Best Sunscreen for Indian Skin

For most of India, the summer season stays for long, and with it comes the need to cover and protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As per Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, ‘Sun protection is important not just to avoid tanning or sunburns for aesthetic reasons but even to maintain skin health and prevent premature aging of the skin, dark spots, and even the risk of skin cancer.’

Is Sunscreen Necessary for Indian Skin? 

Yes, every dermatologist recommends applying sunscreen daily for every skin type. One must apply it before going outside in daytime hours be it sunny or cloudy outside. Sun protection is a must to be practised in every skincare regime and is of utmost importance for Indian skin.

Indian skin needs special attention and protection from the UV rays of the sun which is not possible. The art of selecting the right sunscreen for your skin type is only found with a dermatologist so seeing a dermatologist for professional skincare guidance is necessary.

Dermatologists recommend applying chemical sunscreen not above 30 SPF at first and then if it works try increasing the SPF for greater coverage. The sunscreen must be chosen as per the skin type identified by a dermatologist.

In this post, we will be learning about Indian skin, the importance of sunscreen, how to choose sunscreen for Indian skin, and how to keep skin sun-safe with highly rated, dermatologist-recommended sunscreens.

Understanding Indian Skin- Guide to Indian Skin Tone

Indian skin, in general, has a wheatish tone, a slight mix of gold and yellowish shade. Indians can even be fair or dark-complexioned, depending on the climatic conditions of the regions of India they live in.

Indian skin may have warm undertones like Warm Ivory, Sand, Warm Beige, Honey, Golden, and Chestnut, which would tan but not burn. It may even have cool undertones like Porcelain, Ivory, Beige, and Almond, which would burn but not tan. There are also neutral undertones of Indian skin such as Natural and Espresso.

Coming to the skin type, there are primarily 5 skin types that Indians can have. These include Oily, dry, combination, normal, and sensitive.

Each skin type has its own set of features and needs which can affect the feel and appearance of the skin, and pose challenges. Proper sun protection is important to maintain even skin tone and prevent sun-induced skin problems. Moreover, it is important to know the skin types and their requirements when looking for the best sunscreen.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Sunscreen consists of active ingredients that either reflect or absorb the sun’s harmful rays. It is of two types: physical or chemical. Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays while physical sunscreens reflect them. So, it is crucial to know which one is right for your skin type. It is also important to know about SPF (sun protection factor) and PA (protection grade of UVA) ratings to choose sunscreen according to the types and preferences of the skin.

Why is using Sunscreen Important for Indian skin?

Indians must wear sunscreen daily because of the following reasons:

• Intense sun exposure: In India tropical climate causes prolonged and intense sunlight falling onto the skin. This increases the risk of skin damage and problems such as pigmentation, sunburn, and even skin cancer.
• Diverse skin tones and types: Indian skin has diverse skin tones and types. Proper sun protection is a necessity for maintaining skin complexion and preventing skin problems.

One common misconception about sunscreen is that only those with fair complexions need it. Westerners with a white tone are at a high risk of skin cancer. However, Indians are not immune to skin cancer. However, Indian skin has a darker colour shade and the risk of cancer may be lower than others. But harmful sun rays can cause other types of damage. So, protecting Indian skin with sunscreen is necessary to prevent problems such as pigmentation and aging.

How To Choose Sunscreen For Indian Skin? Best sunscreens for Indian Skin

When picking a sunscreen, one needs to consider the following factors:

• Broad-spectrum sun protection: Opt for broad-spectrum UV protection sunscreen which offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunblock containing antioxidants when going mostly indoors to get protection from blue-light-induced aging and pigmentation. If at home and mostly exposing skin to heat from cooking, use sunscreen with infrared sun protection. For those who are suffering from skin pigmentation issues like melasma, the best sunscreen would be a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect the skin from UVA1, UVA2, UVB, HEVL, and IR.
• SPF and PA: It is suggested to use sunscreen with SPF 30 and PA ratings +++ or higher. It will offer enough protection against sunburn and long-duration skin damage. If staying mostly outdoors, choose a sunscreen with a high SPF, above 40 or 50. For more details, a dermatologist can help you better to choose which sunscreen is best for Indian skin, after assessing your skin type and needs.
• Lightweight and non-greasy formulas: Opt for a sunscreen that is non-greasy, lightweight, and easy to use, based on the hot and humid climate of India.
• For different skin types: It is important to select a non-comedogenic Sunscreen for people with acne-prone skin. Those with sensitive skin should choose a hypo-allergic sunscreen to prevent any irritation or allergy. Oily skin people should go for mineral sunscreen and dry-skinned people must apply moisturiser-based sunscreen.
• Ingredients: Use sunscreens which have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as physical filters. These ingredients protect against both UVA and UVB rays and are gentle on the skin. Avoid sunscreens consisting of oxybenzone or octinoxate because these chemicals can irritate some people.

What is the Recommended Application of Sunscreen?

• Apply adequately: It is crucial to properly apply sunscreen and get maximum protection against UV rays. One should apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body such as the face, arms, legs, and neck. Sunscreen application must be at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Avoid wearing sunscreen right after taking a shower or washing your face.
• Reapply regularly: One should be bottomed to reapply sunscreens after every 2 hours especially when outside for extended periods, participating in water activities, or sweating.
• Go for add-on sun protection: In addition to applying sunscreens, one should also be using other sun protective measures such as sunglasses, hats, gloves, and socks. One should even avoid going out in the peak hours of the sun.

Is it right to Use Sunscreen along with other Skincare Products?

Sun protection has no link with other products we use in our skincare regimen. If one chooses a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 there is no point in worrying about the order of using different skincare products. Sunscreen can be used on bare skin or over every other product you are using.

Some people benefit when applying sunscreen before applying on their makeup or applying moisturiser. Other people use it on top of other products so it becomes the first layer on their skin surface.

Not only Indian skin tone but every skin tone must apply sunscreen. This not only helps to protect the skin from the adverse effects of cancer but also helps maintain skin health by preventing signs of aging and preventing the formation of age spots, wrinkles, and aging lines. For more details on skin sunscreen and ways to maintain skin health, consult with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili.

Content Reviewed and Updated by Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili on 15th July 2024