NEW DELHI: If you expect that sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays this summer, you are mistaken. Your eyes, too, require attention. UV rays are hazardous not just to the skin, but also to the eyes. UV radiation has been related to macular degeneration, cataracts, and other forms of vision loss.
Sun exposure causes sunburn, suntan, and several other skin-related problems. The exposure of the skin to the sun’s UV radiation has various long-term impacts, including the accelerated production of lines and wrinkles. The skin must be protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
What are UV Rays?
Sunlight emits UV Rays aka Ultraviolet Rays. We categorize them according to their wavelength. UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays exist. Nearly all UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and have no effect on the skin.
UVB penetrates the epidermis and is primarily responsible for sunburns. It is most powerful between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when sunlight is at its sharpest. UVA photons were long believed to have little impact on skin damage, but recent research indicates that UVA is a major cause of skin damage.
Additionally, sun exposure can promote dehydration of the skin. However, the majority of sunscreens incorporate moisturizers. Therefore, unless the skin is extremely dry, applying both moisturizer and sunscreen is unnecessary.
So, what is the solution? Currently, physical protection is the solution. This is possible by using broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sunscreen is a substance that establishes a protective barrier between the skin and the sun’s rays, whereas a broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays. UVA and UVB radiation can both cause skin damage, including indications of premature aging.
Before picking a sunscreen, one must consider the factor of protection against the sun i.e., SPF. For the majority of skin types, an SPF of 25 to 30 should be enough. However, sun-sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions, redness, and dark spots and patches should choose an SPF of 40 or higher.
Your sunscreen should be selected based on your skin type. If the skin is really dry, apply sunscreen, wait a few minutes, and then apply a moisturizer or sunscreen cream. Normal to oily skin may require an oil-free sunscreen gel to prevent clogging of the pores, which can lead to acne.
Summer is here, and spending time outdoors during this season may be difficult for the eyes. When temperatures climb, the most frequent eye symptoms are allergies, red eyes, conjunctivitis, and migraines.
Here are Some Easy Eye Care for the Summer
Wear Sunglasses
Use 100 percent Ultraviolet (UV) protection sunglasses. UV radiation can cause damage to the lens, cornea, and even the retina. Whenever you go outside, you must thus wear sunglasses.
Splash Water in The Eyes
Your eyes are under stress throughout the day owing to the intense heat and sun exposure. Rinse your eyes by intermittently spraying them with cold water and drinking a lot of water. This will prevent your eyes from drying out and swelling.
Cucumber Slices
If you suffer from red eyes during the summer, place cucumber slices on your eyelids for 10 minutes before bed. Additionally, cucumber removes tan from beneath the eyes and absorbs excess moisture.
Use Eyedrops
It is usually preferable to use eye drops to alleviate discomfort or manage other eye issues. Before picking eye drops, you should also see a certified ophthalmologist.
Eat More Green Leafy Veggies
Increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables throughout the summer, since they are high in lutein and zeaxanthin and a fantastic source of eye-healthy Vitamin C. Included among well-known leafy greens are spinach, kale, collards, etc.
And The Most Important, SLEEP WELL!
Your eyes rejuvenate while you sleep. Insufficient sleep can result in eyes that are dry, itchy, or bloodshot. Inadequate sleep at night reduces the number of tears produced by the eye and may increase the risk of eye infections.
