India’s environment is brutal on your skin with harsh sun, heat, humidity, and pollution. When it comes to skincare, using the right sunscreen is your first and the most important line of defense. A good quality sunscreen helps prevent tanning, sunburn, premature aging, pigmentation and long-term skin damage.

WHY DO I NEED SUNSCREEN?

A lot of you tend to believe that you only need to put on sunscreen in the summer and on days when you venture outdoors. While it is true that the harmful UV rays of the sun have maximum intensity in summers but, these rays can penetrate clouds and windows throughout the year.

So if you are to prevent sun damage, dark spots and pigmentation, fight premature wrinkles, improve your uneven skin tone and maintain the healthy youthful glow, sunscreen must become a daily habit.

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen?

While looking for your best sun screen, make sure to check for the following points-
1. SPF 50 or More: It offers the strongest level of protection against UV rays that cause sun tans and sunburn.
2. Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection: A good sunscreen not only protects against UV rays that cause tanning and burning but it also protect against UVA rays that cause premature skin aging and other damages.
3. Lightweight formula: Since the weather in India is often very humid, a lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen is crucial so that you can apply it every day and not feel uncomfortable.

4. Suitable for your skin type:

• For oily skin – choose water based sunscreen or sunscreen gel
• For dry skin – choose moisturizing sun cream.
• For sensitive skin – choose mild fragrance free formulation sunscreen.
• For combination skin – choose lightweight lotion based sunscreen.

Things You Should Not Do When Applying Sunscreen!
Many of us don't apply sunscreen effectively and they don't reap the benefits! The top mistakes people make are -
• Using way too little amount of sunscreen.
• Not applying sunscreen if it is a cloudy day or indoors.
• Not re-applying the sunscreen.
• Forgetting to protect ears and neck from sun.
• Not applying sunscreen before heading outside.

How Much Sunscreen Do I Need?

According to Dermatologists you need to apply approximately Two fingers’ length of sunscreen for the entire face and neck. For the exposed areas of the body you will need even more product. Also Reapply your sunscreen every two to three hours in case you step outdoors in direct sunlight.

Sunscreen For Dark Spots And Pigmentation

Most of the time your stubborn dark spots and pigmentation happen due to constant sun exposure. Even if you are using good brightening serums they won’t be able to perform best if you do not use sunscreen daily. Combined with other ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid you’ll definitely have a clearer and bright skin in no time.

Best Daily Skincare Routine With Sunscreen

• Morning Routine: Cleanser ->Vitamin C Serum -> Moisturizer ->Sunscreen SPF 50+

• Evening Routine: Cleanser->Treatment Serum or Niacinamide->Moisturizer

It’s all about consistency with skin products and not the quantity or type!