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Pigmentation is a major issue for Indian skin and can be caused by UVA, HEVL, and infrared radiation (IR) in addition to UVB rays.
To shield your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, sunscreen is a must.
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Skin cancer, premature ageing and sunburn are common problems linked to UV exposure. When asked about the perfect solution for sun protection, many recommend sunscreen. However, not all sunscreen ingredients are suitable for skin colour. Many people are confused while choosing the perfect sunscreen, often relying on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) as the sole measure of effectiveness. Here, we’ll explore effective formulas to help you make the best use of sunscreen for Indian skin types.
Use sunscreen that goes beyond SPF
Pigmentation is a major issue for Indian skin and can be caused by UVA, HEVL, and infrared radiation (IR) in addition to UVB rays. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, and uneven skin tone can be avoided with broad-spectrum protection. Other than this, most sunscreens do not offer protection against HEVL (blue light), a major cause of hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. Iron oxides and other HEVL filters are used to protect your skin from pigmentation.
Studies on consumer behaviour say that most individuals do not reapply sunscreen during the day. This makes high-performance, long-wearing sunscreens crucial, especially for Indians. Sunscreen needs to be made to work in actual environments, not simply in lab testing to provide realistic sun protection.
Antioxidants such as pycnogenol, astaxanthin, silymarin, and polypodium are essential for improving the protection of sunscreen beyond UV filters. These antioxidants offer comprehensive protection specifically designed for Indian skin by preventing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation.
A quality sunscreen should offer equal protection from sunburn (UVB) and other UV rays. SPF values and UVA protection should be equal to avoid pigmentation and premature ageing. Instead of preferring a single type of UV ray choose a balanced UV defence, guaranteeing complete skin protection.
People need to understand that not all sunscreen components are good for skin of colour. Bergamot and lemon oil are known to help in premature ageing, however, they might aggravate pigmentation and should be avoided in sunscreen formulas. Safe, non-irritable chemicals that protect without aggravating pigmentation or causing skin sensitivity should be given priority while choosing a sunscreen.
