Ditching sunscreen? Here's how it may help protect you from skin cancer

The antisunscreen movement has reached a crescendo on social media with many celebrities and skinfluencers claiming to have either given up on sunscreen altogether or switching to a dubious lsquonaturalrsquo alternative If that sounds too ludicrous to be true consider a 2024 study by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute which found that nearly 14 percent of adult respondents under 35 years of age believe that wearing sunscreen every day is more harmful than direct sun exposureGordon Ramsay after his basal cell carcinoma removal surgery PIC COURTESYENTERTAINMENT TONIGHTEven as SPF deniers cry themselves hoarse about developing lsquosun resistancersquo celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has come clean about having surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from his jawline mdash unsurprisingly one of the primary causes of this condition is chronic sun exposure The 58yearold went on to reiterate the importance of wearing sunscreen prompting us to ask skincare experts most people get wrong about sun protectionThe facts of the matterldquoIndiarsquos tropical location ensures that wersquore exposed to strong UV radiation throughout the year These UV rays can harm your skin and lead to premature aging dark spots and ultimately skin cancers too Sunscreen acts as a shield guarding your skin against both UVA and UVB rays Itrsquos like having daily skin insurancerdquo says Dr Shweta Nakhawa consultant dermatologist at KIMS Hospitals Thane She recommends picking products that offer lsquobroad spectrumrsquo protection so that your skin is protected from both UVA and UVB raysApply a layer of sunscreen every two to three hours when outdoorsldquoFor Indian skin an SPF of 30ndash50 is sufficient for regular usage Individuals with oily or acneprone skin should choose gelbased or matte sunscreens while individuals with dry skin can use creamier sunscreens Waterresistant sunscreens come in handy if you tend to sweat a lot or are outside most of the timerdquo she addsDr Renuka Nalawade Rajale a consultant dermatologist cosmetologist and founder of My Dermat Clinic adds that a common misconception is that darker skin tones donrsquot need sunscreen ldquoEveryone needs protection against UV rays The correct sunscreen does not only prevent tanning and premature ageing but also reduces risk of skin cancer Think of it as your daily shield against an invisible but very real threatrdquoApplication mattersDr Shweta Nakhawa and Dr Renuka Nalawade RajaleDr Rajale emphasises the importance of wearing enough sunscreen on all parts of the body that are exposed to the sun including your face neck arms and even your ears Itrsquos also crucial to reapply sunscreen frequently mdash she recommends adding a fresh layer every two or three hours if yoursquore indoors and after shorter durations if you are outdoors ldquoRubbing sunscreen into your skin doesnrsquot help Aim to pat it on lightly to create a protective coatingrdquo she says Dr Nakhawa highlights wearing sunscreen 20 minutes before going out ldquoUse roughly half a teaspoon of product for your face and neck combined Sunscreen is a must even on cloudy days Even if the sun isnrsquot bright UV rays penetrate the atmosphere and your skin making protection a mustrdquo she signs offScreen or blockMost brands offer either physical or chemical sunscreens which are differentiated by how they block rays Physical or mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier while chemical sunscreens absorb and scatter the spectrum Each type comes with its pros and cons ndash while physical sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin they can be heavier and can leave a whitish residue These formulae must also be reapplied more frequently and can be difficult to blend into your skin If picking a physical sunscreen look for matte or tinted formulations for a more seamless finish