Before the Tan Begins: My Journey to Discovering Pre-Cure Protection

Every summer, without fail, I’d fall into the same trap.

The sun would come out in all its glory, and so would my floral dresses and weekend plans. I’d enjoy those warm afternoons at cafes, the beach getaways, long drives — all while completely forgetting the golden rule: sun = tan. And not the “glow-up” kind of tan — I’m talking about patchy, uneven, stubborn tan that just won’t budge.

Like most of us, I always reached for the post-sun rituals:
The anti-tan creams, the kitchen remedies — turmeric packs, aloe vera gels, curd with lemon, even potato slices! Some worked a little, most didn’t, and all of them took time. I was treating the damage after it happened — like applying band-aid after the cut.

 

Then one day, during a road trip to Lonavala, something changed.

My friend, who was driving, handed me this stylish, curved sun visor. “Try this,” she said. “It’s from Umbrashield. It’ll save your face from tanning and heat.”

I wore it half-heartedly, expecting nothing. But by the end of the drive, I noticed something strange — while the rest of my exposed skin had darkened, my face stayed exactly the same. No heat rash, no tightness, and no tan.

That’s when it hit me — why are we so obsessed with curing something after it happens? Why not protect before the damage is done?

 

That was my first lesson in what I now call “pre-cure” skincare.

Since then, I’ve updated my routine. I don’t just rely on sunscreen anymore (though it’s still essential). I now wear sun protection clothing — lightweight full-sleeve jackets, UV-block scarves, and yes, my trusty Umbrashield visor. It’s become a part of my car, my walks, and my wardrobe.

Let’s be honest — anti-tan creams are great, but prevention is power. Skin damage is real, and over time, tanning can lead to pigmentation, dullness, and even premature aging.
 So why not protect before it starts?

 

Here’s what I learned, and what I now swear by:

1.     Use SPF, but don’t stop there. Reapply every 2-3 hours.

2.     Invest in a sun visor like Umbrashield. It’s like sunglasses — once you start, you won’t go back.

3.     Wear UPF-rated clothing that blocks UV rays. Fashion can be protective too.

4.     Plan your day wisely. Avoid stepping out during peak sun (12 PM to 3 PM) if possible.

So the next time you step out and the thought of “anti-tan” crosses your mind — think pre-cure. Don’t just undo the tan, block it before it begins.

Trust me, your skin will thank you.