Swathy and Sky

You are here: Home / Archives for sunscreen

sunscreen

Can aloevera be used as sunscreen? {Sunscreen}

· · 41 Comments

I was checking out my analytics page and saw this in the query section. And, then, I remembered many people had asked me this particular question earlier. So, I thought I would make a post of this.

Aloevera and Sun Protection
Aloevera, in itself, doesn’t provide any sun protection of its own. It, in fact, cures the damages caused by sun’s rays.So, you can call it more a after-sun treatment than calling it a sunscreen. Aloevera is a very versatile plant which can treat sunburns as easily as it can slow down the aging of the skin. The gel has healing properties instead of protection properties.
Sunscreen
There is a reason for the existence of wide variety of sunscreens in the market. And, I have time and again asserted their importance in skin care. As a personal opinion, I would always assert that it is better to rely on products available in the market for such a product than trying out your own remedies without proper research.My personal favourites are Zinc Oxide sunscreens but a stable chemical sunscreen also does a good job. Choose one according to your budget and be regular and diligent in its application, specially, in the summers.

Summer Skin Care Essentials {Skin Care}

· · 6 Comments

So, summers have started burning my skin here 🙁 And, yes, I hate summers, a lot. I feel so hot and I don’t really like AC’s. I am more of a cooler gal!! Anyways, let us go through some summer skin care tips. And, I had meant to put up this post long long back but somehow laziness wore me down :S

  • Sunscreen: Must, Must and Very Essential!!!
  • Hats/Scarves/Umbrella (a light colored one): Accessories to protect yourself from direct sun rays.
  • Don’t go out after 10 and before 5. Rays are very strong.
  • Tanning happens very easily in summers so protect your skin.
  • Drink, Drink and Drink a lot and by drink, I mean water and herbal teas and fruit juices.
  • Shades/Goggles: Get trendy with wrap-around shades which match your face. They not only add a style statement but also protect your delicate eye area from the sun rays and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Day – time Routine

  • Cleansing: Don’t over-cleanse your face in the heat. I know sometimes the face feels a lot itchy and prickly and the immediate impulse is to wash it off which you should when you have just come back from prolonged exposure to the sun. But, not if your skin just feels the heat. Cleansing the face twice to at most thrice a day is enough. And, get a cleanser which helps control oil.
  • Toning: Very very important in summers as skin goes less on the hydration. Make sure you use face mists at regular intervals and apply it just before putting on the moisturiser to trap in the hydration.   
  • Moisturiser: Heat is building up so you really don’t want a moisturiser which makes you look like an oil pan. Go light and easy on your body lotions and face moisturiser. Go for the oily moisturisers unless your skin too dry. They help control oil and keep the face shine-free.
Check out some of my other posts under the heading of Summer Skin Care.

Moisturizer with or without spf? {Your Opinion}

· · 19 Comments

For me, I always try to stay away from moisturisers which claim to have sun protection. Or, I always follow with a high factor sunscreen to keep my skin protected. What I have observed till day is that all the moisturisers which come with spf claims do not have the sun protection ingredients mentioned in the ingredient list which discourages me a lot.
Moisturisers with spf give same protection as sunscreen?
Actually, I have observed this that moisturisers don’t give enough sun protection when compared to sunscreen. I always get tanned I don’t apply sunscreen whether its a physical or chemical one.
Every product has a specific function. So, if you think your moisturiser can protect your skin against sun, you should probably re-evaluate the sun protection  ability of your moisturiser. What do you think?PS: This post pertains to products made in India. I am not sure how the products made in US are tested!