As a country, India is blessed with plenty of sunlight. While this is good for many things including agriculture, it can have unpleasant effect on the human skin. Especially if you happen to go out frequently in the day or engage in long commutes. However, it’s surprising to note that use of sunscreen is not common in India and even a lot of educated women too forget to apply it regularly. While some may feel that our dark skin typically protects us from harmful effects of the sun, it’s hardly true. Knowing about sun damage and how to cover your skin will transform your life. Sunscreen is not another cosmetic. Everyone needs to have it to maintain their skin health.
Why India's Sun Is So Strong
India is close to the equator. This implies that the rays of the sun reach us more directly and intensely than in most of the other countries. During most of the year, the UV index in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore remain within the range of 10 to 12. Scientists refer to this as an extreme level.
In order to interpret this fact, anything that exceeds 8 on the UV scale is regarded as very dangerous. It is almost every single day that we are in the danger zone.
Most individuals believe that the rainy season relaxes their skin. However, contrary to that, it is not the case. Clouds permit approximately 80% of the harmful rays of the sun. And even on rainy days, your skin is getting burned.
This exposure is cumulative over the years. The harm occurs gradually, and hence it is easy to overlook. But by then, you notice the consequences, it is too late to do much.
The Big Myth About Dark Skin
Most Indians think that dark skin does not require sunscreen. This is among the most significant skincare errors.
Yes, melanin (the matter that darkens the skin) does have some protection. The natural protection in dark skin is equal to approximately SPF 13. However, at UV index 11 or 12, an SPF 13 is not close to what is required.
Consider that, when one is being hurled with rocks, it is preferable to have a scrap of paper to shield oneself as opposed to being bare. But you still need good protection.
This is what becomes of an Indian skin in the absence of sunscreen:
Darkness and patches are present on the face. This is referred to as hyperpigmentation. It appears quite often on Indian skin and is very challenging to do away with once it is developed. Women in particular develop melasma, which causes the brown spots on the cheeks and forehead.
The skin does not grow as old as it ought to. You end up with wrinkles, lines, and a sagging face at an earlier age. Other individuals begin to appear much older than their age.
Skin cancer can develop. It is rarer in individuals who are of darker color, but when it does occur, it is usually discovered too late. This complicates it and increases its danger.
What the Sun Does to Your Skin
Most people will refer to sunburn when we mention sun damage. But just what you can see at once is sunburn. The actual harm occurs deeper in your skin, and you are not able to see it.
Sun rays are harmful and can be of two kinds:
- The UVB rays scald the skin at the surface. They destroy the DNA in your skin cells. In the long run, this destruction may escalate to skin cancer. The UVB rays are intense during the afternoon hours.
- The UVA penetrates deeper into the skin. They dissolve the collagen and elastin, which is similar to the support system that makes your skin firm and smooth. Once they degenerate, you end up with wrinkles and drooping skin. The rays of UVA have the same intensity throughout the day and may even penetrate windows.
Both types cause damage. This is what makes you require a broad-spectrum sunscreen that prevents the UVA and UVB rays.
Guard a Lot More Than Your Face.
The majority of sunscreen users apply it only to their face. But other body parts receive an equal share of the sun.
Take an example of the person who rides a bike or scooter daily. Their face is normally far lighter than their arms. That's years of sun damage. This happens to your hands, neck, chest, and feet as well, in case you are wearing open shoes.
These are body parts that may acquire dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, just as your face. They need protection too.
The Ultimate Guide to finding the correct sunscreen.
It may be confusing to enter a store and purchase sunscreen. There are so many options. Here's what you need to know:
Look for SPF 30 or higher. The amount of UVB protection that is being received can be determined by SPF. The range of protective factors is 30, which prevents approximately 97% of harmful rays. SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Both work well for daily use.
Ensure that it is broad-spectrum. This implies that it shields against UAVB rays. This is very important.
Also, look for PA++++. It is an Asian rating system that displays UVA protection. More plus signs equate to improved security.
Select the perfect type of skin:
When your skin gets oily (as seen during the hot weather in India), purchase gel-based sunscreen. It will not put your complexion in a grimy state.
In case you have dry skin, buy sunscreen made of a cream with moisturizer.
Mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide is a good option in case of sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. It does not penetrate the skin but sits on it.
Be careful that it does not leave a white cast on your skin. There is now a large variety of sunscreens that are designed to suit Indian skin color and will not leave one looking pale or chalky.
The correct technique of applying sunscreen.
A lot of individuals apply inadequate amounts of sunscreen. The SPF does not perform well when used in less than the required amount. You may believe that you are applying SPF 30, but you are only receiving SPF 10 or less.
- Apply a little half a teaspoon on your face and neck. Yes, it seems like a lot. It is as much as you have to put up with the sunscreen.
- Apply it 15 to 20 minutes before going out. This allows it to be absorbed into your skin well.
- Apply after every 2- 3 hours outside. The cover is not a full-day benefit. What you had put on in the morning wears out in the afternoon.
- Put on the sunscreen after moisturizer but before the makeup. This helps it work best.
You Need It Indoors Too
Most individuals believe that they do not require sunscreen when they are in the house. This isn't quite true.
When you sit close to a window back home, in school, or the office, you are getting exposed to UVA rays. Glass does not allow the UVB rays (the burning rays) to pass, but allows the UVA rays to pass. It is UVA rays that make your skin age.
Therefore, even when you are during the daytime and are by windows, you still require sunscreen.
Dealing with Common Excuses
"It's too expensive." A good sunscreen is not necessarily an expensive product. There are numerous Indian brands of efficient sunscreens in the mid-range. A single bottle will take one month or two. This is compared to spending thousands in the future on treatments of dark spots or wrinkles. The cheapest form of taking care of your skin is, in fact, sunscreen.
"It feels uncomfortable." You found a sunscreen that does not feel good on your skin, so get another. So many types are available now. Once you have one that you think is good, you will want to use it daily.
I already am of dark skin, and what in that case? This is not about skin color. It is all about cancer prevention, dark spots that do not disappear, and not aging before your time.
"I don't go outside much." As long as you do not live in a windowless room, you are exposed to some UV. What may seem to be small sums will accumulate over months and years.
Why This Matters in India?
Consider life in India. We head to the bus terminal in the sun. We ride bikes and scooters. We wait at traffic signals. We run errands during the day. An ordinary 10-minute walk to the shop will expose one to sunshine.
The risk is greater in the case of people who work outside, such as delivery workers, construction workers, farmers, and vendors. It is sad that these are the least-accessed groups of people to sunscreen and sun protection information.
Start Using Sunscreen Today
You do not have to spend much on the skin-care routine. Just add a good sunscreen, preferably with SPF 50. That is the one most important thing you can do for your skin.
Choose one of them that fits your skin. Use the sunscreen in the morning, after washing your face, and apply moisturizer. Remember to reapply when you get in mind; also, this is particularly important when you are going out.
Will it feel strange at first? Maybe. But so was brushing your teeth at first. You do it now unconsciously.
The sun damage accumulates gradually over a number of years. You will be glad that you started taking care of your skin now, when you are 40 or 50 years old. Once skin problems, sun spots, and deep wrinkles begin, it is difficult to fix them. But they're easy to prevent.
