Dark skin from the sun is a problem many people encounter. Because this is the part of the body most exposed to the outside environment and sunlight. This condition not only causes significant health consequences. It also loses the inherent brightness and rosy whiteness of the skin. But where does the cause come from? Is there any way to improve this situation? Follow the article below to get detailed answers from Dermalogica experts.
Why does skin get sunburned?
Skin gets dark from the sun due to endogenous causes
#1 Fragile skin structure
Our skin usually has an average thickness of about 1.5 - 4 mm. Depending on each person's location and characteristics, this parameter may vary. Such as age, gender or skin type. Here are some specific cases:
- Women's skin often has a more fragile and sensitive structure than men's.
- Children have fragile skin and need protection because their structure is not yet perfect.
- The older you get, the more susceptible the molecules responsible for skin bonding become to breaking. Causes the subcutaneous fat structure to be reduced and the skin to become thinner.
- Dry skin is often thinner than other skin. This also minimizes the dispersion effect of harmful rays. This makes it easier for them to invade deeply into the skin, causing the skin to get darker in the sun faster.
#2 Genetic skin pigmentation
According to research by experts, the whiter the skin, the higher the chance of sunburn. As well as being more affected by negative environmental impacts. Because Melanin pigment is a factor that protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. Based on the mechanism of absorbing and preventing harmful rays from going deep into destroying internal structures. Therefore, white skin is often more fragile and weaker than dark skin. On the contrary, people with dark skin often have less to worry about dermatological problems caused by UV rays.
Skin gets dark from the sun due to exogenous causes
#1 Use instant skin whitening cosmetics
Currently, the development of modern technology has created many methods to help whiten skin quickly. However, beautiful white skin is not necessarily healthy skin. Because these products are considered a double-edged sword because they operate based on the following two main mechanisms:
Skin abrasion:
Fast skin whitening products often contain ingredients such as Hydroquinone Corticoid, etc., which have the effect of eroding the skin and speeding up the natural skin turnover process. However, the newly replaced skin will be whiter and smoother than the previous rough skin. But the truth is that while the new cell layer has not yet completed, the old cell layer has already died. From there, you accidentally lose the protective layer, making the skin weaker and more easily penetrated by ultraviolet rays.
Inhibits the formation of melanin pigment:
Inhibiting the melanin production process will make the skin whiter and brighter. But this also means that the skin will become sensitive. As well as being more vulnerable to the effects of harsh sunlight.
#2 Not cleaning your skin properly
Many people have the habit of being lazy in removing makeup or only removing it lightly at the end of the day. As a result, impurities, dirt, and sebum accumulate on the skin and clog pores. At the same time, it limits the effectiveness of lotions and sunscreen products on the skin. Makes the skin weak, dull and more susceptible to sunlight.
#3 Using sunscreen incorrectly
Many people often blame their skin for being dark in the sun due to birth defects. Because I think I have protected and shielded my skin well by using sunscreen regularly. However, it may be because the amount of sunscreen applied is too little. Or you forgot to reapply after a period of use, causing the cream to lose its effectiveness. Furthermore, just applying sunscreen when you have to go out in hot weather is not enough. Because UV rays don't only exist in sunlight. It is also present in light from LED devices such as computer screens, phones,...
What to do if your skin gets sunburned?
#1 Exfoliate and keep skin clean
- Wash your face before using sunscreen to create a stable and firm protective layer on the skin. It also helps prevent dirt from being pushed deep into hair follicles when applying cream.
- Sunscreens often have a smooth, creamy texture that is difficult to clean off with water. Therefore, use specialized makeup remover products to clean your skin to avoid clogging.
- Don't forget to clean your body regularly every day. To remove dirt and sebum in pores and make skin healthier.
#2 Strengthens the skin barrier
In addition to limiting sun exposure during peak hours from 10:00 to 16:00. When going outside, you should apply sunscreen with an SPF index of 30 or higher and reapply continuously every 2 hours. Or you can increase the frequency of use in conditions that are easy to wash off, such as excessive sweating or swimming. Be sure to apply the cream at the right time and in the right dosage. At the same time, please proactively wear hats, hats and long-sleeved clothes carefully. To both avoid sunburn and limit dirt and bacteria from sticking to the skin.
#3 Supplement essential nutrients and moisture
To enhance skin health and resist external factors. Besides shielding, adding essential nutrients and moisture to the skin is also extremely important. Because skin cells need enough water to maintain a complete structure. Thereby preventing harmful elements from going deep into destroying the skin. You can apply the mask regularly 2-3 times a week. Using ingredients with high sun protection properties such as honey, potatoes, carrots, etc. Or use moisturizer.
In addition, don't forget to supplement nutrients that help restructure the skin. Through building a daily diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants. By eating foods that are beneficial for the skin such as green vegetables, fresh fruits, salmon, eggs, milk, whole grains, etc. In particular, maintain the habit of drinking 2-3 liters of water per day. To eliminate dry, chapped skin and have white, pink skin that doesn't catch the sun.
#4 Use reputable skin whitening products
Instead of using instant skin whitening products of unknown origin. You should choose whitening product lines from reputable brands that have received good feedback from many users. As well as containing safe, benign extracts for the skin.
Conclusion:
Above is the basic knowledge about the condition of dark sunburned skin. You see, not everyone is born with skin that is susceptible to the sun. Because it depends on many factors. Among them, living habits and daily skin care procedures are the most important causes. Therefore, always proactively take preventive measures and care for your skin against the harmful effects of sunlight. To quickly restore bright, white, healthy and naturally beautiful skin.