Everything You Need to Know on the Importance of Sunscreen: How to Choose Sunscreen for Indian skin?

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• Sunscreen protects your skin cells from the harm of ultraviolet rays.

• Limit sunscreen to exposed skin left open after wearing clothes.

• Intense UV exposure is a leading cause of skin cancers.

• Wearing sunscreen reduces inflammation on acne-prone skin/sensitive skin upon sun exposure.

• Sunscreen is compatible with all skin types preventing skin damage and dark spots from UV rays.

Sunscreen is a vital component of your daily skincare routine. People in the tropics region experience intense sun rays, making them susceptible to developing skin cancer. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin against both UVA and UVB light.

This skincare blog discusses choosing the best sunscreen for your skin type. It also highlights the role of broad-spectrum SPF, how to apply sunscreen in your daily routine, and how it reduces skin damage.

How to choose sunscreen: Overview

Why is sunscreen important? Because it's vital to protect your skin against the harmful UV rays present in sunlight. The exposed skin surface absorbs both UV-A and UV-B, imparting sun damage deep within the endodermis.

The sun protection factor present in most sunscreen blocks harmful rays. It also filters the sun's rays, eliminating UV radiation alone from penetrating the epidermis. Besides, most skincare products contain at least SPF 30 to lower sun damage throughout the day.

Importance Of Sunscreen: Ingredients and classification

Sunscreen comprises two types, based on its active ingredients and role in preventing major dermal problems like skin cancer.

Meet Physical sunscreens

• Also known as mineral sunscreen

• Ideal for sensitive skin

• Inorganic in origin

• Deflect harmful UVB rays from the skin

• Made of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (may contain both of them)

• Effective against both UVA and UVB rays

• No clogging of pores (suitable for oily and dry skin)

• Easy to wear sunscreen

• The need to reapply sunscreen for not being water-resistant and can wash away from excessive sweating.

• Physical sunscreens leave a whitish tone upon frequent application.

And Chemical sunscreens

• Known to absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat radiation

• Organic in origin

• Contains heterocyclic compounds like avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octosalate, octinoxate as active ingredients

• Not compatible with UV-A radiation

• Water-resistant and suitable for individuals with excessive sweating

• Effective in lesser quantities than mineral sunscreen

• Apply 30-minutes before stepping out in the sun

Next time, while buying sunscreen sticks, check for the active ingredients based on your skin type to minimise sun damage without adverse reactions.

Importance Of Sunscreen: Working principle

What is this buzzword SPF? Well, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreen application against sun damage includes:

Mineral sunscreen made of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide develops a barrier on the epidermis. It deflects the incoming radiation, lowering any potential skin damage from ultraviolet rays. Using it protects the epidermis against skin cancer since the precursor to developing skin cancer lies in the mutation of skin cells upon prolonged ultraviolet exposure.

Chemical sunscreens neutralise harmful radiations by converting them into heat. There's a risk of UV-A penetration if enough sunscreen is not present over the exposed skin. Being water-resistant, it's suitable for aquatic conditions. This sunscreen work has a risk of sun damage upon intense exposure.

How to enhance sun protection while using sunscreen?

Keeping the sun and its UVs at bay is not enough with just sunscreen. Sunlight is the only perpetual source that nurtures life and plays a vital role in skin disease control (vitamin D). However, prolonged exposure can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, retinal issues (cataracts), even loss of vision (snow blindness).

Besides choosing a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet radiation, here's what you can do:

• Use an umbrella whenever you go out during the summer days.

• Most sunscreens only provide limited protection from prolonged exposure to the sun.

• Seek shade and stay away from direct exposure as much as possible (remember, no contact with sunlight, no chance of UV issues)

• Wear protective clothing to the extent of covering your hair, face, foot and even back of your hand

• Apply plenty of cold water to your skin and body while returning home after spending long hours under the sun

• Stay hydrated because it prevents dryness and is also a preventive mechanism against heat-stroke attacks.

• Always apply moisturiser to your skin before using sunscreen.

What harm does UV exposure do to your skin?

Have you experienced a burning sensation in the epidermis after staying a while under the sun? That's what ultraviolet radiation can do to your body's surface.

UVA radiation is most prone to reach our body because of its longer wavelength. It's responsible for most sun exposure-related body surface issues. If you don't use the right sunscreen, here's what your epidermis can experience upon prolonged exposure to UVs:

• Drying of the body surface is the most prominent symptom of serial ultraviolet exposure (common symptoms after intense sunbathing)

• Who enjoys wrinkling of the epidermis? Spending too much under the sun without adequate sun protection gets you prominent ageing signs.

• Heard about sunburns? Every unsuspecting beach lover has faced it because they decided not to wear sunscreen. Individuals with serial sunburns can often die or develop carcinoma in later stages.

• Those who develop skin cancer have a history of prolonged sun exposure. Therefore, think again before stepping out in the burning sun this summer!

• Vitamin D synthesis is incomplete without adequate exposure to sunlight. Too much of it can destroy your eyesight, lead to cataracts, or even affect bone mass.

• Individuals with exposure to intense sunlight experience weakened immune responses. UVs trigger free radicals in the endodermis. It can trigger cytokinin reactions, leading to frequent allergies and even death from anaphylactic shock.

Always visit a dermatologist and get examined if your lifestyle requires staying under the sun for long hours. Also, wearing protective clothing reduces the ill effects of ultraviolet exposure.

Importance of sunscreen in your daily skincare routine

Sunscreen has more benefits than protection against UV issues. Most sunscreens contain epidermis building compounds like hyaluronic acid.

They are essential for repairing the damaged body surface, besides keeping your epidermis free from pathogenic infections. Choose a physical sunscreen if you have a sensitive body surface. Here's what your epidermis gains when using higher SPF products daily:

• Say goodbye to fine lines, wrinkles, dark patches or dry skin. Use sunscreen with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid. It provides deep repair to the epidermis.

• Effective against pigmentation, sunscreen is a popular choice both as a skincare product and in fading problems associated with melasma and sunspots.

• Act as a shield against harmful UV radiations every time you step out under the sun. While it's best to wear additional protection like a face cover or carry an umbrella, individuals who wear sunscreen face lesser skin issues than those without it.

• Protection against sunburns or at least reduces the chances of developing one.

• Physical sunscreen deflects harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin surface. It reduces the chances of underlying endodermal mutation, preventing skin cancer.

What are the side effects of applying sunscreen daily?

Sunscreen imparts protection against harmful radiations, meaning they are compatible across most skin types. However, not all sunscreen is suitable, especially for individuals having pre-diagnosed dermal issues.

The active ingredients in physical or mineral sunscreen contain either zinc oxide or titanium oxide, or both together. They pose little harm to endodermis because of their metallic origin, besides having a greater particle size than average skin pores. The deflective principle of this sunscreen ensures minimal absorption of the epidermis with sunlight.

Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that seep below the epidermis. Individuals with sensitive skin show topical reactions to these harsh chemicals because it allows for the penetration of UV rays to some extent. Side effects include:

• Using sulfonated drugs or compounds with antibiotic properties can trigger allergic responses. Since chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin surface, it's best to buy using a dermatologist's recommendation.

• Individuals with dermatitis, eczema, or having acne-prone skin may experience triggering symptoms upon using chemical-based sunscreen without a skin test.

• People with dense body hair can face discomfort because sunscreen contains adhesive properties. It can further trigger inflammation of the epidermis or cause puss accumulation around hair pores.

• Sunscreen application can trigger intense eye discomfort upon contact. Clinical studies suspect frequent application over the chest may lead to susceptible mutations that lead to breast cancer.

Safety of sunscreen across all skin types

Most sunscreens are safe across most skin types. As for skincare products, they suit even the most sensitive skin tone. Again, it's necessary to perform a skin test because you may develop an allergy from underlying conditions or active ingredients. Avoid sunscreens if you experience immediate skin irritation upon application.

When choosing a sunscreen, make sure you buy one with higher SPF (over 30) to get adequate protection against ultraviolet penetrations. If you lead an active lifestyle, shop for water-resistant sunscreen that doesn't require frequent reapplication. Besides, if you are new to sunscreen-based products, consult with a dermatologist to choose the ideal one.

Most Asked Questions on the importance of sunscreen?

Why should you apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen imparts vital protection to your skin against intense sun exposure. It contains active ingredients that deflect radiations or neutralise the harmful UV rays from deep penetration. It also contains essential compounds that keep your skin healthy, repair damaged skin tone, lock moisture to maintain youthfulness.

Why use sunscreen daily?

Include sunscreen in your daily skincare routine, even when not stepping out under the sun. UV intensity in sunrays reaches a maximum between noon to afternoon. Individuals with sensitive skin tones can experience discomfort from brief exposure without using sunscreen. For complete skin protection, dermatologists suggest using sunscreen even inside the home.

What happens if you don't apply sunscreen before going out?

Individuals who don't use sunscreen before going out under the sun can experience a rise in skin temperature, epidermal inflammation, redness of the body surface, allergic reactions, intense tan formation and sunburns. Such individuals are prone to the damage of skin cells beyond repair. When left untreated, it may lead to skin cancer.

How to choose the right sunscreen?

Choosing the right sunscreen depends on selecting the ideal SPF value (over 30), without adverse reaction to the skin surface, provides considerable protection under the sun, doesn't require frequent application and imparts water resistance (doesn't get washed off from profuse sweating or swimming). Also, it's best to buy those with skin-repairing ingredients.

How to choose a sunscreen compatible with your face?

The skin on your face is most delicate than the rest of the body. While buying sunscreen, it's essential to perform a skin test for dermal compatibility. Patients prone to acne or hyperpigmentation must buy hypoallergic certified sunscreen products. It prevents side effects when used on affected skin types.

Which SPF is better between 30 and 50?

The SPF value in your sunscreen highlights the intensity of UV rays required to affect the epidermis than usual skin without sun protection. Therefore, SPF 30 provides 30-times and SPF 50 provides 50-times protection against natural skin's resistance to UV exposure. Clinically, SPF 50 is more effective than SPF 30.

If your sunscreen matches the following criteria:

• Provides SPF 30 protection or more

• Minimal epidermal reaction

• Resistant to water exposure

• Suits across all skin types

• Imparts skin healing and repair

• Little or no skin irritation after considerable sunlight exposure.

How vital is sunscreen for your skin?

The SPF value of sunscreen best explains the need to include them in your daily skincare. The human skin is tender, making it susceptible to burn upon brief exposure to intense radiation. When you use sun protection products, it forms an artificial yet inert barrier on the epidermis. The greater the SPF value your sunscreen has, the higher UV intensity is required to affect your skin.

What type of sunscreen to choose for Indian skin?

The Indian skin tone is prone to intense sun exposure for nearly 8-9 months/year. When buying sunscreen, look for an SPF value over 15. Dermatologists recommend using any sunscreen products with SPF between 15 to 50. The effectiveness of sun protection lies in how much sunscreen an individual uses all over the body.

Is SPF 40 compatible with Indian skin?

The Indian skin type can tolerate sunscreen products with SPF starting from 15 to 50. However, one must perform a patch test to confirm tolerance when using these products for the first time.

How do netizens choose sunscreen for Indian skin?

Being a tropical nation, most Indians embrace heat waves much before summer breaks out. To counter intense heat, carrying sunscreen around is a must. Unlike most skincare products, sun protection products must have enough SPF value to protect your epidermis during prolonged exposure to sunlight.

We understand the need for a flawless skin tone devoid of allergies and rashes. We bring you India's first dedicated SPF brand that develops only sunscreen products personalised for your skin type.

Filtering through paid promotions, we bring you original testimony of users who have seen its effectiveness over any other commercial brands.

Summary of the importance of sunscreen

The purpose of any skincare product is to protect and enhance your epidermis. Most sunscreens aim to thwart intense exposure to sunlight during our daily life. As per dermatologists, sun protection skincare alone is not enough to protect your epidermis against prolonged exposure to the sun. A dermatologist diagnoses your present body condition. It helps take the precautions required to prevent future dermal problems.

Besides using sunscreen products, the need to visit a dermatologist is imminent. Thanks to changing climatic conditions, the human body is increasingly susceptible to further health issues. The need to practice a preventive lifestyle, follow a dedicated skincare routine, and minimise the need to go out under a burning sun.

Reference

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/is-sunscreen-safe

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-366/sunscreen-topical/details

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/uv-radiation.html.

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sunscreen-guide

https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/pros-and-cons-of-different-types-of-sunscreen

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sunscreen-agent-topical-application-route/side-effects/drg-20070255?p=1