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Sun protection isn’t just a cosmetic concern but it’s about long-term skin health
Indian skin, being its own unique melanin-rich structure, reacts differently to the seasons. And summer, with its humid stickiness, pollution, and long hours of sun exposure, tends to bring on both acne and dryness in the same skin type
In a country like India, where sunshine is abundant and temperatures remain high for most of the year, protecting the skin from sun damage is essential. Yet, many people still believe that Indian or darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. This myth continues to put millions at risk of various skin issues, from rashes and tanning to more serious problems like sun allergies and long-term damage.
Dr. Reshma T. Vishnani, Consultant Dermatologist, Trichologist and Aesthetic Dermatologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai shares all you need to know:
One of the most common sun-related skin problems is polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), which causes red, itchy rashes or light-colored patches on the face and other exposed areas. Some people develop hives and redness when they step into the sun, a condition called solar urticaria. Continuous exposure to the sun without protection can also cause dark patches on the face known as melasma, especially in women. In rare cases, it can lead to actinic keratosis rough, scaly patches that may turn cancerous over time. Even basic sunburns, if repeated over time, can damage the skin’s outer layer and lead to premature ageing.
India’s hot and humid climate makes skin issues worse. The intense heat increases sweating, which can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can flare up due to a mix of heat, dryness, or wrong skincare choices, like skipping moisturisers. Skin infections such as warts and cellulitis are also more common during the summer because bacteria thrive in sweaty conditions. And while skin cancer is less common in darker skin, it’s still possible, especially with long-term unprotected exposure to UV rays.
With global temperatures rising and urban areas experiencing extreme heatwaves, Indian skin is facing newer challenges that didn’t exist a few decades ago. Pollution, combined with UV radiation, can also increase oxidative stress on the skin, leading to dullness, pigmentation, and irritation.
Despite this, sun protection habits are still not a part of most people’s daily routine. A big reason is the misconception that sunscreen is only for fair skin or for holidays at the beach. People also wrongly assume that it’s not needed on cloudy days or that it prevents the body from absorbing vitamin D both of which are untrue. Even regular medicines like antibiotics, painkillers, and diuretics can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburns, if people aren’t informed. It’s not just adults — children too are at risk, and schools should consider including sun safety in their health education programmes.
To stay protected, it’s important to apply sunscreen daily ideally with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every few hours if you’re outdoors. Lightweight, non-greasy sunscreens are now easily available and affordable. Along with this, using protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses helps reduce the risk of damage. Choosing sunscreens with physical blockers like zinc oxide can be gentler for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Sun protection isn’t just a cosmetic concern but it’s about long-term skin health. Whether you’re a student, a construction worker, or someone with a skin condition, sunscreen should be as routine as brushing your teeth. By making small changes today, we can prevent serious skin problems tomorrow.
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