditions such as Melasma and Eczema. These patients in particular should use sunscreens and avoid sunlight.

Myths and misconceptions on Tanning
Myths and misconceptions can lead to skin damage and health risks. Skincare is about keeping skin healthy and not making it look good. Base tan does not provide sun protection. The best way to sun protection is still sunscreen and sunglasses.

To conclude, achieving a safe and healthy summer glow, usage of sunscreen with SPF 30 +, opting for gradual tanning products, and staying hydrated is the best way to help ourselves. A regular skincare routine, including moisturization, maintains skin health and radiance throughout the summer and beyond.

Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Dermatologist and Aesthetic physician Aster RV hospitals