When we talk about skincare, one product that deserves daily attention—regardless of season—is sunscreen. According to Dr. Sindhuri Reddy, applying sunscreen is not just a beauty habit; it’s a vital step in protecting your skin from serious damage caused by harmful UV radiation.

Why Sunscreen? The Power of Protection

Sunscreens protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to:

• Sunburn
• Skin and lip damage
• Freckling and discolouration
• Premature skin ageing
• Skin cancer
• Photosensitive skin conditions like phototoxicity, photoallergy, and photoaggravated dermatoses

How Light Affects the Skin

UV rays can penetrate deeply depending on their type:

UVA, Visible Light (VL), and Infrared (IR) reach the deeper subcutaneous layers.

UVB rays are mostly absorbed in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, but still affect the upper dermis. This is why broad-spectrum sunscreen—protecting against both UVA and UVB—is a must

Understanding SPF & Ideal Sunscreen Use

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well your sunscreen protects against UVB rays.
• SPF 50 provides protection from 50 times more UVB radiation than unprotected skin.
• Choose broad-spectrum products for full UVA & UVB protection. Water-resistant formulas remain effective for 40–80 minutes during water exposure or heavy sweating

Application Tips for Maximum Protection

• Apply sunscreen 15-30 mins before sun.
• Focus on 10 AM – 4 PM peak hours.
• Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
• Use 30g (1 oz) for body.
• Use 3-5g for face & neck.
• Follow 2mg/cm² rule OR teaspoon method.
• Wear tightly woven clothes.
• Use wide-brimmed hats.
• Wear sunglasses.
• Use an umbrella for extra protection.

When to Avoid Sunscreen

• Avoid sunscreen if allergic to its ingredients.
• No sunscreen for infants under 6 months.
• For babies under 2 years, use only inorganic UV filters (zinc oxide) on exposed skin.

Possible Side Effects & Ingredients to Know

Sunscreen generally safe, but some may experience:

• Skin irritation/contact dermatitis.
• Acne flare-ups.
• Rare systemic absorption (oxybenzone, avobenzone – high doses, potential hormonal effects). Choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) – generally safe & effective

FDA Guidelines & Recommendations

• SPF 15+ meets broad-spectrum criteria
• Maximum SPF value labelling at SPF 60+
• Special testing for spray formulations due to inhalation risks

What Makes an Ideal Sunscreen?

• SPF 15–50+
• Broad-spectrum coverage
• Water resistance
• Appropriate formulation (lotions, creams, sticks)
• Safe, tested active ingredients applied in adequate amounts

Conclusion: Make Sunscreen Your Daily Habit

Daily sun protection is one of the most effective anti-aging and skin cancer prevention steps you can take. Choose the right sunscreen, apply it properly, and use it consistently—because your skin’s health is worth it.

Need help choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type? Book a consultation with Dr. Sindhuri Reddy at Eternoderm – Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad.