| SUNRAYS - SILENT, BUT ULTRA VIOLENT |
The sun emits harsh ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). UVA rays penetrate deep into skin, where they trigger production of a brown pigment known as melanin that leads to tanning of skin. It also damages the skin structure, and the underlying tissue, collagen, causing skin to stretch and hence leading to premature ageing. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for causing sunburn which is a leading cause of skin cancer.
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Q. I step out in the sun. How come I don’t see any damage caused to my skin except for a slight tan? |
A. The scariest part of unprotected exposure to the sun is that it causes severe hidden damage or “unseen damage” to your skin. Over time, you may notice blemishes, premature wrinkles and darkening of skin. Without taking adequate preventive measures, excessive sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer.
Even a few minutes in the sun, over time, can cause regret for the rest of your life.
Most people believe that you don’t need to wear sunscreen if you’re out in the sun for a short while. However, the truth is that even a few minutes spent in the sun will add up to considerable amount of skin damage over the years. Also, there’s no rule that says you can’t wear sunscreen under make-up. All good sunscreens are specially formulated to be worn under make-up.
| THE MYTHS ABOUT STAYING SAFE IN THE SUN |
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Q. I cover myself with a dupatta while out in the sun. Is that good enough? |
A. No, it isn’t. Dupattas and other protective clothing simply don’t protect you completely from the sun. Even umbrellas, caps and sunglasses don’t offer complete protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Moreover, exposure to UV rays in indoor surroundings (via computer monitors and fluorescent lighting for example) over a period of time, takes its toll on your skin.
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Q. What about winter time? Everyone says that getting a bit of winter sun is healthy! |
A. It is - when you take adequate measures to protect your self. Winter time provides most of us with an opportunity to sit comfortable in the sun. However, all the information shared so far about sun damage also holds true during the winter time.
The bottom line: There is no safe time of the year when it comes to UV radiation.
If you have to be out in the sun, sunscreens are the most efficient form of protection against skin damage.
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Q. What is SPF? How does it help me in the sun? How do I decide which SPF is right for me? |
A. SPF or the Sun Protection Factor is the degree of protection a sunscreen offers you against the sun. It indicates the length of time you can be in the sun without getting a sunburn. For example, if you can stay in the sun for 10 minutes without getting burnt, then your natural protection is 10 minutes. Applying an SPF 15 would enable you to stay in the sun 15 times longer (in the above case, 10 x 15 = 150 minutes) than you could have without sun protection.
Simply put, the higher the SPF, the longer the protection. Therefore, you must select your SPF based on how long you expect your sun exposure to last.
Lakme’s Sun Expert range offers you a variety of options you can choose from, based on your length of exposure to the sun.
Factor 15 sunscreen from Lakme Sun Expert offers 93% protection from UV damage.
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Q. How often and how much sunscreen should I apply? |
A. In India, it is advisable to wear sunscreen throughout the year. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas like arms, legs, lips, ears, back of hands and neck.
It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least half an hour before going out in the sun.
Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers. We recommend that you reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
It is advisable to wear adequate sunscreen throughout the year.
Most people use sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount.
Sunscreen must be applied generously and evenly before going in the sun, and reapplied frequently after swimming, exercising, or simply walking.
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Q. I step out in the sun for few minutes every day. Which sunscreen should I apply? |
A. Lakme Sun Expert Sunscreen Lotion - a non-greasy, oil-free formulation with SPF 15.
It prevents tanning, wrinkling, spots, keeping skin soft and hydrated.
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Q. How often and how much sunscreen should I apply? |
A. In India, it is advisable to wear sunscreen throughout the year. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas like arms, legs, lips, ears, back of hands and neck.
It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least half an hour before going out in the sun.
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Q. Is there a sunscreen that’s strong yet gentle enough for sensitive skin? |
A. Of course. Try Lakme Sun Expert Sun Block for Sensitive Skin.
This oil-free and water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 25 ensures long-lasting UV protection specially formulated for sensitive skin.
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Q. I have extremely oily skin. I heard that sunscreen would make my skin oilier? |
A. Not if you choose Lakme Sun Expert Sunscreen Souffle.
This light-weight, water-based, sunscreen is 100% oil-free and tailor-made for oily skin.
Formulated with SPF 20, it prevents tanning and protects skin from sun damage.
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Q. My skin feels dry and parched after I go out in the sun. How can my skin recover? |
A. By using Lakme Sun Expert Skin Brightening Gel. It’s a repair and hydrating gel, which should be used after exposure to the sun. It help to enliven skin dulled by sun exposure and smoothens skin texture. Extracts of orange and Vitamin C work naturally to lighten tan and regulate melanin.
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