Why sun protection matters
Sunlight contains different kinds of rays that affect skin in different ways:
- UVB rays cause sunburn and play a major role in skin cancer.
- UVA rays go deeper into the skin. They cause premature ageing, such as wrinkles and age spots, and darken pigmentation.
- Visible light can also worsen pigmentation, especially melasma and dark marks in medium to deeper skin tones.
In India's strong sun, protection matters all year round, not just in summer or at the beach. Even on cloudy days, much of the sun's UV still reaches your skin.
Sun protection and your skin concerns
- Pigmentation and melasma: sun exposure is the most common trigger. Research shows broad-spectrum protection, including against visible light, helps stabilise and improve pigmentation in skin of colour.
- After procedures: treated skin is extra vulnerable. A systematic review found sunscreen was the measure that most consistently prevented dark marks after laser treatment.
- Ageing: daily sunscreen helps prevent wrinkles, sagging and age spots caused by UV.
- Acne: some acne treatments make skin more sun-sensitive, and the sun can darken acne marks.
How to read a sunscreen label
| Label term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Broad spectrum | Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Always look for this. |
| SPF | How well it protects against UVB. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher. |
| PA rating (PA+ to PA++++) | Common on sunscreens sold in India. Shows the level of UVA protection; more plus signs mean more protection. |
| Tinted | Contains pigments that also help protect against visible light, which is useful for pigmentation and melasma. |
| Water resistant | Stays on wet or sweaty skin for 40 or 80 minutes, then needs reapplying. |
| Non-comedogenic | Formulated not to clog pores, which is useful for acne-prone skin. |
How to use sunscreen properly
- Apply every morning, as the last step of your skincare, about 15 minutes before going out.
- Use enough. Most people apply too little. Cover your face, neck, ears and any exposed skin generously.
- Reapply about every two hours when you're outdoors, and after sweating or swimming.
- Don't skip cloudy days or indoor days near windows.
- Protect your lips with a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
- Add shade, a hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen works best alongside physical protection.
- Don't rely only on makeup with SPF. It's usually not applied thickly enough, and it still needs reapplying.
Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin
- Pigmentation-prone skin: a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen, ideally tinted for visible light protection.
- Sensitive or post-procedure skin: a gentle, calming formula without known irritants.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: a light, non-comedogenic texture.
- Dry skin: a more hydrating formula, or a moisturiser underneath.
