As temperatures keep rising, exposure to sunlight for long period leads can cause mild sun allergy to life threatening sun strokes. However, by knowing the basics of what happens with sun exposure and by taking some precautions, it is easy to take good care of your skin in hot summers.
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet radiation, a major part of sunlight is non-ionizing, but causes chemical changes in the skin by reacting with light absorbing chemicals of our body. There are three types - UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC does not penetrate the ozone layer. UVB is absorbed in the epidermis causing sun burn and skin cancer. UVA is lesser absorbed, and it produces aging and tanning of skin.
Effects of Sun exposure
Generally, exposure to sunlight gives some benefits like Vitamin-D production, a sense of wellbeing and clearing of psoriasis. But same radiation can cause Skin tanning, sun burn, photo sensitivity, skin wrinkling and skin cancer.
Skin tanning (Pigmentation) is usually temporary and disappears after some time. Sun burns cause redness and pain in affected areas which may take 2-3 days to recover from.
Photo sensitivity is an immune system reaction due to absorption of UVB by chemicals in the skin. It is usually limited to exposed parts of the body and causes deep pigmentation or rashes.
Prolonged exposure of skin to sun can also lead to skin wrinkling or photo aging which causes the skin to become thin and wrinkle on extremities. The elasticity of skin can be lost as a result.
Tips for healthy skin in summer
- Take cool baths twice a day and apply oil in water lotions or creams immediately after
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated at all times
- Wear cotton clothing and cover your head with a hat if necessary
- Reduce sun exposure time. Try to limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening.
- Do not sun bathe
- Avoid tanning salons
- Use Dr.JRK’s Eve Fresh Cream for Sun protection and moisturization JRK's Acne fite
