Although the effects of the sun’s rays appear daunting, there are some ways to avoid the deleterious effects of photoaging. Avoiding photoaging can often prove to be more cost-effective than trying to reverse the signs of photoaging after they have manifested.

TIPS FOR THIS SUMMER

  • Limiting sun exposure now helps preventDNA damage to the skin and skin cancer in the future.
  • Make sure to wear lightweight clothing that is tightly woven (t-shirts do NOT block UVrays!),Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has a sun protection factor (SPF) rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well and contains a UV protection factor of atleast 30.
  • Keep sunscreen and a hat in your gym bag,stroller or diaper bag so it’s always accessible when needed.
  • Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun, and remember to reapply to exposed areas every two hours, and more often after swimming or sweating. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and bothUVA and UVB protection.
  • Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your lips and the tops of your ears (often forgotten spots!)
  • Apply enough! Most people apply too little sunscreen, Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.
  • Check the sunscreen's expiration date.Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

BEING SUNSMART & CANCER

Experts believe that global climate change and prolonged summer season, especially in the tropical countries, poses risk of skin cancer apart from emphasising the need of being 'sun smart' to avoid the risk.

Though skin cancer comprises around one percent of all cancers, one can do enough to avoid it by being sun smart. All it takes is to avoid high intensity and direct exposure of sunlight at least for four hours(between 11 am to 3 pm) in peak summer season.

It may be mentioned here that too much ultraviolet(UV) radiation exposure can cause sunburn,premature aging and skin damage, leading to skin cancer. It can also cause eye damage while too littleUV exposure can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which can weaken bones and muscles and affect overall health.

Each time skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV)radiation, changes take place in the structure and function of our skin cells. Over time, the skin can become permanently damaged and the damage will worsen with each exposure. Also, skin cancer is mostly related to the number of severe sunburns,particularly during childhood. But a person's lifetime or cumulative exposure can also increase his long-term risk of skin cancer.

USE ORAL SUNSCREENS

  • UV radiation induces damage to human skin. Protection of skin by an oral photoprotective agent would have substantial benefits. Polypodium Leucotomosis marketed as being a skin health supplement for sensitive skin. Most of the studies on Polypodium Leucotomos do note that it appears to have a variety of protective effects against UV(B) induced skin cell radiation, which confers protective effects against the sun despite absorbing the radiation (something like sunscreen would prevent radiation from being absorbed, and confer protection by omitting the radiation).
  • Take regular breaks from the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., whenUV rays are strongest, and make sure to drink lots of water. Set your phone’s alarm for reminders.
  • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat provides extra coverage to the neck and shoulders.
  • Wear a swim shirt specically designed for water activities while at the pool or beach. These provide maximum sun protection, cover a large amount of exposed skin, and dry quickly so they are great for trips and post swimming use after sun detanning damage control lotions to prevent further damage.
  • Wear sunglasses. In addition to protecting eyes from UV exposure, another cancer risk, the right sunglasses offer impact protection, and reduce reflection if you are participating in any rigorous activities.
  • Use aloe vera on your skin after a day in the sun; it is an effective antioxidant that repairs damaged cells and also keeps free radicals from hurting your skin.One of the more important skin care tips for dry skin.
  • Cold showers are essential because they protect the skin from sweat retention skin conditions like miliariarubra (prickly heat ) which are common in heat and humidity.
  • Maintain a good moisturizing routine; it can protect you from issues like moisture loss, bacteria and pollution.
  • A tan may be a popular summer look, but it indicates DNA damage. Bombard your skin with age- fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may occur, and to further protect it from the aging effects of UVR. You can go in for detanning medicated facials that would mildly exfoliate and reset your skincycles and make you look fresh this summer.