Sunlight – Friend and Teacher
Sunlight is life’s greatest joy. It makes our morning warm, lights our day, and gives our body vitamin D.
But while too much sugar kills our bodies, too much sunlight can softly destroy our hair and skin health.
Given that I work with skin and hair all day, I have learned that a little extra knowledge about the sun does make a great deal of difference.
And once we know, we don’t have to be afraid; we can use it in moderation.
The Gentle Truth About UV Rays
Sunlight is made up of numerous pieces. Two of them, UVA and UVB, are two we should know about.
- UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and is what causes our aging skin with age.
- UVB is more surface-oriented and will tan or burn.
And the worst news is that these rays reach us even on a cloudy day and can even travel through windows.
So our hair and skin are greeting the sun every day, not just on beach vacations.
How UV Rays Touch Skin and Hair
1. Skin's Silent Changes
Deep UVA beams increasingly impact skin support structures. Over many years, this can soften the skin and affect the texture.
UVB rays are more apt to tan the skin sooner and may dry out the skin or make it sensitive.
2. Wear and Tear of the Soft Hair
Hair is no longer composed of living cells when it moves off the scalp, but it does still respond to the sun.
The sun’s ultraviolet radiation can:
- Change the color of dyed and unprocessed hair
- Dry it out and reduce its luster
- Break down part of the proteins that allow it to be strong
That is why hair feels a little “different” at night after being exposed to the sun all day long.
3. The Comfort and Skin Barrier
Our skin already has a “shield” in the form of the lipid barrier. Overexposure to UV weakens it, and that could make it dry out or patch up.
The good news? It can be reinforced and even reinforced more with proper everyday habits.
Easy, Everyday Tips for Sun-Healthy Skin and Hair
The concept is not to shun sunlight, it’s to greet it armed. Here’s how:
1. Daily Sunscreen, Indoors and Out
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects from both UVA and UVB.
Use it on your face, neck, and any skin that’s exposed, even if you’re mostly indoors.
2. Add an Antioxidant Layer
Serums or creams containing vitamin C or E help the skin respond to the sun healthily.
They are “helpers” in addition to sunscreen.
3. Don't Forget Your Hair, Too
- Use leave-in conditioners or UV-filter sprays, especially outdoors.
- A wide-brimmed hat or scarf will also protect hair and scalp in style.
4. Don't Forget Gentle Clothing Protection
Sunshades, long-sleeved tops, and sunglasses protect the parts we most commonly tend to neglect: arms, eyes, and that delicate skin around them.
5. Consult Your Skin Expert
An annual speed test of skin and hair examination can identify early sun damage and get you back on course.
Why It Means to Us in Chandigarh
Our community gets sunnies almost every day of the year.
That is, daily rituals that are small, such as applying sunscreen or covering up hair, pay huge dividends in the long run.
It is not a radical change; it is little, gentle things each day.
A Brighter Outlook
The sun is not our foe. It’s life, it’s nature, and it’s our well-being.
By protecting our hair and skin from the sun, we are deciding to age well, feel comfortable, and look fresh for longer.
Your Next Step
If you would like to find out precisely what your hair and skin require for their everyday sun protection, then come in and see us today at The Glam Skin Clinic.
We will examine your skin type, hair type, and way of life and advise you with easy, achievable steps.
Book your Sun-Smart Skin & Hair Check Today and venture out into the sunshine feeling confident and caring.
About the Author
Dr. Anshu Aggarwal, MD, is a Chandigarh award-winning dermatologist and owner of The Glam Skin Clinic.
With more than 16 years of experience, she motivates men and women to have healthy, healthy-looking skin and hair using caring, evidence-based care.