Love the sun but not the tan? Here’s what you do

As the summer sun is here, many of us find ourselves soaking up the sunshine to get our required dose of Vitamin D. However, it is important to stay safe from the sun by applying SPF. If your sunscreen is SPF 30 it can protect you up to 97% and even better if it is more than that it will be 98% and 99% effective. Here are some simple yet effective ways as well as skin care products online to help you enjoy the sun’s beauty while maintaining your desired complexion. You can also shop for beauty products on our website seamlessly to upgrade your beauty regime.

There’s a difference between sunburn and tan

Sunburn and tan are both skin responses to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, although the degree of each differs. Sunburn happens when the skin is injured as a result of excessive UV exposure, causing redness, discomfort, and peeling. A tan, on the other hand, is the skin's natural defence mechanism which creates more melanin to defend itself from UV radiation. Tanning darkens the skin gradually and offers only a marginal amount of protection against subsequent sun damage.

Before we look at some of the best sunscreen for face and solutions for removing tan, it's important to understand how sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

How does sunscreen protect your face?

You may have read about SPF on sunscreen packaging. What exactly is it? SPF is an abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor. This indicates how much UV and solar protection it offers. The SPF ranges from 15 to 75 and the most effective broad-spectrum SPFs are 30 and 50.

Sunscreen basically shields the face from UV radiation by forming a physical or chemical barrier that absorbs or reflects them. Physical sunscreens contain minerals that reflect sunlight away from the skin, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. In contrast, chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays and transform them into less dangerous energy. When using sunscreen, these protective mechanisms help prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

How to prevent your skin from tanning

1. Wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Seek shade: When the sun is at its peak (usually between 10 am and 4 pm), try to stay in the shade as much as possible. This reduces direct exposure to the sun's intense rays.

3. Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Opt for fabrics with a tight weave for better sun protection.

4. Limit sun exposure: If possible, schedule outdoor activities outside of peak sun hours. Additionally, consider seeking shade or taking breaks indoors periodically, especially during prolonged sun exposure.

Why applying sunscreen is a holy grail skincare step?

1. UV ray protection: Sunscreen protects the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It acts as a barrier between the skin and the sun, preventing the penetration of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

2. Preventing premature ageing: Sun exposure is a primary contributor to premature ageing indicators such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. By applying sunscreen every day, you can reduce the effects of photoaging and keep your skin looking young for longer.

3. Maintaining an even skin tone: Sunscreen helps to prevent the formation of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone caused by UV exposure. It prevents the development of melanin caused by UV exposure, resulting in a more even complexion.

Helpful sunscreen hacks

1. Always apply sunscreen for 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. This way, your skin has the time to properly absorb the product and create a barrier against sun rays.

2. Choose a sunscreen that matches your skin type. If you’re on the dry side, go for a cream-based sunscreen and if you have oily skin, choose the best sunscreen for oily skin which is gel-based. Our Rodial SPF 50 Drops is perfect for oily skin because of its lightweight formula and ideal ingredients.

Rodial SPF 50 Drops 30ml

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3. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours depending on how long you are out in the sun. Even if you are indoors, don’t forget to put your sunscreen on.

Finally, how to remove tan from the face?

1. Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin underneath. Regular exfoliation helps fade the tan gradually.

2. Aloe vera gel: Applying aloe vera gel can help soothe and heal the skin while reducing tan. Its natural properties help lighten the skin and restore its moisture balance. Leave the gel on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with water.

3. Sunscreen and protection: After removing your tan, use a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent your skin from additional harm. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and minimise sun exposure during peak hours to avoid tanning. After stepping out of the shower and hitting the road, massage your body with some Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+. Its non-greasy formula is also water resistant, making it perfect for the beach and outdoors.