India gets strong sun for most of the year: the UV index regularly reaches “very high” or “extreme” in many cities. Indian skin tans and develops pigmentation easily, especially dark marks left behind after acne. That makes daily sunscreen one of the most useful skincare products you can buy. The labels can be confusing, though, so here is how to read them.
1. SPF measures UVB protection (burning)
SPF (sun protection factor) tells you how well a sunscreen protects against UVB, the rays mainly responsible for sunburn.
| SPF | Approx. UVB blocked (lab conditions) |
|---|---|
| 15 | ~93% |
| 30 | ~97% |
| 50 | ~98% |
Beyond SPF 50, the extra protection is very small. The bigger problem is that most people apply only a quarter to half of the amount used in lab testing, which cuts the real-world protection sharply.
2. PA rating measures UVA protection (tanning, pigmentation, ageing)
UVA goes deeper into the skin and drives tanning, pigmentation and skin ageing. It is also present all day and passes through window glass. The PA rating (PA+ to PA++++) shows the level of UVA protection. For Indian skin that pigments easily, choose PA+++ or PA++++. Some international brands write “broad spectrum” or show a UVA logo in a circle instead.
3. Chemical vs mineral vs hybrid filters
- Mineral (physical) filters: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are gentle on sensitive skin, but they can leave a white cast on medium and deep skin tones.
- Chemical (organic) filters: for example avobenzone, octocrylene, and newer filters such as bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S), bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M) and Uvinul A Plus. These feel lighter and are usually invisible on Indian skin.
- Hybrid: combines both, often with a good balance of texture and protection.
Neither type is automatically better. The best sunscreen is the one you’re happy to wear generously every day.
4. Pick the texture for your skin type and climate
- Oily or acne-prone skin, humid cities: gel, gel-cream or fluid sunscreens with a matte finish. Look for “non-comedogenic”.
- Dry skin, or winter in North India: lotion or cream sunscreens with moisturising ingredients.
- Sensitive skin: fragrance-free mineral or hybrid sunscreens. Patch-test first.
- Pigmentation or melasma: tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides, which also help block visible light. Visible light can worsen pigmentation in darker skin.
- Reapplying over makeup: sunscreen sticks or sprays are convenient, but they are hard to apply in enough quantity. Use them for top-ups, not as your main layer.
5. How much to apply, and when to reapply
- Amount: about two finger-lengths (a line along your index and middle fingers) for your face and neck, or roughly a quarter teaspoon.
- Timing: make sunscreen the last step of your skincare, before makeup.
- Reapply about every two hours when you’re outdoors, and after sweating, swimming or wiping your face. “Water resistant (40 or 80 minutes)” on the label tells you how long it lasts in water. It still needs reapplying afterwards.
6. Red flags on the label
- An SPF with no PA or broad-spectrum claim: you don’t know how well it protects against UVA.
- Claims of “SPF 100” or “all-day protection”: no sunscreen lasts all day without reapplication.
- Strong fragrance, if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone.
- A product past its expiry date: the filters degrade, especially in hot cars and bathrooms.
Bottom line
Choose SPF 30–50, PA+++ or higher, in a texture you like. Apply two finger-lengths and reapply when you’re outside. Product picks for different skin types are coming soon in our sunscreen roundups.
Frequently asked questions
Is SPF 50 much better than SPF 30?
Only slightly. In lab conditions SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB and SPF 50 about 98%. Applying enough sunscreen and reapplying it makes a much bigger difference than the gap between 30 and 50. If you burn easily or spend a lot of time outdoors, choose SPF 50.
Do I need sunscreen indoors?
If you sit near a window, yes. Ordinary window glass blocks most UVB but lets much of the UVA through, and UVA contributes to tanning, pigmentation and skin ageing. If you are in a room away from windows all day, it matters much less.
Is the SPF in my moisturiser or foundation enough?
Usually not on its own. The labelled SPF assumes a thick layer, about 2 mg per square centimetre, and most people apply far less moisturiser or foundation than that. Use a dedicated sunscreen as the last step of your skincare and put makeup on top.
Why does my sunscreen leave a white cast?
Mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) reflect visible light and can look white or grey on medium and deep skin tones. Tinted versions, or sunscreens using newer chemical filters, usually look invisible.
