How to Choose Sunscreen for Indian Skin?

An important step you cannot skip in your skincare routine is sunscreen. Having a shield for your face is important to safeguard it from the sun-induced damage.
Prolonged exposure to the harmful UV rays can lead to dark spots and sunburn that affect your skin. It can also cause premature skin aging as it leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.
On a more severe note, it can also trigger melanoma, a form of skin cancer. All these reasons clearly establish that wearing sunscreen every day is a must, but what’s also important is picking the right sunscreen that suits your skin type.
So, here’s a guide on how to choose a sunscreen for your face that will answer all your questions.

Keynotes:

• Choosing the right sunscreen is dependent on various factors, including the unique needs of Indian skin.
• Consider SPF value, key ingredients, formats, and broad-spectrum characteristics before making a selection.
• Check compatibility with your skin type and get effective results.

Understanding how to select sunscreen for your face involves a careful consideration of the following factors and label information.

• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: There are two kinds of radiation, UVA and UVB, and both are harmful for your skin. UVA rays cause wrinkles, while UVB rays lead to sunburn. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures your skin is protected from both UVA and UVB rays, which is important.
• SPF 30 or Higher: SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is an indicator of how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays. Hence, choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is beneficial for your skin.
• Types: Sunscreens are available in a variety of formats, from serums to gels and lotions. When choosing a format, it is important to consider your skin type and check what feels comfortable on your skin.
• Ingredients: Choosing a sunscreen also depends on its formulation, which consists of either physical blockers or chemical blockers. Sunscreens with minerals stay on your skin’s surface and act as a physical shield. While sunscreens with chemicals get absorbed in your skin and protect it.

Contemplating how to choose a sunscreen for your face also requires an in-depth understanding of Indian skin. Various factors need to be considered that are unique to the nation and our Indian skin.

• Hyperpigmentation and Tanning Prevention: Indians are exposed to intense sunlight owing to our nation’s tropical climate conditions. This excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays magnifies the probability of pigmentation, tanning, sunburn, and dark spots.
• Humidity and Sweat Resistance: India’s humid weather is another key factor to be considered when selecting a sunscreen. This makes it important to choose a sunscreen that is water and sweat resistant so that it stays on sweaty skin.

• Dry Skin: Sunscreens that protect and keep your skin moisturized are preferred for people with dry skin. Sunscreen creams or lotions, like Eucerin’s Hydro Protect Ultra Light Fluid SPF50+ Sunscreen, with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid is a good lightweight sunscreen for this skin type.
• Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Lightweight and easy-absorbing water or gel-based sunscreens are the go-to for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Choose a sunscreen for oily skin one that provides an oil-free matte finish, like Eucerin’s Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF 50+ Sunscreen, with ingredients that also help control excessive sebum production.
• Normal Skin: For people with neither dry nor oily skin, the question about how to choose the best sunscreen becomes quite simple. Choose a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, causes no irritation, feels weightless on the skin, and leaves no white cast.
• Combination Skin: Choosing a sunscreen for people with both dry and oily zones is tricky. Opt for water or gel based sunscreen that is non-oily, non-greasy, and that hydrates your skin.
• Sensitive Skin: Avoid sunscreens that contain alcohol and fragrances that have a higher tendency of causing skin irritation. A preferred option would be choosing a mineral sunscreen.

A key step in learning how to choose a sunscreen for Indian skin is identifying the key ingredients that are suitable for your skin.

• Antioxidants: Having an extra layer of protection from UV damage is always a good option, and that is what sunscreens with antioxidants offer. Having Vitamin C or Niacinamide in your sunscreen acts as a second shield for your skin.
• Soothing Agents: It is important to choose sunscreens that contains skin-soothing ingredients that are not harsh on your skin. This helps ensure that it does not irritate your skin.

How Much to Apply?

The widely accepted ‘two finger rule’ is the best way to determine the amount of sunscreen to apply on your face. It is also recommended that you apply sunscreen to all the parts exposed to sunlight. As per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, this comes to about 1 ounce or 28 grams of sunscreen for your body.

Reapplication Frequency

Another standard rule is to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to venturing out in the sun. When staying outdoors for a longer time period, it is advisable to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours for continued protection from the sun. You should also reapply it immediately after swimming or sweating to defend your skin.

Applying Sunscreen with Makeup

When getting ready, sunscreen comes first, followed by makeup. Follow a proper skincare routine and apply your sunscreen on to a clean face. Wait for a few minutes and let it get absorbed into your skin before starting with your makeup.

When learning about how to choose a sunscreen, it is important to recognize and avoid certain common myths and misconceptions.

Darker Skin Doesn't Need Sunscreen

A darker skin tone does not guarantee complete sun protection. While your skin might not be easily susceptible to sunburns, it is still at risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Hence, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must even for people with darker skin tones.

Sunscreen Is Only for Outdoor Use

You need sunscreen whether you’re indoors or outdoors. The harmful UV rays can penetrate your homes through the windows, making you susceptible to sun damage. Hence, you cannot skip sunscreen in your daily regime even when you’re indoors.

Higher SPF Always Means Better Protection

Sunscreens cannot block out 100% UV damage, and SPF is only an indicator of how well it can protect your skin from the UVB rays. An SPF higher than 30 only offers 1% to 2% more protection. Hence, a more important factor is if it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

How to select sunscreen that is suitable for Indian skin depends on various factors. So, when in doubt, refer to this comprehensive guide that lists down all the key points you need to consider before buying the best sunscreen for yourself.

Can sunscreen replace moisturizer?

No, it cannot. Both moisturizer and sunscreen provide a different skincare benefit, and one cannot replace the other.

Should I use sunscreen indoors?

Yes, sunscreen should be applied even when indoors, as the sun’s harmful UV rays can reach you through the windows as well.

How to choose sunscreen for sensitive areas like under the eyes?

Choose mineral sunscreen with soothing ingredients that are less likely to cause skin irritation.

Is SPF 30 or 50 better for your face?

Any sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher is recommended. A higher SPF provides 1% to 2% better protection from UVB rays. Hence, along with higher SPF, it is important to get a broad-spectrum sunscreen for protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Is SPF 50 good for daily use?

A broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection from UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher is considered good for daily use.

Which type of sunscreen is best?

How to choose the best sunscreen depends on various factors such as your skin type, SPF, ingredients, format, and more.

Which is better, sunscreen gel or cream?

It depends on your skin type and what feels comfortable on your skin. Sunscreen creams with hydrating ingredients are recommended for people with dry skin, while gel-based formats are more suitable for oily skin.

Which sunscreen gives glowing skin?

Sunscreens with active skin-brightening ingredients can provide the dual benefit of protection and glowing skin.

What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?

A sunblock does not allow UV rays to reach your skin by acting as a reflective layer, while a sunscreen absorbs UV rays before they reach the skin.

How long does SPF 50 last?

All sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours. When swimming or doing any activity that causes excessive sweating, it needs to be reapplied even more frequently.

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