The rays do more harm and impact the skin if there is no protection.
The biggest myth surrounding sunscreen is that it can only be applied in summer months due to the harsh heat and sunshine. In reality, the ultra-violet (UV) rays emitted by the sun or artificial sources are present in the atmosphere throughout the year, and its overexposure is risky to the skin.
The rays do more harm and impact the skin if there is no protection. Sunscreens have been proven by skin experts in prevention from harmful sun rays and environmental changes like heat, rain and dust, which have a huge impact on skin in many ways. Experts also advise a skin care regime for sun exposure.
However, sunburn or overexposure to sun rays can result in premature ageing, and at times, skin cancer as side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
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US-based National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), a federal agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advises steps to protect from the sun as a year-round responsibility. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
Sunscreen forms a crucial component of a healthy skincare routine. “It helps in protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun that can lead to problems like sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. Understanding how to use sunscreen effectively and who can benefit from it is important,” says Dr Monica Bambroo, head of dermatology & cosmetology at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram.
In fact, microbiome protecting sunscreens are effective in skin care regime. A report published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that these sunscreens can preserve human skin microbiome upon erythemal UV exposure (an abnormal redness of the skin caused by spending too much time in the sun or a sunburn which can damage skin cells caused by UV radiation). Such sunscreens serve as a protective barrier to block harmful UV rays.
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What is best for skin?
With innovation in the skincare sector, sunscreens come in different mediums: sticks, sprays, powder, gel or cream. Experts advise that creams and lotions as a traditional form of sunscreen tend to provide an even and broad-spectrum coverage.
According to Mumbai-based Dr Aseem Sharma, consultant dermatologist and advisor of Re’equil India, a skincare brand, they are usually thick and moisturising, which make them suitable for dry or sensitive skin. “Creams and lotions can be effective if applied generously and evenly to all exposed skin areas. On the other hand, gel sunscreens are lightweight and suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. They can be effective if applied correctly, and like other forms, thorough application is key. But sunscreen sticks are solid and convenient for targeted applications, such as the face and around the eyes. They can be effective if properly applied, but some users might apply them too sparingly, leading to uneven coverage. Make sure to rub them well to ensure an even protection,” he says.
Additionally, sunscreen sprays are easy to use. However, they are less effective if not applied properly, as it’s easy to miss spots or apply them too thinly. Also, inhalation of spray particles might be a concern. On the other hand, powder sunscreens are often used for reapplication over makeup.
Sharma admits powder sunscreens can be convenient, but they might not provide the same level of protection as creams or lotions. “It is not recommended as the primary form of sunscreen. The effectiveness of sunscreens is: how well they are applied, how often they are reapplied, and their SPF rating. A higher SPF means more protection from UVB rays,” adds Sharma.
Sunscreen can prevent skin cancer besides conditions like premature ageing, tanning and sunburn. “While we opt for any one of these sunscreens—mineral and chemical, ensure that your sunscreen is water resistant, has an SPF of 30 or higher and also offers UVA and UVB protection,” adds Garima Tyagi, dermatologist, SENS Clinic, a health and wellness clinic.
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A mineral or physical sunscreen, which is composed of titanium oxide and zinc oxide, works on immediate application and deflects the harmful sun rays. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are the primary ingredients of mineral sunscreen. On the other hand, a chemical sunscreen gets absorbed in the skin and converts UV rays into heat. This sunscreen is made of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, dioxybenzone, retinyl palmitate.
“Typically, an average adult or a child needs an ounce of sunscreen on a daily basis, every three to four hours. It should be applied on all uncovered body parts like nose, hands, feet, etc. Coconut oil, shea butter, raspberry and aloe vera are the natural alternatives for those allergic to sunscreen. A diet rich in carrots, leafy green vegetables, green tea, cauliflower, vitamin C-rich food, and raspberry seed oil helps,” adds Tyagi.
Broadly speaking, sunscreens are mainly of two types: physical blocker and chemical blocker. According to Dr Sheena Kapoor, consultant, dermatology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore, physical blocker sunscreen function by reflecting, scattering or absorbing UV radiation, and mainly contains zinc oxide, titanium oxide, calamine, iron oxide, etc. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, contains a combination of both UVA and UVB filters like aminobenzoic acid derivatives, cinnamates, oxybenzone, etc.
“An ideal sunscreen should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with SPF factor (sun protection factor) between 30 and 50 providing both UVA and UVB sun protection, cosmetically elegant, do not cause skin irritation (hypoallergenic), doesn’t clog pores (non-comedogenic) and should be water resistant,” says Kapoor.
Common misconceptions
Does the application of sunscreen block pores? As per medical experts, this is the most common misconception. Sunscreens do not block pores.
In fact, sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can damage collagen and elastin (proteins) production, leading to wrinkles and age spots. However, some sunscreens can be comedogenic, which can clog pores. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a non-comedogenic sunscreen would be highly recommended.
In fact, sunscreen is suitable for people of all ages and skin types. “It is especially important for people with fair complexion to use sunscreen, as they are more vulnerable to sun damage. Children over six months old can also use sunscreen. Physical protection like hats and clothing is recommended for infants under six months,” says Bambroo.
While all individuals can use sunscreen without any issues, those with certain skin sensitivities or allergies are likely to experience adverse reactions to some ingredients, warns Bambroo. “In such cases, consulting a dermatologist can help in identifying suitable alternatives,” she says.
The quantity of sunscreen applied is also very important, ideally ‘teaspoon rule’ is followed, that is—3 ml (slightly more than half teaspoon) for arm, face, neck and 6 ml (slightly more than a teaspoon)—for each leg, chest and back.
Sunscreens are available in the form of cream, lotions, gels, sticks and sprays. Sunscreen should be applied on a regular basis, even indoors, as the light coming from the reflection from a window, laptop, phone screen or LED lights contains blue light which causes skin ageing and damage. It should be applied in all seasons, genders, and age groups.
Choosing the right product
- Sun protection factor (SPF) level indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30
- Sunscreens contain either chemical or physical (mineral) blockers. Chemical sunscreens like avobenzone and octisalate absorb UV rays, while physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflect and scatter the rays. Physical sunscreens are generally better for sensitive skin.
- Choose a sunscreen as per your skin type. For oily skin, go for an oil-free or mattifying formula; people with dry skin can choose moisturising sunscreens
- When swimming or sweating, apply and reapply a water-resistant sunscreen for effectiveness
— Dr Monica Bambroo, head of dermatology & cosmetology, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram
Tips & tricks
- Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often, if you are sweating or swimming
- Choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic; it will not clog pores
