We’ve all done it at some point. Woken up to a dull, grey sky and thought, “No sun today, okay so no sunscreen needed!” We are about to break your heart because this, is one of the biggest skincare myths. And not just any myth, it’s one that could be slowly damaging your beautiful skin.
Yes, the sun is omnipresent, even when you can’t see it, which means you need sunscreen even on cloudy days. This is your guide to the truth behind UV rays, what they do to our skin, and why reaching for your sunscreen lotion should be just as routine as it is during summers. Keep reading!
The Invisible Villain: UV Rays 101
Even when the clouds are covering the sun like a giant blanket, UV rays are still out there doing their thing. There are three types of UV rays:
- UVA: These rays go deep and are responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.
- UVB: These rays burn your skin and cause sunburns.
- UVC: The most dangerous, but thankfully, they’re blocked by the ozone layer, so not a cause of concern for us.
What UV Rays Actually Do to our Skin
Most of the UV rays can pass through clouds – on cloudy, rainy, wintery and of course, sunny days. Which means that even when the sky is covered, UV rays are tanning, burning, and most importantly, raising the risk of skin cancers.
· Tanning: We Indians tan really easily thanks to the higher melanin levels in our skin. While some might not care much, excessive tanning is actually extremely harmful for your skin.
· Sunburn: Yes, Indian skin can get sunburned too. It might not always look red and flaky like in lighter skin tones, but the damage is there. You don’t want to experience stinging skin, peeling, and that weird tight feeling, trust us.
· Pigmentation & Uneven Skin Tone: Ever noticed those stubborn dark patches or uneven tone, especially on the cheeks or upper lip? That’s pigmentation caused by UV rays. leading to a patchy, uneven skin.
· Sun Spots & Premature Aging: Those tiny brown spots that appear on your face, hands, or shoulders as you grow older are not just age spots, but also sunspots, thanks to years of UV exposure. UV rays break down collagen in your skin, speeding up the aging process.
Scary, yeah? But it is also totally avoidable.
Why Indian Skin Needs Extra Sun Protection
Now, you might wonder, “I’m Indian. My skin has melanin. Doesn’t that mean I’m naturally protected?” While Indian skin has more melanin and is better equipped to tolerate the sun, it also pigments more easily, is prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne, tans heavily and unevenly, and gets dry and dull with excess UV exposure.
Clearly, the long-term UV damage still shows up. In fact, sun-induced pigmentation and dullness are some of the top skincare concerns in Indian skin. And guess what combats all that? You got it – your trusty sunscreen lotion.
What Exactly Does Sunscreen Do?
Repeat after us: Sunscreen is not just a summer thing. It’s a 365-day skincare essential. So, using an SPF is simply a no-brainer. Here’s what all it does:
- Blocks UVA and UVB rays
- Prevents tanning, sunburn, and pigmentation
- Keeps skin texture smooth and youthful
- Slows down signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces risk of skin conditions and skin cancers
Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Indian Skin
For Indian skin types, which tend to be combination, oily, acne-prone or sensitive, with lots of skin concerns, finding “the best sunscreen lotion” can be a bit of a matchmaking process.
Here’s what you should be looking for:
· SPF of 30 or more: SPF is Sun Protection Factor. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks around 98%. SPF 30 is ideal for everyday usage.
· Broad-Spectrum: This means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Must-have.
· Lightweight and Non-Greasy: For our humid Indian weather, a nourishing sunscreen with matte finish is ideal.
Whichever one you pick, just make sure you wear it all year long.
Wrapping Up
So, back to our big question: Is sunscreen really needed on cloudy days? A big fat YES. In fact, if there’s one skincare product that should never leave your shelf (or your bag), it’s this humble yet powerful protector. Just slap on that sunscreen lotion, and you’re ready for the day!
