Sun Protection Mantras for Desi Skin

[In this post, Dr. Aparna Santhanam, skin care expert from Kaya Clinic gives some valuable advice about sun protection and skin care for Desi (Indian) skin.]

It is the truth. The quantum of sun that we as Indians are exposed to in summer far outstrips that which our western counterparts experience. Yet, most of our fundas on sun care emanate from the west. Let us look specifically at some unique issues that Indian skin faces due to the sun.

The risk of sun exposure in the west is mainly linked to worries about skin cancer. There is some good news for us. Being pigmented, we have some inherent protection and with a sensible outlook to sun, we do not have to worry about the risk of contracting cancer.
The biggest risk that Indian skin faces is pigmentation. Due to extra melanin in the skin and a prototype that is prone to tanning, patchy darkening of the skin is the biggest worry. This can be effectively prevented as well as treated.
The third worrying side effect of sun exposure is premature ageing of the skin. Again, Indian skin ages more slowly than our western counterparts. This gives us an opportunity to protect our skin to hold aging at bay for even longer.

Ten Mantras for protection

Use a sunscreen at all times between the timings of 8 am to 6 pm.
Ensure that your sunscreen has a UV A and UV B block. Look for words like broad spectrum and dual protection which indicate this.
The SPF factor is an indication of UVB protection which is a sun burn protection indicator. So, do not get too caught up on the SPF number. The way you apply the sunscreen is far more important.
Apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you step outdoors. Ensure that you cover all exposed parts including ear lobes, neck and arms liberally with the sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen every four hours.
If you are spending a day at the beach or the pool, ensure you apply the sunscreen every one hour.
Bolster your diet with food high in anti oxidants like carrots, papaya, pomegranate, beetroots and water melon, for internal sun protection.
Being Indians, our lips are prone to darkening and pigmentation. Do use a lip balm with sunscreen to prevent darkening.
Check areas like forehead and around your mouth to ensure you detect and seek help early for pigmentation.
Do not forget to protect your back and wear gear like goggles for additional protection.
Services like skin polishing and detanning peels can help you reverse tanning quickly. Do check with your dermatologist regarding the same.

Be sun safe and skin smart this summer. Follow these mantras and bask in the glory of a lovely summer’s day!

About Dr. Aparna Santhanam

Dr. Aparna Santhanam (MD,DNB), is a 39 year old cosmetic dermatologist and hair specialist from Mumbai, India with a long standing interest in writing of all kinds as well as holistic health and fitness. A firm believer in combining modern medicine with traditional beliefs and remedies, she has worked with various companies like Marico, Kaya, Cipla and Novartis. She currently has her own practice in Chembur and is a beauty and wellness consultant with Kaya Skin Clinic, Kaya life and Marico. She is also, a professionally qualified and trained broadcaster and columnist with experience in various forms of electronic, print and digital media.

Highly Effective Indian Home remedies For Delayed Periods

Delayed periods or Irregular menstrual periods have become very common these days for a lot of women in their reproductive age and they suffer great agonies when their period does not come on time. A delay of 4-5 days may be fine but if it exceeds 8 days, then it's certainly a cause for concern. In this post, I'll be sharing highly effective Indian home remedies for your delayed periods . I'd been a long sufferer of irregular periods during my teenage to early twenties. I've tried most of the recipes here, along with Kapalabhati pranayama, yoga poses, mudras and other lifestyle habits. Now my periods are extremely regular like clockwork; not a day less or more than 28. When I look back, I'm surprised how I managed those years of anxiety and fear about my late periods.

The ache of acne (pimples)

Acne is often the bane of a pretty face. It is painful more emotionally than physically, for the scar that it leaves behind can last for a lifetime, adding to one’s miserable look & feeling. No doubt many expensive skin care clinics have mushroomed in ever nook & corner, offering to clear all the scars & blemishes on the face, but they are very expensive & charge exorbitant price for each sitting; not everyone can afford them. So why not try out this simple skin care regimen to minimize the damage caused by acne & as far as possible prevent its eruption.

Aspirin for acne-prone skin

Aspirin has been around for a long time and its health benefits are wide and varied. Aspirin , or acetylsalicylic acid is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains , as an antipyretic to reduce fever , and as an anti-inflammatory medication. Aspirin's greatest benefit is reducing cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes. According to the American Heart Assoc. virtually all women are at risk of heart disease and doctors should more strongly consider prescribing a daily aspirin for their female patients. There is growing evidence to suggest regular aspirin use may reduce cancer and dementia as well. Investigators from the Women's Health Study have reported important new findings demonstrating that aspirin reduces the risk of a first stroke in women. When given to someone immediately after a heart attack, aspirin decreases death by 25%.

Comments

Anonymous9:34 AM
Avoid sun exposure during between 10 am and 4 pm. * Always wear sunscreen with UVB and UVA exposure protective chemicals and with SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. * Apply at least one ounce — about a shot glass full — of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply frequently — at least every two hours if in continuous sunlight. * Wear sunglasses treated to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.
Ajay11:05 AM
Dress in light, loose, cotton clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton are much cooler than most synthetics (though there are new high-tech synthetics made specifically to keep you cool). Protective hats (Wide-brimmed) keep the sun out of your eyes and provide some cooling shade. Loose fitting clothes allow air to circulate, keeping you cooler. The fewer clothes, the better, but make sure to be appropriate to the circumstances
Anonymous1:38 PM
can you suggest the names of the products for sunscreen??