The SPF Number Game

Earlier this year, we saw a war between Lakme and Derma Co on SPF factors. Secondly, he accused the cosmetic giant of targeting advertising campaigns. In advertising, Lakme warned a specific label that exaggerated SPF value.
Environmental Working Group, in the last year’s guides in 2025, only 10 percent of the sunscreen examined SPF values are higher than 50, he said. A new finding made by the consumer defender group election revealed that several popular sunscreens in Australia could not provide sun protection on their labels.
In the midst of these cases, it is important that buyers know what they have obtained for their money. We want several dermatologists to decipher the SPF number game.
What does SPF numbers mean?
Dr s maduri, In Apollo hospitals, the consultant Dermatologist says: “SPF means sun protection factor and a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, and the SPF 30 blocks can make a great contribution to skin cancer. Sunscreen can prevent 100% of UV rays.”
Re -application is the key
A good sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect against premature aging, early aging, sunburn and long -term skin damage.
“India’s tropical climate, high UV index and long summer seasons, the sun protection, the necessary-ul-ul can penetrate the windows throughout the year, as well as cloudy days or even inside,” he adds.
How does SPF work?
“If your skin typically starts to burn without protecting in the sun after 10 minutes, theoretically applying the theoretically allows you to stay for about 300 minutes longer before the sun burns.
“SPF only measures UVB protection. For UVA (penetrating deeper and causing aging, tanning and long -term damage), you need a wide -spectrum sunscreen protecting both UVA and UVB rays,” he adds.
Arrangement
Are there regulatory organs in India to control the allegations made by solar cream companies?
Yeah, there’s one. Sun creams enter the cosmetic product category in India and are organized by the Central Medicine Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Dr. Divya SiddavaramSenior dermatologist in care hospitals. Dr Divya, who shouts light to other products that can protect from the sun, says: “SPF added SPF, moisturizers containing zinc oxide and lipbalm do help with SPF.
Harmful materials
Are there any harmful ingredients we need to be carefully in sunscreen? “Studies have shown that some components such as oxibenzone, avobenzone and octinoxat cause endocrine disruptive effects when absorbed into the body. It is believed that these compounds have delicious effects on coral reefs and sea life.
Guide for Indian skin and climate
SPF is recommended 30 or higher
Wide spectrum protection is a necessity
Water -resistant formulas are good for humid or sweatable conditions
Gel -based or matte surface sunscreen is usually better for oily or acne -prone indian skin.
Colorful sun creams can help to get better mixed with middle to dark skin tones and avoid white casting.
Sunscreen Guide
India’s tropical climate means UV exposure throughout the year. How to choose the right SPF is described below:
· SPF 30–50: Suitable for daily interior use or light exposure.
· SPF 50+: Recommended for long -term sun exposure during open -air activities, travel or beaches, walks or field work.
· In hot, humid areas, especially if you are sweating or wiping your face frequently, is critical of frequent re -application.
– As Dr S Madhuri said