Suffering from sun tan? It is certain because Pakistan is geographically located in a high UV index region where residents have year-round sun exposure. Thus, sun exposure is not only a vacation problem but a daily concern, heightened in summer, that causes year-round tan and hyperpigmentation. The skin usually suffers from tan, sunburn, stubborn dark spots, and whatnot. It happens when the skin releases excess melanin to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Amidst this persisting problem, people tend to question “how to protect skin from sun tan in Pakistan”
The answer is prevention rather than reversal because no matter how hard you try to remove pigmentation, without enough sun protection, you cannot create a balance. Therefore, the most important step to remove sun tan in Pakistan is to start wearing sunblock or sunscreen.
Why Your Skin Tans and Why Sunblock Alone is Not Enough
Your skin tans because of excess melanin production. Your skin comprises melanocytes - skin cells responsible for pigment in the body - that activate when UVA rays damage the skin. It signals the melanocytes to produce more pigment as a defense mechanism through tyrosinase activity. Sunblock acts as the first line of defence that blocks the UVA rays from penetrating into the deeper layers of skin and activating the tyrosinase enzyme.
Your Daily Sun Protection Routine
You might get a lot of tips to remove sun tan, but your priority must be protecting your skin rather than correcting it. So, even after trying multiple home remedies to remove hyperpigmentation, you should follow these tips for a simple and effective sun protection routine.
Step 1: Cleanse Before You Protect
The first step is never a sunblock. It begins with cleansing properly. Sunblock applied over yesterday’s residue, pollution, and sweat does not sit or perform correctly. Thus, begin your morning with a gentle face wash before applying sunblock. It allows the sunblock to have a clean surface to work better.
Explore Jenpharm’s face wash collection to find a suitable cleanser for your skin type.
Step 2: Apply Sunblock Correctly
For sun protection formulas to make a difference, you need to use them correctly. Time, quantity, frequency, and type matter. Apply your sunblock 15-20 minutes before going outside so it has enough time to bond with the skin. People often make the mistake of using too little sunscreen, which does not give any benefit.
Always use the two-finger rule for the face so you can cover your face, neck, and ears evenly with adequate SPF benefit. Furthermore, in Pakistan's high UV index, do not rely on SPF 15 entirely because it cannot give enough protection needed to combat intense UV rays. Always choose SPF 40 or above.
Not sure which SPF number is best for you? Here is a guide comparing SPF 40, 60, and 100 and which of these Spectra sunscreens suits your lifestyle?
Step 3: Reapply Without Skipping
If you think a single morning application can go all day, educate yourself on sunscreen reapplication. One morning application does not last all day. Sweat, friction, and time break it down continuously. Underapplying sunscreen is one of the main reasons why people tan even after wearing sun protection. Therefore, reapply sunblock every 2 hours of continuous outdoor exposure. It will prevent sun tan more effectively.
Step 4: Avoid Peak UV Hours
UV intensity peaks between 12 PM and 3 PM in Pakistan. This is the time when UV rays do the most damage. So, try to stay indoors if you can during these hours. Or if necessary, increase your reapplication frequency, paired with physical barriers, to get optimal protection.
Step 5: Add Physical Barriers
In intense sun exposure, sunblock protection may still cause tanning. So, to protect your skin from tanning in Pakistan, add a physical barrier like an umbrella, mask, UV-protective sunglasses, hats, or full-sleeved clothing along with sunblock application. Together, these two act as the functional combination for Pakistan’s extreme UV conditions.
Jenpharm’s Sun Protection Range
Jenpharm is a Pakistani dermatologically approved skincare brand that sells Pakistani skin-friendly and FDA-approved formulations. For intense UV exposure, Jenpharm has a whole range to choose from:
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Spectra Block Aqua Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60 PA: broad-spectrum sunscreen with fluid consistency. Best for oily and comedone-prone skin.
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Spectra Matt SC SPF 50: Mattifying sunscreen with SPF 50 that controls shine. Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
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Spectra Block Kids SPF 50: Younger-skin-friendly formula for everyday sun protection for kids.
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Spectra Block SPF 60: Broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
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Spectra Block Max 100: High-protection sunscreen for prolonged sun exposure without leaving a white cast
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Sunblock and sun exposure dehydrate the skin, which can disrupt the skin barrier. Adding hydration to your routine can balance the moisture loss and support the barrier from within and outside. In summer, keep your skin hydrated by drinking enough water.
In your skincare routine, add a suitable moisturizer before your sunblock as an important step. Jenpharm has a variety of moisturizers for each skin type, like: Dermive Oil-Free for oily and combination skin, Dermive Oily for dry skin, and Dermive Sensitive for sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still tan while wearing sunblock?
Yes, if applied incorrectly or not reapplied, your skin can tan. Sunblock degrades with sweat and time. Applying too little or skipping reapplication can expose the skin to damage. Therefore, most people tan despite wearing SPF.
Does staying indoors protect me from the sun tan?
Not entirely. UVA rays penetrate glass windows, so they trigger melanin production. For anyone sitting near windows for long periods, daily sunblock is still important even without stepping outside.
How to protect skin from getting tanned?
You can protect your skin from getting tanned by applying sunblock every morning, with a two-finger rule, and reapplying it every 2 hours for consistent protection. Moreover, you can also add a physical barrier for extra protection against UVA rays.
Conclusion
Sun tan prevention is a daily routine, not a single step. Sunblock is the foundation, while cleansing, reapplication, peak hour awareness, and physical barriers complete the routine. This routine will not help with sun tan removal but will prevent new discolouration from happening by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. For sun tan removal, you need to get brightening products that even out your skin tone.
Explore the Spectra Sunblock Range by Jenpharm to pick the best one for yourself, or you can take the Free Skin Quiz to get product recommendations.