Sunscreen is the new serum: Here's why it’s non-negotiable
Charu Sharma | Jul 17, 2025, 23:01 IST
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Highlight of the story: In today's world , sunscreen is no longer just a skincare add-on , it’s the building block of any beauty routine. The rising public understanding about UV and blue light damage and inclusive formulations and premature aging has transformed SPF into a must-have product. Sunscreen stands equal to serums in importance because it provides screen protection along with anti-aging benefits and full-body coverage. The article examines why SPF remains essential in today's world while analyzing its impact on Indian skincare practices for all age groups and genders.
From dermatologists to influencers, beauty editors to Gen Z skincare enthusiasts-everyone is just saying the same thing: "If you're using actives, spending money on serums, or simply just living under the sun, you have to wear sunscreen." This transformation is not a trend but a revolutionary shift in the skin care domain. SPF has become as a crucial part of life as brushing your teeth. As more and more people become aware of UV damage, blue light exposure, premature aging, and skin cancers, individuals are finally learning the importance of everyday sun protection.
Think of using lots and lots of cash on skin care items like retinol or vitamin C-then losing all that effect because you didn't use sunscreen. That's not really taking care of your skin. It's just hoping. Sunscreen keeps your skin safe and helps all other products work their best. UV rays harm skin cells and ruin collagen, make dark spots worse, and slow down skin fixing. So, if you use age-fighting items often but skip on SPF, your skin is still at risk.
Some tips:
~ Choose broad spectrum SPF 50+ with PA++++ for Indian weather.
~ Look for added benefits such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants or niacinamide.
Blue light isn’t just only from the sun. Our phones, laptops, and tablets-these all give off HEV (High Energy Visible) light, which goes deeper than UVB rays. Tests have shown that blue light can lead to dark spots, cell harm, and mess up your skin's fix time. And in a world after the pandemic, where working from home and loving screens is common, it is key to guard against this digital harm.
Some tips:
~ Buy sunscreens that come with HEV and infrared protection.
~ Tinted mineral sunscreens and hybrid formulas also help protect skin even indoors.
We keep talking about retinol and things to make skin tight and anti-aging but SPF was the first real anti-aging thing. Sun rays make aging fast , they cause small lines, no glow, and skin that sags. And once the harm starts, it’s quiet tough to fix. Stopping the damage is cheaper (and wiser) than fixing it. In 2025, folks won't wait till they're 30 to think about lines. Gen Z starts using SPF at 15, and caring about aging now starts in high school or in early uni life.
Some tips:
~ Look for sunscreens rich in peptides if you’re 30+.
~ For teens, light weight , gel based sunscreens are effective.
Sunscreen in India used to be oily, leave white marks, and made you feel sticky. But that's not the case now. The 2025 SPF range is wide, for all, and made for Indian skin. Beauty folks and influencers in India pushed for good mixes. With their help, SPF now is more like care for your skin, not a chore. And it's not just for women now-men, kids, sports people, hijabis , everyone has a sunscreen.
Brands are now coming up with:
~ Invisible gel textures (No white cast)
~ Tinted SPF's that matches dusky skin tones
~ Matte finish formulas for oily skin
~ Acne-free options
SPF is no longer just for the face. By 2025, folks are putting sunscreen on their neck, ears, hands, and even feet and legs. Why? As skin cancer and dark spots can hit any part of the body. Also, more and more, we see neck lines age quicker than faces, or spots on hands showing how old one is. This all-around SPF way is a piece of a big skin-first life in India, shaped by Korean habits and Western skin care ways.
Brands are now coming up with :
~ Body mists with SPF for easy application.
~ SPF-infused makeup , hand creams, lip balms, and setting sprays.
~ Even SPF powders and sticks for mid-day touch ups.
So in the end
The beauty world keeps changing with new fancy parts and big trends-yet, sunscreen stays the key hero, the top need in all skin care ways. It's not only for skin that glows, it's for skin that's well. It's about taking care of your future look. As beauty grows smarter, more open, and more ahead-thinking-SPF isn't a choice now. It's your day-to-day shield, the core of your skincare, your true bet.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) :
Do I need sunscreen during monsoon or cloudy days?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds, so SPF is essential even when it’s not sunny.What’s the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?
SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks ~98%—but higher SPF doesn’t mean you apply it less often.Can I apply sunscreen over makeup without ruining it?
Yes. Use SPF setting sprays or powder sunscreens for easy, mess-free reapplication.
1. The skincare foundation: SPF is the first line of defense
Sunscreen
( Image credit : Freepik )
Think of using lots and lots of cash on skin care items like retinol or vitamin C-then losing all that effect because you didn't use sunscreen. That's not really taking care of your skin. It's just hoping. Sunscreen keeps your skin safe and helps all other products work their best. UV rays harm skin cells and ruin collagen, make dark spots worse, and slow down skin fixing. So, if you use age-fighting items often but skip on SPF, your skin is still at risk.
Some tips:
~ Choose broad spectrum SPF 50+ with PA++++ for Indian weather.
~ Look for added benefits such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants or niacinamide.
2. Not just sun, but screen: The digital UV dilemma
Woman working on laptop
( Image credit : Pexels )
Blue light isn’t just only from the sun. Our phones, laptops, and tablets-these all give off HEV (High Energy Visible) light, which goes deeper than UVB rays. Tests have shown that blue light can lead to dark spots, cell harm, and mess up your skin's fix time. And in a world after the pandemic, where working from home and loving screens is common, it is key to guard against this digital harm.
Some tips:
~ Buy sunscreens that come with HEV and infrared protection.
~ Tinted mineral sunscreens and hybrid formulas also help protect skin even indoors.
3. Future-Proofing your skin: SPF as an anti-aging powerhouse
SPF is anti-aging
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
We keep talking about retinol and things to make skin tight and anti-aging but SPF was the first real anti-aging thing. Sun rays make aging fast , they cause small lines, no glow, and skin that sags. And once the harm starts, it’s quiet tough to fix. Stopping the damage is cheaper (and wiser) than fixing it. In 2025, folks won't wait till they're 30 to think about lines. Gen Z starts using SPF at 15, and caring about aging now starts in high school or in early uni life.
Some tips:
~ Look for sunscreens rich in peptides if you’re 30+.
~ For teens, light weight , gel based sunscreens are effective.
4. SPF for all: Inclusivity, Skin tones, and Textures
Different people showing
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Sunscreen in India used to be oily, leave white marks, and made you feel sticky. But that's not the case now. The 2025 SPF range is wide, for all, and made for Indian skin. Beauty folks and influencers in India pushed for good mixes. With their help, SPF now is more like care for your skin, not a chore. And it's not just for women now-men, kids, sports people, hijabis , everyone has a sunscreen.
Brands are now coming up with:
~ Invisible gel textures (No white cast)
~ Tinted SPF's that matches dusky skin tones
~ Matte finish formulas for oily skin
~ Acne-free options
5. More than just face: Full-body SPF culture is here
Sunscreen on the body
( Image credit : Freepik )
SPF is no longer just for the face. By 2025, folks are putting sunscreen on their neck, ears, hands, and even feet and legs. Why? As skin cancer and dark spots can hit any part of the body. Also, more and more, we see neck lines age quicker than faces, or spots on hands showing how old one is. This all-around SPF way is a piece of a big skin-first life in India, shaped by Korean habits and Western skin care ways.
Brands are now coming up with :
~ Body mists with SPF for easy application.
~ SPF-infused makeup , hand creams, lip balms, and setting sprays.
~ Even SPF powders and sticks for mid-day touch ups.
So in the end
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) :
Do I need sunscreen during monsoon or cloudy days?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds, so SPF is essential even when it’s not sunny.What’s the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?
SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks ~98%—but higher SPF doesn’t mean you apply it less often.Can I apply sunscreen over makeup without ruining it?
Yes. Use SPF setting sprays or powder sunscreens for easy, mess-free reapplication.