There is no hiding from sun damage in the summer season. Your skin will be exposed to UV rays no matter how much you cover up or stay indoors (yes, UV damage happens indoors as well!). Prolonged, unprotected UV exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, dryness, increased sensitivity and premature ageing.
The best way to protect your skin from UV damage is to take additional measures in your skincare and makeup routine to minimise the exposure as much as possible and control the damage done to your skin. We have a few effective tips to help out this summer…
- 01. Become besties with a sunblock
- 02. Keep your skin hydrated
- 03. Tend to UV exposed skin immediately
- 04. Exfoliate to stay tan-free
- 05. Use SPF-infused makeup
01. Become besties with a sunblock
Your best defence against UV damage in the summer is a good, broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Apply generously all over your face and neck at least 45 minutes before stepping out in the sun and reapply every 2-3 hours for maximum sun exposure. Do not skip the sunblock while indoors as well, especially if it is a well-lit and open area.
BB picks: Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 30 Ultra Matte Lotion
02. Keep your skin hydrated
Hydrating your skin from the inside out is crucial to maintain the lipid barrier of your skin. This is necessary to keep your skin from getting inflamed or red because of the heat. Make sure to hydrate your skin as much as possible. You can use a lightweight lotion infused with SPF that won’t feel greasy for super sweaty days.
BB picks: Lakmé Peach Milk Moisturizer SPF 24 Sunscreen Lotion
03. Tend to UV exposed skin immediately
If you find yourself getting caught in the sun for too long and feel your skin stinging or sensitive to touch, tend to it immediately. Splash with cold water and apply cooling gels in order to calm the irritation and discomfort. These cooling essentials also help boost your skin’s hydration levels quickly to make it bounce back.
BB picks: Lakmé Sun Expert After Sun Cooling Gel
04. Exfoliate to stay tan-free
Do not wait for the pigmentations to fade on their own. You can speed up the process by exfoliating the area twice a week to promote skin turnover. Do not exfoliate freshly tanned skin. Wait for a couple of days for the skin to heal and always follow the exfoliation with a moisturiser.
BB picks: Lakmé Sun expert De Tan Scrub
05. Use SPF-infused makeup
Add an extra layer of protection by using SPF-infused makeup on the daily. Layer your SPF products with foundations and powders that contain SPF of at least 20. These loose powders and pressed compacts can also be a good way of reapplying sunscreen on the skin while wearing a full face of makeup.
BB picks: Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 40 Compact
Written by Sumona Bose on Apr 13, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!