Skin cosmetics (After-sun products)

After-sun products are often used after long exposure to the sun and UV rays. It is often used to help repair the skin and prevent inflammation that can cause further damage to the skin. Such care can reduce the formation of dark and aging spots on the skin, which can look undesirable despite it being very common in middle-aged people.

Most after-sun products contain cooling compounds and antioxidant components. They have moisturizing effects, to replenish the amount of moisture in the skin to prevent dry skin and peeling. The anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce and prevent redness caused by burns.

Cooling compounds found in most after sun products usually consist of menthol and camphor. The same compounds are also often found in topical painkillers, and serve to soothe and alleviate the feeling of warmth and tenseness of sun-irritated skin. It can also help prevent itch, which is a sign of inflammation in the skin.

Antioxidants are commonly found in most after sun products. Examples include vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10. Antioxidants act by binding to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced within the body upon exposure to damaging UV rays. This can prevent the ROS from being attracted to and binding to components in the body that can affect bodily functions. In more extreme cases where there are too much ROS that are unable to be neutralised by antioxidants, it can result in rapid aging or even cancer.

Olive oil (extra virgin) is sometimes included in such products, in order to reduce ROS-induced damage. It is done by activating the body’s antioxidant production mechanisms using one of its components (hydroxytyrosol).

Aloe vera is often used in after-sun products as well due to its restorative activity against UVB-induced damage. It is also known to be moisturizing and has soothing properties to prevent peeling and dryness.

UVB-induced damage is slightly different from ROS-induced damage. UVB-induced DNA (genetic material) damage is caused when the DNA directly absorbs a UVB photon, which causes base pairs next to each other in genetic sequences to bond together, causing disruption in DNA strands. This results in mistakes in the replication of DNA, which can give rise to cancer. ROS-induced DNA damage is caused by negatively charged oxygen species (that is also formed in small amounts during respiration). They can oxidize nucleoside bases that can change the DNA sequence during replication, eventually leading to cancer.

Shea butter can be used as an after-sun product too as it has been shown to eliminate skin irritation and redness. It has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can also help reduce swelling.

On top of sunscreens and after sun products, care should also be taken to prevent too much exposure to harmful rays.

1. Avoid the sun: Sun rays are measured according to the UV index, which indicates the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface around noon, which is known as the hottest time of the day. It is a linear scale, where the higher the number, the greater the exposure to UV radiation. Protection is needed when the UV index is above 3, and midday sun should be avoided (especially 10 am-12 noon)
   

2. Use suitable sunscreens: Upper SPF limit is usually around 50 as anything above 30 will offer little additional benefit and may expose users to dangerous levels of chemicals. Water/sweat resistant products usually list an SPF for both before and after being exposed to water or sweat, so do remember to check them to ensure they are suitable for you. If you are in the sun for a long time, do reapply frequently to maintain protection, especially after sweating, swimming, or toweling.
   

3. Wear a hat: A hat with ≥3-inch brim all around is recommended as it can protect the nose, neck, ears, and scalp, which are usually very exposed to the sun.
   

4. Cover-up: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants, or long skirts when in the sun. Tightly-weaved light-colored cloth is the best is it does not absorb heat.
   

5. Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses serve to protect your eyes against sun damage. They should block 99-100% UVA and UVB radiation, and it should be indicated on the label. How dark the sunglasses do not make a difference to the percentage of UV rays blocked as UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses. Large-framed wraparound sunglasses are the best as they can protect the eyes from all angles.
   

6. Avoid artificial tanning, such as the use of bronzers or extenders. Bronzers stain the skin when applied and can be washed off, while extenders interact with proteins on the surface of the skin to produce color, which wears off after a few days. These products do not offer sun protection.

However, despite the above being said about the harmful effects of UV rays, one should still get enough exposure to the sun as it is essential in the production of vitamin D within the body, which helps to maintain bone and blood vessel health. Ultimately, the rule of thumb is to ensure moderate sun exposure and avoid the midday sun. Hope the information has been helpful for everyone and stay healthy!