Expert Skin Care

U.S. Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard not only has to overcome her competitors in the pool, she also faces a relentless obstacle: the sun.

"Here I am a swimmer and I have tried every sun block out there and I don't care how water resistant it says they are, I still would get sunburned by the end of practices," she said in an e-mail from Beijing.

Now, she is sponsored by a company that makes sunscreen designed for athletes that is supposed to last longer in the pool. "I love it, it will stay on for hours and even put it on under my makeup," she wrote.

The product was made by Mission Product, a startup company targeting professional athletes and exercise enthusiasts with skin care products tailored for them. Mission and competitors are trying to capitalize on the world's attention on the Beijing Olympics.

Johnson 'n' Johnson is an Olympic sponsor that is heavily advertising on the games and its Neutrogena brand has Active Breathable sun block lotions and sprays made for athletic users.

Mission Product is sponsoring several other Olympians. Basketball star Carmelo Anthony, softball player Jessica Mendoza and triathletes Hunter Kemper and Sarah Haskins are designing a Mission line for athletic needs.

Nevertheless, its good to see skin care and athleticism put together. 

Suntan is a recurring problem, especially in Asian countries. People spend lots of money to buy multiple cosmetic products but overlook some simple ingredients available at home. Check out some of the home remedies for suntan.

1. Mix sugar with lemon juice and glycerin and rub lightly in circular motion on the affected area. This will not only lighten your complexion but also lend smoothness to the skin.

2. Mix 1 teaspoon potato juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it to the affected area.

3. Soak lentil in milk overnight and grind it the next day for a smooth paste. Also add turmeric to the paste. Use this pack at least twice a week for a brighter and blemish free complexion.

4. Sandalwood powder is known to be one of the best agents for tan removal. Make a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. You can honey if your skin is dry. Wash off when dry and follow it up with a good nourishing lotion or moisturizer.

5. Apply fresh coconut water in case your face shows blemishes.

6. Rub cucumber slices with milk on face. Wash off when dry.

Everyone knows the importance of sunscreen with regard to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But few know which sunscreen to choose. There are multiple brands with different SPF available in the market, quite adequate to make you confused.

Don't be so. Just keep in mind the following things prior to making your purchase.

• Do not buy a sunscreen below SPF of 15 as this is the minimum standard recommended for every individual.
• Choose the SPF according to your complexion. Fair complexioned people need a higher SPF- a minimum of 30. For Indian summer, an SPF ranging from 50 to 60 would be ideal.
• It is better to avoid sunscreen oils as they hardly provide any sun protection.
• Like your skin, your lips too need sun protection. Select a lip balm with an SPF of 15. In case you have already caused a tan to your lips, rub them with lime juice and sugar granules(till the granules dissolve). This will lighten the tan and restore the color of your lips.
• Always choose a sunscreen that offers you protection against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. While UVA rays cause skin cancer and sunburns, UVB leads to premature ageing and wrinkles.
• Sunscreen application should be done thoroughly on all the exposed body parts. Gently apply the lotion with upward movements. Reapplication of sunscreen is always recommended after every one hour in case of constant exposure.
• Always remember- even though your sunscreen is water-resistant, it would not last more than 80 minutes. Waterproof sunscreens too lasts a maximum of 60 minutes.