How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Indian Weather: SPF, PA & Ingredients Explained

Skin in India has to withstand extreme weather patterns that change from day-to-day. The highest temperatures one day and extreme humidity awaits the next. It’s further followed by dry dusty winters. And for those who live in cities that have severe sun exposure, air pollution and high UV index, sunscreen every day is critical. Huh, what about your skin? 

Therefore, understanding how to select a good sunscreen for Indian skin involves more than just choosing the sunscreen with the highest SPF rating. 

The key aspects of choosing a sunscreen are to understand SPF and PA ratings, ingredient formulations that work in the brutally harsh climate of India. 

MerciAura UV Armor Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ provides excellent protection, however, unlike many other sunscreens, the formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly and does not leave a sticky feeling or white residue when used as an everyday sunscreen.  

Now let's explain using clear and easy-to-read information.  

What SPF Really Means (And Why SPF 50+ Is Ideal for India) 

There is a substantial difference between SPF 98 and 99. The difference is often less than 1% - which may not seem like a big deal, however, with the intense sun exposure and UV intensity in India, a heavy physical barrier (SPF 50+) would be very difficult to maintain.  

With an average of over 300 days of sun exposure in many Indian cities, time spent in the sun in addition to other outdoor activities coupled with indoor living, make the need for a broad spectrum sunscreen an absolute necessity. 

Because of the extreme humidity in Indian cities, wearing an SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential for daily use. Most, if not all, products sold today are formulated using a water-based formula that breaks down quickly due to perspiration.  

MerciAura UV Armor sunscreen SPF 50+ provides excellent UVB protection with a very light feel and rapid absorption. A great product to protect yourself from the elements on a daily basis. 

PA Ratings Explained: Your Defence Against Tanning & Ageing 

PA rating shows how well a sunscreen protects your skin against  UVA rays . These harmful rays penetrate deeper into your skin and lead to: 

• Tanning 
• Pigmentation 
• Fine lines 
• Melasma 

UVA rays can penetrate through both clouds and glass. Therefore, if you have Indian skin, you are much more susceptible to developing pigmentation and should look for sunscreen products that offer a PA++++ rating as this represents the highest level of protection available against UVA rays. 

Mitigating against pigmentation, tanning, and premature aging, MerciAura UV Armor offers PA++++ protection whether you are outside or inside the home. 

In a nutshell: 

• SPF provides protection against burning 
• PA provides protection against premature ageing and pigmentation 
• You need both. 

Ingredients That Actually Work in Indian Heat & Humidity 

The hot, sticky Indian summer isn’t kind to heavy, oily sunscreens (and neither is the consumer’s patience). A proper formulation should offer a level of protection while also being comfortable to wear. The MerciAura UV Armor is made with intelligent, skin-friendly ingredients including: 

• Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin: For moisture without grease, ideal for dry or air-conditioned environments. 
• Niacinamide: Helps with oil control, fortifies the skin barrier, and helps even out skin tone. 
• Aloe Vera: Soothes heat, sweat, and pollution-caused irritation. 
• Vitamin E: Reduces damage to the skin caused by pollution and aids in skin repair. 

MerciAura UV Armor is non-comedogenic, free of parabens, and formulated to stay put, even in the humid summer months. 

Why MerciAura UV Armor Works So Well for Indian Conditions 

This is the best sunscreen in India , designed specially to meet Indian conditions, as evidenced by the following: 

• No white residue on desi skin tones. 
• Water and sweat resistant. 
• Comfortable to wear under makeup and hijabs, as well as all day long. 

Provides your skin with protection against the sun, pollution, and the blue light that comes from your computer/other digital devices. 

This sunscreen will be one you want to use every day, which is all that truly matters. 

A couple of tips on sunscreen use: 

The recommended quantity for sunscreen on your face and neck is approximately one-quarter of a teaspoon, which is significantly lower than what most people use. Applying too little sunscreen reduces its effectiveness by 50%. 

Common Sunscreen Myths (Let’s Clear Them Up) 

1. My skin is dark; therefore, I do not need sunscreen. 

Incorrect. Indian skin is very susceptible to UV rays, and it's susceptible to pigmenting and tanning regardless if you see a burn when you go outside. 

2. There’s no need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days. 

Incorrect. UV rays reach your skin every day, even when there are clouds in the sky. 

3.   100 SPF equals complete protection. 

Incorrect. No sunscreen can block 100% of all UV rays. The amount of product applied and frequency of reapplication is more important than SPF. 

How To Apply? 

• Daily Application 
• After you apply your skincare , use the sunscreen before putting on your makeup. 
• Outdoors, apply every 2—3 hours. 
• Indoors, you still need to protect from UVA rays, so always wear it indoors. 

Frequently Asked Question 

Do I really need sunscreen every day in India, even if I stay indoors? 

Certainly! UVA rays can penetrate windows and be absorbed in your skin while indoors, leading to tanning, pigmentation, and premature ageing. If we add using screens and are exposed to pollution, applying sunscreen daily should be mandatory.  

The use of an SPF 50+ PA++++ like MerciAura UV Armor will provide 24 hours of protection when applied each morning. 

While it is correct that SPF is used to measure how much a product will protect from UVB rays (not how heavy it will be on the skin), the weight depends on the formula used in the sunscreen.  

MerciAura UV Armor is light, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and oil-free, thus it may be used on oily skin types/ acne-prone skin types and in high humidity conditions with no risk of causing breakouts. 

How often should I reapply sunscreen in Indian weather? 

When you are outside, you need to reapply your sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours if sweating in either heat or humidity. When inside, reapplying every 4 to 5 hours should be adequate.  

You always need to reapply after wiping your face, sweating and washing your face. Keep in mind that using the proper amount of cream is almost as important as how many times per day you apply it. 

Final Thoughts 

When selecting an appropriate sunscreen for Indian weather, consider 3 important factors: 

• SPF of at least 50 
• PA ++++ 
• A texture that is comfortable for your lifestyle. 

MerciAura's UV ARMOR Sunscreen meets all 3 criteria—provides maximum protection while being composed of natural ingredients and feeling good to the touch. It is clearly the best sunscreen in India. You will thank yourself for protecting yourself today!