
Best SPF 50 sunscreen to slay summer 2025: Top 10 non-sticky picks that protect your skin from UV rays
Using the best sunscreen in India can shield your skin from UV rays. A broad-spectrum, SPF 30 and water-resistant sunscreen can prevent sunburn, early skin ageing and skin cancer (American Academy of Dermatology Association).
Formulated for oily, acne-prone skin, this oil-free sunscreen offers SPF 50 PA++++ protection. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and zinc PCA to control oil. With its lightweight and non-comedogenic properties, this sunscreen blends effortlessly.
Controls oil while hydrating
Great for acne-prone skin
No irritation or white cast
Clinically tested
May not provide a dewy finish for dry skin
Might feel matte for those preferring glow
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 PA++++ | For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin | Lightweight Texture | No White Cast | UVA/UVB, Broad Spectrum Protection & Blue Light Protection | Non- Comedogenic | Clinically Tested - (In -Vivo) | Tan Protection | Photostable | For Men & Women | 50 g
Customers' reaction: Users found this best SPF 50 sunscreen calming, non-irritating, and ideal for daily wear, even around the eyes. Many call it a savior for sensitive skin.
Why choose: This best sunscreen is perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. It can offer reliable and irritation-free daily sun protection with added skincare benefits.
Packed with SPF 50 PA++++, this calming Mamaearth sunscreen is a savior for dry and sensitive skin. This best SPF 50 sunscreen contains chia seeds and ceramides, which help hydrate, soothe, and strengthen your skin barrier. Moreover, it is non-greasy, fragrance-free, Made Safe certified and leaves no white cast.
Great for dry/sensitive skin
Ceramide-rich barrier repair
Fragrance-free and lightweight
Not ideal for oily skin
Slightly pricey
Mamaearth Chia Calming Sunscreen with Chia Seed & Ceramides for Healthy Skin Barrier & Sun Protection - 50 g | SPF 50 PA++++ | For Dry & Sensitive Skin | For Hydrated Glow | UVA/ B Protection | Tan Protection | No White Cast | In-Vivo Tested
Customers' reaction: Customers loved the non-greasy texture, no white cast, and soothing effect of this best sunscreen for dry skin. Users found it more effective.
Why choose: This best SPF 50 sunscreen for women and men is perfect for those with dryness or sensitivity seeking broad sun protection with hydration and a clean, non-irritating formula.
A multitasking shield with SPF 50+ PA++++ and APF tech, this best SPF 50 sunscreen blocks UV rays, blue light, and pollution while delivering a hydrated, dewy glow. Enriched with vitamin C and papaya, it brightens your skin naturally. It is water-light, fragrance-free, and non-sticky, which makes it perfect for glowing on the go!
Protects against sun, pollution & blue light
Suitable for all skin types
Hydrating, lightweight texture
Some may find it too dewy
May not suit extremely oily skin in humid weather
Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ with Papaya & Vitamin C | Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ | UVA/B & Blue Light Protection | Anti-Pollution Factor (APF) Technology | Brightens Skin I Fragrance-Free & No White Cast | For Glowing & Sun Protected Skin - 50 g
Customers' reaction: Customers liked the absorption, glow, and suitability of this best SPF 50 sunscreen for oily skin. Many call it their new sunscreen staple.
Why choose: This best SPF 50 sunscreen for face is perfect for glow-getters who want protection plus brightening without clogging pores or leaving residue.
Say hello to radiant skin with this oil-free SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen powered by ceramides and vitamin C. It hydrates, brightens, and repairs your skin barrier while defending against UVA, UVB, blue light, and IR rays. Moreover, it is lightweight, water-resistant, and non-sticky.
Barrier-repairing and hydrating
Fragrance-free and water-resistant
May not be rich enough for very dry skin
Slightly higher price point
Dr. Sheths Ceramide & Vitamin C Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ | Clinically Tested- (In -Vivo) | For Healthy & Bright Skin | Lightweight & Non Greasy | For UVA/UVB & Blue Light & IR Protection | No white cast | For Oily Skin | For Men & Women | 50 g
Customers' reaction: Customers praise the non-sticky feel, brightening effects, and suitability of this best sunscreen for oily-sensitive skin.
Why choose: This best sunscreen for all skin types is great for urban lifestyles as it protects from multiple aggressors while keeping skin calm, clear, and glowing.
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This SPF 50+ sunscreen delivers instant brightness with zero white cast. Powered by kojic acid and blueberry, this best SPF 50 sunscreen evens skin tone while shielding against UVA/UVB and blue light. Its ultra-light texture and non-greasy finish make it a perfect everyday sunscreen.
Instant brightening with tone-up effect
Blue light & UV protection
Non-greasy and suits all skin types
Not fragrance-free (depending on sensitivity)
Instant glow may not appeal to all.
Aqualogica Bright+ Tone Up Sunscreen | Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ with Kojic Acid & Blueberry | UVA/B & Blue Light Protection | Instantly Brightens | Lightweight, Non-Greasy, No White Cast | All Skin Types | Fragrance-Free | 50g
Customers' reaction: Customers loved the skin-brightening effect, non-greasy texture, and pretty packaging of this best SPF 50 sunscreen.
Why choose: This sunscreen is ideal for those seeking instant radiance and sun protection with a filter-like finish, great for on-camera or outdoor days.
This lightweight, gel-based SPF 50+ sunscreen is designed for oily, combination, and normal skin. It offers broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast. Packed with UV filters like Benzophenone-3 and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, this SPF 50 sunscreen guards against sun damage while feeling invisible on the skin.
Non-sticky
No white cast
8-hour protection
Free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and cruelty
Some may find the texture too thin for dry skin.
Deconstruct Face Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 + and PA+++ | Gel based sunscreen for oily, combination skin, normal skin | Broad spectrum sunscreen, No White Cast, Lightweight - 50g
Customers' reaction: Customers loved this best SPF 50 sunscreen for being oil-free and effective on oily skin. Users saw visible results over the months.
Why choose: Customers loved the long-lasting matte protection without any ghostly residue.
Clinically tested in the US, this lightweight sunscreen blends smoothly. This best SPF 50 sunscreen contains 4 potent UV filters and multi-vitamins (A, B3, B5, E, F), to shield and nourish your skin. Moreover, it does not leave any white cast, is non-greasy, and is great under makeup.
Vitamin-rich
Lightweight
Non-greasy
May leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones.
Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ | Clinically Tested in US (In-Vivo) | Lightweight Cream with Multi-Vitamins | No White Cast | Broad Spectrum Niacinamide Sunscreen For Oily Skin, Dry Skin | For Women & Men | 50g (Pack of 1)
Customers' reaction: Users praised the brightening effect and ease of application of this best SPF 50 sunscreen. Some noted a minor white cast.
Why choose: This best sunscreen is perfect for every day, a multi-vitamin shield that doubles as skincare.
Foxtale SPF 50 Vitamin C Glow Sunscreen with PA++++ offers maximum sun protection while brightening your skin. Infused with vitamin C and niacinamide, this SPF 50 sunscreen helps reduce pigmentation and gives a radiant glow. This lightweight sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast, and offers a non-greasy finish.
High SPF 50
No white cast
Smooth texture
Non-greasy
May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin to Vitamin C
Higher price point compared to some budget-friendly options
Foxtale SPF 50 Vitamin C Glow Sunscreen with PA++++ & Niacinamide | Lightweight | Fast Absorbing | UVA and UVB Filters | Prevents Tanning | No White Cast | Non-Greasy | For Men & Women | All Skin Types | 50 Ml
Customers' reaction: Users love its lightweight, non-greasy formula that provides a glowing finish without leaving a white cast.
Why choose: Foxtale SPF 50 combines superior sun protection with skincare benefits. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and has no white-cast formula, perfect for daily use.
ALSO READ: Protect your skin from sun damage! Best sunscreens for summer for all skin types
Packed with Fernblock technology and antioxidants, this high-performance sunscreen delivers 360° protection—UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution included. This best SPF 50 sunscreen is ideal for acne-prone skin as it is oil-free and promotes cellular repair while preventing pigmentation, dullness, and photodamage.
Broad protection
Antioxidant-rich
Boosts skin's immunity
May feel sticky for oily or acne-prone users.
Customers' reaction: This sunscreen has mixed reviews. While some appreciate its coverage, others find it oily.
Why choose: This best SPF 50 sunscreen is perfect for those needing full-spectrum skin defense and anti-pollution action.
Get sun protection and deep hydration with Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Fluid, a fragrance-free sunscreen. This best SPF 50 sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to shield your skin from UVA, UVB, and even long UVA rays. The watery, non-greasy texture absorbs fast and layers beautifully under makeup, making it perfect for oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
High SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection
Lightweight, zero white cast, fragrance-free
Great for oily, sensitive & combination skin
Small 50ml size may run out quickly
Runny texture may not appeal to all
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ | Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide | UVA, UVB and Long UVA protection | Oily & Sensitive Skin | Non Greasy & No White Cast | Hydrating Fluid | 50ml
Customers' reactions: Users love the silky and non-oily feel of this best SPF 50 sunscreen and how it hydrates without heaviness.
Why choose: If you are tired of sunscreens that clog pores or feel like a layer of film, this sunscreen can be your ultimate option. It is dermatologist-tested, hydrating, and refreshingly weightless.
Best SPF 50 sunscreen
Key ingredients
Unique benefits
Added features
1. Blocks up to 98% of UVB Rays: SPF 50 filters out approximately 98% of harmful UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer over time.
3. Reduces risk of skin cancer: Consistent use of high SPF sunscreen significantly lowers the risk of developing skin cancers. It can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and lower your melanoma risk by 50% (Skin Cancer Foundation).
4. Protects against sun-induced skin damage: The best sunscreen acts as a barrier against sun-induced redness, inflammation, and DNA damage, helping to keep your skin healthier in the long term.
5. Supports even skin tone: Regular use of SPF 50 sunscreen can prevent tanning, dark patches, and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure, promoting a clearer and brighter complexion.
ALSO READ: Best hyaluronic acid serum: 10 top picks for deep hydration and glowing skin
When choosing the best SPF 50 sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB), SPF 30 or higher, and PA+++ or more for strong UVA defense. Opt for a formulation that suits your skin type, like gel or water-based for oily skin, or cream-based for dry skin. Ensure it is non-comedogenic and give preference to fragrance-free formulas if you have sensitive skin. Moreover, look for skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid for added hydration and nourishment. Always patch tests before full application for best results.
Your ultimate sunscreen guide: Dermatologist's tips on SPF, PA Ratings and how to apply
Get summer ready: Up to 40% off on Minimalist, Dot & Key and more face glow serums from Amazon's 'Next Gen' Sale
Regular sunscreens not working? Here's why gel sunscreens are better + 7 best options
No! Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays still penetrate clouds (American Academy of Dermatology Association). Always apply sunscreen, even on overcast or rainy days.
Follow two-finger formulas when applying sunscreen to keep your skin protected. Don't forget to reapply it every 2 hours.
Not exactly. SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 25 blocks 96%. Higher SPF offers slightly better protection.
Yes! Apply sunscreen as the last skincare step. Allow it to absorb fully before applying makeup for proper protection and smooth application.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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India.com
10-08-2025
- India.com
Best SPF 50 Sunscreens for Glowing Skin: Lightweight, No White Cast & On Sale
Not only does it protect against the sun, but a good sunscreen also guards against dark spots, tanning, and dullness in your everyday life. As the Amazon Great Freedom Festive Sale has been live since 31st July 2025, it is best to buy non-greasy, light UV protective suns that will be suitable for Indian skin. Not only do they all have a broad spectrum SPF 50, but they also brighten, hydrate, and boost sun protection, and never turn white. Take a look at our favourites below! 1. Dr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ Image Source- Order Now The SPF 50+ sunscreen by Dr. Sheth has the benefit of brightening with the Vitamin C formula as well as nourishing and barrier-strengthening ceramides to provide you with a healthy resting glow. Suitable for any skin type. Key Features: SPF 50+ PA+++ broad spectrum Brightens skin with Vitamin C Lightweight and non-greasy No white cast Unisex & suitable for all skin types Protects from blue light May feel slightly sticky if layered under heavy moisturiser. 2. Foxtale Vitamin C Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ Image Source- Order Now Glow Sunscreen, produced by Foxtale, is ideal to use on a day-to-day basis because the product goes on quickly, feels weightless, and does not cause tanning. With Niacinamide alongside Vitamin C, this sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ is used to brighten the skin and suppress the signs of oiliness. Key Features: SPF 50 with PA++++ protection Prevents tanning & dullness No white cast Non-greasy texture Safe for all skin types Designed for both men & women Might not control sweat well during very humid days. 3. The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ Image Source- Order Now Aqua Gel sunscreen made by the Derma Co. is the favourite sunscreen among the oily and acne-prone skin types. It is super light, it is fast-absorbing, and gives both blue light and broad-spectrum protection without clogging. It nourishes deep and moisturizes your skin as well as helping to guard your skin against sun damage too, with 1% Hyaluronic Acid. Key Features: SPF 50 PA++++ broad spectrum Contains 1% Hyaluronic Acid Blue light protection No white cast Best for oily and acne-prone skin Suitable for both men & women It may not offer enough moisturization for very dry skin. 4. Hyphen All I Need Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ Image Source- Order Now All I Need sunscreen has an efficient formula that is a brightening and a protective tool, and it is called hyphen. Rich in Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Kojic acid, and Kakadu Plum, this product not only protects your skin against the UVA/UVB rays, but it also lightens dark spots. Key Features: SPF 50 PA++++ sun protection Vitamin C-rich Kakadu Plum Lightweight & quick-absorbing Non-greasy texture Zero white cast Ideal for all skin types A slightly higher fragrance level may not suit sensitive noses. Getting the best sunscreen can reinvent your skin care routine, a nd these SPF 50 products do just that. Be it the skin-healing effects of Dr. Sheth Ceramide formulae or the lightening effects of Vitamin C sunscreen by Foxtale, these will not only provide you with the full-spectrum coverage but also without the heaviness and white cast that conventional sunscreen offers. Aqua Gel by Derma Co. is one of the saviors of oily skin, whereas Hyphen multi-active water, in particular, is ideal to beat dullness. With the Amazon Great Freedom Festive Sale going live on 31st July 2025 n now is the time to stock up and save. Protect your skin, keep it vibrant and healthy- each and every day. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.


Economic Times
07-08-2025
- Economic Times
Biohacker Bryan Johnson sounds alarm on UV rays: 'Sun can damage skin indoors too'; shares protection protocol for youthful skin
Synopsis Bryan Johnson, known for his anti-aging pursuits, is now cautioning about the dangers of indoor sun exposure. He highlights that UV rays can penetrate windows and harm skin even on cloudy days. Johnson advises monitoring UV levels, using UV-tinted windows, and limiting sun exposure to protect against premature aging and skin damage, urging a reevaluation of sun safety measures. Agencies Bryan Johnson warns about indoor sun damage. He shares his UV protection routine. UVA and UVB rays cause aging and skin cancer. Glass windows offer limited protection. Indoor exposure contributes to cumulative sun damage. Johnson uses UV-tinted windows and umbrellas. On a cloudy day or even behind glass walls, most of us assume we're safe from the sun's wrath. But tech entrepreneur and biohacking icon Bryan Johnson has a different take. Known for his ambitious anti-aging experiment Blueprint and extreme longevity routines—from plasma transfusions to methylene blue therapy—Johnson is now raising an alarm on a less headline-grabbing but deeply pervasive issue: sun damage to X (formerly Twitter), Johnson cautioned that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can harm your skin even on overcast days or through windows. 'The sun can damage your skin even on cloudy days and indoors through windows,' he wrote, before sharing his own daily protocol to minimize exposure.'Check UV levels before exposing your skin,' he advised in a recent post. 0–2: safe 3–5: protect your skin and limit exposure 6+: best to protect or avoid His routine includes: Sunlight only before 10am and after 4pm UV-tinted windows that block 99% of rays A UV umbrella during high UV periods — bryan_johnson (@bryan_johnson) Johnson, 47, is no stranger to extreme wellness routines. He reportedly spends over $2 million annually on reversing aging, tracking every molecule in his body in hopes of slowing down time. Recently, he made headlines after revealing his urine turned blue from ingesting methylene blue, a compound believed by some in the biohacking community to boost mitochondrial function and cognitive health. But his warning about UV exposure marks a pivot from complex internal therapies to simple, surface-level protection—a reminder that even basic environmental exposures can accelerate to Johns Hopkins Medicine, UVA and UVB rays from the sun are responsible for premature aging, skin cancer, and eye damage. Even common household light bulbs, tanning beds, and nail dryers emit UV radiation. While UVC rays are filtered by the Earth's atmosphere, the remaining UV spectrum still packs a punch.'Melanin offers limited protection,' an article on Johns Hopkins notes. 'When the amount of UV rays exceeds the skin's natural defenses, sunburn and long-term damage occur—even indoors.'So why is this revelation significant? Most people don't wear sunscreen inside their homes or offices, let alone think twice about sitting by a sunny window. But the Cleveland Clinic confirms that UV rays can penetrate standard glass, causing elastin breakdown, which leads to sagging, wrinkling, and even actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition. Moreover, frequent indoor exposure still contributes to cumulative sun damage, which, over time, increases the risk of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Those with lighter skin, freckles, and red or blond hair are at higher risk, but no skin tone is more alarming, prolonged UV exposure can lead to vision problems like cataracts, something often overlooked in daily indoor emphasis on UV-index monitoring and structural interventions like tinted windows shows how technology can work alongside biology to reduce harm. While most of his biohacks, from IHHT (Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training) to gene expression tracking, seem far removed from everyday life, this particular protocol is surprisingly practical and warning may sound extreme, but data backs his claims. According to the FDA and the Cleveland Clinic, UV exposure, even when indirect, affects your skin's DNA, potentially triggering uncontrolled cell growth—a.k.a. cancer. What's worse, sun damage is often invisible until it's too late.'Skin damage doesn't show when you're young,' the Cleveland Clinic warns. 'It appears later in life—and by then, prevention is no longer an option, only correction.'Whether you see Bryan Johnson as a visionary or a walking science experiment, his protocols open up a larger public health conversation. Are we too casual about sun exposure? Are we unknowingly speeding up the very aging process we spend fortunes trying to reverse?As Johnson himself puts it, it's not just about living longer—it's about living next time you skip sunscreen on a cloudy day or soak up filtered rays behind a windowpane, consider this: your skin still sees the sun, even when you don't. And if the world's most extreme anti-ager is hiding from indoor UV rays, maybe it's time to rethink what 'sun safety' really means.


News18
04-08-2025
- News18
Why Indians Still Don't Take Sunscreen Seriously—Despite the Science
A well-formulated sunscreen should include both physical and chemical blockers—ingredients that protect against UVA, UVB, High Energy Visible Light, and blue light that damage skin In India, the average skincare routine may include a moisturiser, a face wash, and maybe a serum. But sunscreen? For most Indians, sunscreen remains a cosmetic add-on, something associated with beach vacations or hot summers—not a daily health essential. This mindset needs urgent change, because science tells a different story. Studies and dermatologists advocate that sunscreen isn't cosmetic—it's preventive care. Multiple rigorous scientific studies have established that regular sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer and premature skin ageing. What Does Data Tell Us? The landmark Nambour trial in Australia, one of the largest and longest-running randomised controlled trials on this subject, demonstrated that daily sunscreen use resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in squamous cell carcinoma and, more strikingly, a 73 per cent reduction in invasive melanoma over long-term follow-up. Another systematic review published in 2024 reaffirms these findings, showing strong evidence for sunscreen's role in reducing the risk of both melanoma and actinic keratoses (precancerous skin lesions). And it's not just about cancer—daily application also significantly slows visible photoaging, as proven in a nested Nambour trial that found 24 per cent less skin ageing among sunscreen users. In Canada, more than 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Because exposure to ultraviolet radiation is estimated to be associated with 80–90 per cent of skin cancers, the use of sunscreen — which blocks ultraviolet radiation — is promoted as an important means of preventing skin cancers as well as sunburn and skin photoaging. 'Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is directly harmful and has been associated with the development of skin cancers, which are common in Canada. High-quality evidence has shown that sunscreen reduces the risk of developing both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer," said the Canadian study titled The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. Yet here in India, sunscreen is still misunderstood, underused, and often skipped altogether. While we can argue that people with brown or dark skin have a lower rate of skin cancer, experts believe that when they do get it, it's often diagnosed late and at a more aggressive stage. What Is Sunscreen Lotion & How To Apply It? According to Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a popular dermatologist based in South Delhi, there's a growing trend where women and girls are heavily influenced by social media beauty content. 'Many now follow the advice of influencers when choosing skincare products, particularly sunscreens. Expensive international products—especially Korean skincare brands—are highly coveted, and many consumers judge them by price or packaging rather than clinical relevance." One of the most common misconceptions is that the higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the better the protection. But this is not entirely correct. SPF primarily measures protection against UVB rays, not UVA or other forms of light damage. Beyond SPF, what really matters is whether the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. 'A well-formulated sunscreen should include both physical and chemical blockers—ingredients that protect against UVA, UVB, High Energy Visible Light (HEVL), and blue light. These four components of solar radiation are all capable of damaging the skin, each in a slightly different way," Bhardwaj explained. UVA rays penetrate deeply and are mainly responsible for skin ageing and long-term cellular damage, whereas UVB rays affect the surface layers of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn and direct DNA mutations leading to skin cancer. HEVL, the visible portion of sunlight, is increasingly recognised for contributing to pigmentation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Also, blue light, emitted from device screens and LED lighting, may accelerate ageing and hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Most people don't realise that the sunlight spectrum includes more than just ultraviolet rays. It consists of UV light, visible light (including HEVL), and infrared light—all of which can impact skin health. 'For Indian skin, an SPF of 25 or above is typically sufficient, provided the sunscreen has broad-spectrum coverage. Application technique matters just as much as the product itself," Bhardwaj said while explaining how to apply. One simple way to measure the right amount is the 'finger rule": one finger has three phalanges (boxes), so applying one and a half fingers' worth of sunscreen is a good guide for the face and neck. 'It's crucial to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and to reapply every three hours for continued protection—especially if you're sweating, in sunlight, or near windows." Myths That Stop Indians From Using Sunscreen According to Dr Anil KV Minz, senior consultant-dermatology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, misinformation and lack of awareness continue to fuel poor sunscreen habits. 'Generally, I get to hear from patients that they are not in the sun, it's not summer, or they've read online that sunscreen causes cancer. All of these are misconceptions. Even indoors, we are exposed to UV light through windows and LED screens. Sunscreens have been used for decades by millions without a proven increase in cancer. The formulations have also advanced dramatically—gels, sprays, powders, and creams now cater to nearly every skin type and lifestyle." Also, Indians have long harboured the myth that sunscreen is only important for women, not men. 'There's a deeply ingrained belief that skincare, especially sun protection, is a feminine concern," Bhardwaj said. 'In my 15 years of experience, I have seen how many in India assume that people who apply sunscreen are doing so to become fairer, not to protect their skin. This perception is especially common among men, who often dismiss sunscreen as unnecessary or even un-masculine." According to a review published in the Journal of Integrative Dermatology in 2024, 'while sunscreen is well-established to prevent skin cancer, public use and adherence remain low. Studies show 14.3 per cent of men and 29.9 per cent of women regularly use sunscreen on both their face and exposed areas". top videos View all What Needs to Change Sunscreen should be framed like brushing your teeth or wearing a seatbelt—non-negotiable daily habits that prevent long-term harm. It's time to move beyond anecdotal beliefs and follow the evidence. For a country exposed to harsh sunlight year-round, the science is clear: sunscreen is not a luxury—it's protection against ageing, pigmentation, even-toned skin and cancer. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : health matters news18 specials skin cancer Sun exposure uva view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 04, 2025, 12:06 IST News india Why Indians Still Don't Take Sunscreen Seriously—Despite the Science Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.