Importance of Sun Protection for Skin & Hair

June 23, 2023 by Dr. Shweta Netke

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We get it, morning routines are hectic. We’ve all been through those rushed moments when we dash out the door, unintentionally forgetting something or the other. And while there are some minor oversights that may not have a significant impact on your skin, like forgetting your work laptop at home; there are certain misses that can result in an absolute catastrophe – SKIPPING THE SUNSCREEN.

Effects of Sun Exposure on Skin and Hair

When it comes to the skin, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunburn occurs when the skin’s top layer is damaged by excessive UV radiation, resulting in redness, pain, and peeling. Chronic sun exposure can lead to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, making the skin appear older than it actually is. Furthermore, UV radiation damages the DNA within skin cells, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

But the effects of sun exposure don’t end there. Hair is also susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun. UV radiation can lead to hair dryness, brittleness, and colour fading. The sun’s rays can break down the protein structure of the hair, resulting in weakened strands that are prone to breakage and split ends. Additionally, UV radiation can damage the hair’s pigment, causing it to lose its natural colour and become dull and faded.

Sun Protection for Skin & Hair

To protect both skin and hair from the harmful effects of sun exposure, using Sunscreen is key. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, like our Sun Fluid, helps prevent sunburn, and premature ageing, and reduces the risk of skin cancer. For hair protection, using hair products with UV filters or wearing hats can minimize dryness, brittleness, and colour fading caused by sun exposure.

Benefits of Sunscreen for Skin:

sun protection

Prevents sunburn

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive UV radiation, particularly from the sun. Sunscreen plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from sunburn. When applied properly, the sunscreen forms a thin protective layer on the skin’s surface that acts as a barrier against UV rays. It contains active ingredients that either absorb or reflect the UV radiation, reducing its intensity before it reaches the deeper layers of the skin. This, in turn, helps to minimize the damage caused by UV radiation, such as inflammation, redness, pain, and peeling associated with sunburn. By preventing sunburn, sunscreen allows the skin to preserve its natural barrier function and promotes the skin’s ability to heal itself.

Decreases chances of discolouration

Sun spots, also known as ‘liver spots’ are the areas of discolouration that occur as a result of sun damage. Typically, these are tan-brown in colour and can be challenging to eliminate once they appear. Therefore, the most effective approach to prevent these is by consistently applying sun protection. Prolonged exposure to UV rays over many years can lead to increased melanin production in the skin, as melanin serves as the body’s natural defence against UV damage. By prioritizing sun protection, it is easy to minimize the risk of developing sun spots to maintain healthier-looking skin.

Decreases the signs of ageing

Repetitive exposure to the sun without adequate protection can lead to detrimental effects on the cellular level. It is crucial to acknowledge that sun exposure is the primary catalyst for premature ageing, commonly referred to as photoaging. This process initiates as early as the 20s and 30s, particularly when individuals venture outdoors without the application of sunscreen. Therefore, it becomes imperative to embrace the remarkable benefits of sunscreen to counteract these ageing effects.

Benefits of Sunscreen for Hair:

Reduces the risk of a dry and itchy scalp

Applying SPF to your scalp when exposed to the sun is just as essential as protecting your skin. The underlying principle is simple yet crucial: skin is skin, regardless of its location on your body. If you prioritize shielding your face from UV damage, it is imperative to extend that same protection to your scalp and hair. Failing to do so can result in hair fall and hair loss due to a dry scalp.

Helps to prevent dry and damaged hair

Sun-damaged hair is fairly common in summer as the sun dries out the hair strands and follicles. The most common characteristics of sun-damaged hair include faded hair colour, increased breakage, split ends, and overall dryness. To combat these effects, it’s important to give your hair the right nourishment and recovery. Our Japapatti Ayurvedic Head Massage Oil is the perfect addition to your weekly hair care regime, to give the hair the TLC it deserves.

Prevents moisture loss

By acting as a protective layer, the sunscreen shields the hair from moisture loss, thereby preserving the hair’s hydration levels and promoting nourishment. The hydrating components penetrate the hair shaft, delivering essential moisture and forming a barrier to prevent further evaporation. This helps improve the hair’s elasticity, and overall health, thereby minimizing breakage, split ends, and frizz. With enhanced moisture retention, the hair becomes smoother, softer, and more manageable.

Additional Measures:

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DIY hair sunscreen

Protect your hair from harmful UV rays with a homemade hair sunscreen using Grapeseed and Rosewater. Combine 10-20 drops of Grapeseed essential oil with 200 ml of Rosewater to make a spray. Apply this spray on your scalp and hair before going out in the sun to create a protective barrier.

Appling SPF the right way

To ensure effective sun protection, it is recommended to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. This allows the sunscreen to properly bind to the skin and form a protective shield against harmful UV rays. Additionally, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours to maintain its effectiveness throughout the day. This is especially important if you have been sweating or swimming, as water and perspiration can diminish the sunscreen’s efficacy.

Choose the Right Products

Elevate your skincare routine and experience the dual benefits of sun protection and improved skin health by selecting products that combine SPF with beneficial ingredients. Our Soundarya Radiance Cream is a prime example of a multi-benefit formulation. Enriched with 24-karat Gold and SPF 25, this luxurious cream not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also has the nourishing properties of pure Cow’s Ghee to enhance your complexion, leaving it illuminated and noticeably softer.

FAQs

Why is sun protection important for skin and hair health?

Sun protection is essential for both skin and hair health due to the damaging effects that UV rays can have. These rays can penetrate the skin and alter the DNA structure, leading to the production of free radicals. This process contributes to premature ageing such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and a lacklustre complexion. Similarly, UV rays can cause dryness, brittleness, and split ends in the hair.

By ensuring sun protection, you can safeguard your skin and hair from these detrimental effects, promoting their overall health and maintaining a youthful appearance.

What are the harmful effects of UV rays on skin and hair? Can sun damage cause hair loss or damage?

Prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn, photoaging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. UV radiation can also damage hair leading to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading.

Long periods of exposure to UV rays can negatively affect keratin production, which weakens the hair and ultimately results in hair loss and hair thinning over time.

How can I protect my skin from sun damage?

Here are some ways to protect your skin from sun damage:

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours.
When the sun’s rays are the strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to stay in the shade as much as possible. This reduces direct exposure to the sun and its harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Cover your skin with loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that provides a physical barrier between your skin and the sun.
Proper hydration helps maintain healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when you’re spending time in the sun, to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out.

How can I protect my hair from sun damage?

Here are some ways to safeguard your hair from the sun’s harmful effects:

Cover your hair with a wide-brimmed hat or a lightweight scarf to provide shade and reduce direct exposure to the sun.
Look for hair care products specifically formulated with UV filters or sun protection ingredients. These products help to shield your hair from the damaging effects of UV radiation.
Moisturizing your hair with leave-in conditioners or natural oils can help create a protective barrier and minimize sun damage.
Overexposure to the sun combined with heat styling tools can lead to dryness and damage. Try to minimize the use of blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners during sunny periods.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and how do they affect skin and hair?

UVA and UVB rays are two types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun, with distinct effects on the skin and hair. UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate deeper into the skin, skin even on cloudy days, contributing to premature ageing, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are much stronger during midday and in the summer. They primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburn, and pigmentation issues.

Both UVA and UVB rays can damage the hair, leading to protein degradation, dryness, frizziness, and colour fading.

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Shweta Netke Senior Ayurveda Doctor

Dr. Shweta is a Senior Ayurveda Doctor at Forest Essentials. A ‘Vaidya’ or a qualified professional in the Science of Ayurveda, she is passionate about the ancient methods of healing and natural practices for holistic health. She has previously worked with NGOs and has conducted ‘Nadi Pariksha’ (Pulse Diagnosis), ‘healthy way of life’ camps for the underprivileged and general fitness camps for senior citizens. She also has an in-depth understanding of the concept of ‘Panchkarma’ and working knowledge and experience in modern medicine. She has worked with several FE customers from across the globe and helped them find effective solutions for their concerns. She is passionate about creating awareness about the exciting world of Ayurveda and enjoys training for the brand.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.