Is Sunscreen Really Necessary?

November 15, 2019 by Dr. Taruna Yadav

Is Sunscreen Really Necessary?

For many years now, sunscreen lotions have been considered as an optional step to one’s skincare routine. Many consider it a vacation essential and not a must-have in their everyday skincare regime, while others tend to skip it entirely.

The question we need to ask ourselves is that will the bottle of sunscreen hidden in the back of the closet, jumbled with swimsuits and towels, only see the light of day when it’s time to hit the beach? Absolutely not! Applying sunscreen lotion is as important as applying a moisturizer and lip balm, to avoid sun damage and becoming prone to pigmentation, uneven skin tone or even skin cancer. Scroll down to know more and uncover myths on sunscreen lotions.

When Should You Apply Sunscreen & How Often Do You Need to Reapply It?

Wearing sunscreen lotion daily, on your face and any part of the body that may be exposed to the sun is extremely important. While staying out of the sun may seem like the best option to avoid sun damage, many forget that the skin is prone to sun damage indoors as well as in every season, even in monsoon and winter! If you sit next to a window at work or drive a lot, soon you will start noticing a visible difference on the skin that is perpetually exposed to the harsh rays of the sun.

To avoid the same, apply a layer of sunscreen lotion on your face, neck, ears, hands, and arms (depending upon your sleeve length), at least 20 minutes before stepping out. Reapply after a few hours if you are outdoors and use a sunscreen lotion with more than SPF 15. Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized before applying the sunscreen lotion.

sunscreen lotions

What Is SPF in Sunscreen Lotion?

The sun emits two types of potentially harmful ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. These make the skin prone to acute sunburn and skin cancer. The Sun Protection Factor or SPF present in sunscreen lotions indicates the level of protection it lends to the skin. The higher the SPF, the better it is for the skin. Research shows that a sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or above with other measures, such as wearing a hat and gloves, is ideal to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Low protection: Below SPF 15

Medium protection: Between SPF 15 to 29

High protection: Between SPF 30 to 50

Very high protection: Over SPF 50

We suggest the Forest Essentials Everyday Sun Protection Fluid with SPF 50|PA++ that protects the skin for up to 4-6 hours, without leaving any white residue or sheen on the skin.

What Is PA ++ In Sunscreen Lotion?

‘PA’ on the labels of your sunscreen lotion simply means Protection Grade of UVA rays, used to measure its SPF. This Japanese measurement ranking is now extensively used and based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) reaction reading within 2-4 hours of sun exposure. The protective grade of sunscreen is often leveled as PA+, PA++, PA+++. The more plus signs, the more protection the sunscreen lotion lends to the skin from UVA rays.

Forest Essentials Sun Fluid sunscreen lotion

Can SPF 50 Be Used On the Skin Every Day?

An SPF of 30 to 50 can be applied every day and will keep you protected from sun damage for long hours. However, there are many sunscreen lotions available in the market that promise a high SPF but with added chemicals and synthetics. These can increase the risk of skin cancer in the long run. What sets the Forest Essentials Sun Fluid sunscreen lotion apart from the regular sunscreen lotions is its active Ayurvedic ingredients such as Yashad Bhasma (Zinc Oxide), for natural sun protection, tender Coconut Water, Basil Leaves, naturally derived Hyaluronic Acid, Liquorice and more.

These are the most organic form of sun care available in nature and do not make the skin feel greasy. For best results, apply the Sun Fluid daily, as the last step of your skincare routine, 20 minutes before sun exposure. Blend a few drops over the entire face including the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and the nape of the neck. If you are stepping out with makeup, use the Sun Fluid over your moisturizer and before the foundation/concealer. This Ayurvedic Sunscreen has a light, delicate texture with SPF 50|PA++ that evenly distributes a thin veil of luminosity over the skin.

What Kind of Sunscreen Is the Best?

Sunscreen lotions should be chosen according to their SPF and one’s skin type. If you have oily skin, gel-based sunscreen would help control sebum production and protect the skin from sun damage. If you have dry or combination skin, a light-textured sun protection sunscreen will be ideal to avoid sunburns. The Everyday Sun Protection Fluid is ideal for all skin types since it includes the most natural form of sun care and does not leave a white cast as it is not dense in texture.

SUN FLUID Tender Coconut Water with Turmeric & Basil Leaf SPF 50|PA + +

What Makes Our Sun Protection Different?

Suncare by Forest Essentials is different from its counterparts available in the market as it is light on the skin and does not leave a white cast. Not only our Sun Fluid but also our selection of moisturizers is infused with the prowess of Yashad Bhasma (Zinc Oxide) and has SPF 25. These are non-greasy, easy to apply and get absorbed by the skin, within a minute. May we suggest applying the award-winning and bestselling Soundarya Radiance Cream with SPF 25 and 24K Gold – a rich, nourishing cream that lends a healthy glow whilst protecting the skin from sun damage.

Our Light Day Lotions, which come in different variants: Madurai Jasmine & Mogra, Indian Rose & Marigold, Lavender & Neroli, lend a delicate, natural fragrance to the skin and also protect it with SPF 25. These can be applied in all seasons and can be reapplied throughout the day, on clean skin.

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Taruna Yadav Senior Ayurveda Doctor

Dr. Taruna Yadav is a Senior Ayurveda Doctor, Author, Speaker, and Certified Stress and Lifestyle Management Consultant who has been working in the area Preventive and Holistic Health for more than a decade.She started her career as an Ayurvedic Doctor in 2007 and took up Nutrition and Wellness along the way to help people achieve Optimum Physical Health. She also has a specialization in Mental Health Specialisation and is a Member of the International Stress Management Association, UK. She strongly believes that proper nutrition, natural remedies and Ayurvedic therapies can help ensure a healthy mind and body. At Forest Essentials, Dr. Taruna represents the expertise on Ayurveda, Nutrition, and Stress Management.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.