Does sunscreen lighten the skin?

Exposure to sunlight darkens the skin. This is related to the increased production of melanin in the body. Melanin is a pigment that protects the underlying layers of the skin from sun damage. In fact, the more damage the skin is exposed to sunlight, the more melanin will be produced, which will darken the skin. Staying away from sunlight can reverse this situation and return the skin to its natural color. You know that sunscreen is one of the best products to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Does buying and using sunscreen help lighten the skin? What is the effect of sunscreen on skin color?

What determines skin color?

Human skin comes in a variety of colors from white to dark brown. Melanin directly affects the skin color of people and also determines the color of eyes and hair. The following factors affect a person’s skin color:

Intrinsic and genetic factors

The level of melanin in the skin is genetically determined. Usually we all have the same skin color as our parents. That is, if they are white, we are white, and if they have dark skin, we also have dark skin. Numerous other factors also affect skin color, such as the way the body makes hormones and how these hormones are transported to melanin-producing cells. These hereditary and genetic factors can not be changed and can be called as internal factors.

External factors

There are many other factors outside the body that directly affect skin color and produce acquired pigments. One of the most important external factors is exposure to the sun’s UV rays. The sun emits UVB and UVA rays. Different types of the sun’s ultraviolet rays have different effects on skin color.

Exposure to UVA rays affects the melanin in the upper layers of the skin and produces an immediate pigment. Sometimes skin pigments show up a few days after being exposed to sunlight, in which case melanin production occurs in response to exposure to the sun’s UVB rays. Other external factors that affect skin color can include aging and DNA damage. Note that the way melanin is produced in the body changes with age.

The effect of sunscreen on skin color

Sunscreen is a cream or lotion that rubs against the skin as a protective barrier and neutralizes the harmful effects of sunlight. In fact, sunscreen does not change the color of the skin due to exposure to sunlight and preserves the natural color of the skin. So put aside misconceptions and do not think that sunscreen will change the color of your skin. Everyone from children to adults should use sunscreen to have healthy and fresh skin. So in answer to the question of whether sunscreen brightens the skin? We have to say no. Sunscreen helps maintain the natural color of the skin. Of course, there is an exception:

The effect of sunscreen against skin blemishes

Sunscreen is produced in different types, one of the most popular of which is sunscreen. This type of sunscreen has a brightening effect on the skin. Using sunscreen can help remove blemishes from the sun and harmonize the color of the face. The active ingredients in this type of sunscreen are usually compounds such as vitamin C or extracts such as licorice.

The effect of sunscreen on skin color can be seen if the product in addition to sun protection has anti-spot and brightening properties. Alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA, is another compound found in many anti-spot sunscreens, which exfoliates the skin and removes cells that contain excess pigment. The benefits of sunscreen can also be used to prevent the recurrence of blemishes.

Is it possible to change the color of the skin in general?

We all have lighter skin color at birth than in adulthood. Gradually, with age and exposure to sunlight, our skin will become darker than before. Over time, with the use of some products or due to some factors, the skin color may become lighter and actually return to its original color. This means that with the right treatment and protection, you may be able to bring your skin color closer to its original color. But skin that is completely green can never be changed to white.

Factors affecting skin lightening

Light and flawless skin color is a dream that many people, especially girls, dream about. You can not change the color of your skin in general, but you can make it a degree lighter and closer to the skin color you had at birth. Factors influencing skin lightening are:

• Get enough sleep
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day
• Use sunscreen when exposed to sunlight
• Apply moisturizer and moisturizer
• Incense your skin
• Use homemade masks such as egg mask or aloe vera gel
• Apply anti-spot cream to remove skin blemishes and prevent them from recurring.

How to use sunscreen properly

In order for the sunscreen to work best on the skin, pay attention to the following points:

• Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before sun exposure.
• Sunscreen is not just for the face. If the sun is strong, apply this product to your body as well.
• Do not apply sunscreen around the eyes. Unless it is stated that it is okay to hit it around the eyes.
• Since sunscreen loses its effectiveness very quickly, renew it every 2 hours.
• If you are doing something that makes you sweat a lot, you may need to renew your sunscreen before 2 hours.
• Be generous in using sunscreen and never use it in small amounts to have the desired effect.

The final word

Is the effect of sunscreen on skin color wrong or true? Sunscreen is a product that neutralizes the damaging effects of sunlight but does not change the color of the skin. Unless you are using a sunscreen that contains brightening ingredients that actually harmonize the skin color. In this case, too, the skin color may be a degree lighter, rather than changing altogether and turning from dark to white.