The Squinting Struggle

The hidden dangers of sunshine-How “Sun Damage to Eyes” can sneak up on you. Sunlight is crucial for living organisms. Without sunlight, you may experience a sudden rise in depression, calcium, and vitamin D deficiency. Doctors advise people to go out and have a walk or jog in the open. But, this leads to sun damage. The sun damage could be on the skin, eyes, face, hair, legs, and even the car. In order to get rid of sun damage, the following steps shall be taken.

Also Read: Sun Damage and what effects it causes on your skin

Sun damage to eyes

Eyes are also greatly affected by UVA and UVB solar radiations which can lead to dry, itchy eyes, macular degeneration, cataracts, and pterygium. They are treatable but do not heal on their own. The damage to the eyes and eyelids happens due to long exposure to sunlight.

Between 10 am to 4 pm, one should avoid direct sun exposure. Photokeratitis is the condition in which the eye cornea gets sunburnt by UV exposure. Photokeratitis characterizes red and swollen eyes and blurred. It can get better on its own within a day or two. Sunburnt eyes can be treated with the help of antibiotic eye drops and painkillers.

Home Remedies to get rid of Sun Damage on the Skin

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory in nature because of the presence of chemical compounds called “Anthraquinones”. They help to soothe sunburnt skin. Aloe Vera prevents the skin from peeling as a result of sun exposure. Its high water content moisturizes the skin naturally. It improves skin elasticity by stimulating skin collagen production.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV has Acetic Acid in it which treats sun-damaged skin by reducing redness and itching. It also helps to lighten the skin. Never use ACV on the skin directly as its acidic content can make the matters worse. Always dilute the skin prior to usage and lightly dab it using a cotton ball.

Vitamin C

Sun-damaged skin can be repaired with the use of vitamin C. You shall not apply Vitamin C before sun exposure as it will darken the skin, but it is best to be used for repairing the damage caused by the sun. The antioxidant nature of Vitamin C helps in repairing the harm done to the skin due to UV light exposure.

Licorice extract

We know licorice or licorice for reversing the UV-light damaged skin through an antioxidant called Licochalcone A, which protects the skin from sun damage by reinforcing the immune system. Many topical skin-lightening face creams have licorice extract in them.

Liquitrin, another chemical present in licorice, breaks the melanin built up, making the skin find its glow back.

Black Tea Water

We have proved through scientific research that black tea water helps the damage caused by the sun. It lightens the skin.

Honey

It is a centuries-old skin tip to apply honey to the face to get rid of sunspots. Honey is antibacterial in nature, so not only it soothes the sun-damaged skin but also helps in destroying any bacteria on the affected area.

Milk and Yoghurt

Skimmed milk is the best to get rid of sun damage and soothe the skin as it is packed with proteins. The lactic acid in milk exfoliates the skin, removing the dead skin cells. Yogurt is equally effective in dairy products to soothing and get rid of sun damage.

How to get rid of Sun Damage on legs

Dark or black spots appear on the legs because of long exposure to the sun. It mostly happens to light-colored skin. It can be treated with the help of licorice extract, niacinamide, vitamin C, and aloe vera gel. In case of any allergic reaction, immediately stop using it and consult with your doctor prior to any use.

Sun-damaged hair and how to take care of it

Sun damages the outer layer of hair called the cuticle in just 8 minutes through the UVA and UVB radiations. Sun can cause the hair to become brittle, weakened, and thin. It will cause an increase in hair loss. Avocado, egg, yogurt, and olive oil are really good for being used as a hair mask. It is better to go out in the sun covering your hair with a big hat or applying sun-protection spray. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners as well as those shampoos and conditioners which contain coconut, olive, or jojoba oils is also effective.

How to get rid of Sun Damage in a car

Like skin, Car’s exterior is also prone to sun damage because of high temperatures and blazing sun. In order to get it safe from sun damage, get your car waxed from time to time. It will work as an outer protective layer. Use spray wax or a rubbing compound. These are easily available at any shop providing car accessories. Better still, keep it under the shade or cover it with a covering cloth.

Take-Away Points:

Skin damage can happen as soon as you step out in the Sun or even indoors. The best practice to keep sun damage at bay is by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen on the face, hands, legs, neck, arms, and, feet, using a sunhat to protect the hair, and wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from being sunburnt.

You must keep your car’s exterior either covered with a car cover or shall keep it parked under shelter or keep it waxed so that it has an external protective layer.

Sunlight is really necessary for us to keep our Vitamin D level in check which directly affects our mental and bone health.

By taking proper precautions you can get the best of Sun.