More Than SPF: Doctor Explains The Evolution Of Sunscreen In Skin Defence

For years, sunscreen was just another cosmetic step. People chose between SPF 15, 30, or 50, applied a layer, and assumed they were protected from the sun and its impact, especially during summer months. Then came the idea that sunscreens are needed in winter too. But skincare science has moved far ahead since: now sunscreen is not a basic film on the skin; it's a full defence system. Modern formulas shield against sunlight, against pollution, heat, and even the internal chemical reactions that speed up aging. Ultraviolet (UV) protection has now expanded into protection from almost everything the skin encounters.

But is this evolution of the sunscreen actually needed? Or is this just another fad? Here's what you need to know.

A Different Kind of Sun

The sun we grew up with feels the same, but science says otherwise. We now know that sunlight carries many kinds of rays. The harsh ones that burn, the invisible ones that age the skin, the blue light from screens that deepens pigment. Even heat can stress the skin and start an internal chain of damage. There is also a difference in the amount of sun rays reaching the Earth given the decrease in Ozone film of the atmosphere. The atmosphere filter has decreased over the decades.

People are paying more attention to what goes into their sunscreen now. It is not only about blocking sunlight anymore. The newer ones have small things added in, like antioxidants, peptides and ceramides, that quietly help the skin stay steady when you are outdoors. They don't just protect, they keep the skin from falling apart under the heat and pollution.

What People Actually Want

In India, most people don't pick sunscreen for the SPF number but buy what feels good. If it's sticky or leaves a white cast, people leave it back. The idea of reapplying every few hours sounds good in theory but doesn't fit into a real person's day. And multiple layering in the morning seems to be a task no one has time for.

So, the best innovation hasn't been a new filter; it's been the texture, coupled with actives. Lightweight creams, gels, sprays, and sticks that leave no white cast or pilling simply fit Indian weather and skin tones better.

Inside the Lab

Behind that simplicity is a lot of science. Sunscreen filters used to break down quickly once they faced sunlight. Newer formulations use encapsulation, basically tiny protective bubbles, to make them last longer. Some create invisible films that hold up through sweat and heat. The goal is durability without the heaviness of old formulas.

Formulators are also changing the way they look at sunscreen. With a rise in environmental consciousness, they now track how much of it gets absorbed by the environment and what it does to coral reefs when it washes off, when worn during underwater sports. Ingredients which were used earlier as a no-brainer are now being phased out because of these concerns. This has opened space for new chemistries that are safer for both people and the planet.

The Indian Reality

India receives strong sunlight for most of the year. There is also an excess of pollution and humidity in metro cities, which makes the impact of UV exposure worse, which is why local brands and research labs are working on filters that stay stable in high heat and moisture. Some are also adding barrier-repair elements that help skin recover from the effects of dust and UV at the same time.

The market, though, still sees sunscreen as an extra step. Price and texture matter more than scientific detail. To change that, companies will need to talk differently. They'll have to explain what sun damage actually means, why visible light matters, and how sunscreen fits into everyday life.

What Comes Next

The next wave of sunscreens will probably be smarter. Some will release more antioxidants when UV levels rise. Some might come in packaging that reminds you when to reapply. Others could blend with skincare completely, so you don't even notice you're using protection. For brands, the future will be about who can make sunscreen invisible yet effective.

(By Dr. Shalini Dubey, Medical Affairs Manager, Iberia Pharmaceuticals)

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