Bring on the sun

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Maria Sharapova

With the Olympics season on and sports persons staying out in the sun for a long time, what’s the best way to keep sports sun tans at bay. Poornima Shetty, beauty and skin care expert from Bengaluru who runs the Pittstop Salon and day spa shares tips on how to sport swimwear and sleeveless sports wear with panache.

When you’re out there on the field or even while swimming in the water, your skin is exposed to the sun all the time leaving you with sunburn and suntan.

Prevention is better than cure
Always make sure you're covered with a sunscreen of SPF 40 or 50 and a sports cap to avoid sun tan. But once your skin is vulnerable to the sun, you can try the sun-tan removing facials, besides whitening facials. You can even head to your nearby salon and spa for de-tan packs that can be applied on the face, arms and legs. Even home remedies work to give you relief from the sun. Honey and lemon packs work wonders. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to cool bath water and soak in for about 20 minutes. Don’t soak too long as it will leave your skin dry and dehydrated. After coming out of the bath, don’t towel dry, instead air-dry. Also resist from wiping the baking soda off. You can also add oatmeal to your bath water. It gives instant relief to sunburned skin. Refrain from using exotic bath salts, oils or bubble bath and instead try one cup oatmeal. You can also add some aloe vera.

Cool compress works
Soak a washcloth in cool water and apply it directly to the burned areas for several minutes. Apply the compress multiple times throughout the day as needed to relieve discomfort. You can also add a soothing ingredient, such as baking soda or oatmeal, to the compress water. Simply shake a bit of baking soda into the water before soaking the cloth.

Soak it in
Slipping into a tub of chilly water is a good way to cool the burn and ease the sting, especially if the burn is widespread or on a hard-to-reach area (such as your back). Avoid using soap, which can irritate and dry out the skin.

Let Mr Spud do the magic
The humble potato also works as a time-tested technique. Take two washed potatoes, cut them into small chunks, and place them in a blender. Blend or process until the potatoes are in liquid form. Alternatively, you can also use cornstarch. Sunburns often strike where skin meets bathing suit. Cover the burned area with some cornstarch.