Indians DO NOT NEED SUNSCREEN
Indians do not need sunscreen. The British may have left, but the love for fair skin hasn’t left us. This love, coupled with the fear of getting dark, is what the biggest industry of Sunscreen creams in India capitalizes on. Read the full article where I share an explanation and support it with the backing of multiple articles by dermatologists saying, INDIANS DO NOT NEED SUNSCREEN.
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Don’t forget your sunscreen before stepping out, apply it every 2 hours, The higher the SPF – the higher the protection, and the tan will never go, Oh back from a holiday, look at you! Yes, the worst part of holidaying is tanning – All these statements are directed towards giving importance to Fair Skin.
Prof. Kabir Sardana, Head of Dermatology Dept. at RML Hospital, New Delhi comments in an article published by Times of India, stating that
“Indian skin is intrinsically protected due to our natural pigment, which achieves an average SPF of 13.4. Rather than using sunscreen, it’s better to use umbrellas, cotton masks, hats, and goggles. Using sunscreen does not protect against the heat, which is a concern in summer. Also, sunscreens are medically indicated for preventing cancers on western skin (types) and for those with UV-sensitive disorders, as well as for people in coastal areas and high-altitude areas. Sunscreens neither make anyone fair nor prevent aging and wrinkles, in fact, they can cause cosmetic acne and allergies”.
Another famous media – The Print, published an article written by the same Prof. Kabir Sardana, stating “Not all Indians need sunscreen.” He says “Academic and medical research on the utility of sunscreens in Indian skin is still lacking and most Indians don’t even need them except for certain dermatological disorders! Most of us copy-paste Western data – where they have overriding medical needs like preventing skin cancers – or rely on Dr. Google!
Here are a few strong reasons I believe that Indians do not need Sunscreen.
1. Our skin is naturally protected by a natural pigment called melanin.
2. Westerners visit India for its sun – hence, the sun isn’t unhealthy.
3. Sunlight is vital for vitamin D production. With our current lifestyle, we already spend very little time under the sun and hence any further blockage caused due to sunscreen application can considerably obstruct this absorption.
4. We should let go of the fear of tan. Being happy with our skin during winter as it gets fairer and feeling sad that the summer season will darken you. People let us grow over color!
5. Sunscreens do not control aging. A natural way to keep the skin healthy is by staying fit and eating right. I’m sure you will look younger if that’s the goal.
6. People who travel to extreme weather conditions like the beach or snow may need them, but it is not universally necessary. Just allow your skin to breathe and heal for a few days and you will be all fine.
7. Dr Kabir says “Most women with acne that persists beyond 25 years regularly use moisturizers and sunscreens.” I stopped using moisturizer a while before and do not remember using sunscreen. I’m 39 and all I do for my skin health is workout regularly, massage weekly once, eat healthy food, and accept my skin the way it is.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, we Indians must let go of the obsession with fair skin, yes I repeat. Sunscreens have been linked to potential health risks, and any external application can have consequences. Our heritage in Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of staying close to nature, trusting our bodies, and nurturing them with care. We shouldn’t rely on legal battles with Big Brands selling, manufacturing, and advertising these products, to prove these points; instead, we can make a difference by taking small steps for ourselves and our families.
Video: Indians DO NOT NEED SUNSCREEN
Video Link in Kannada : ಭಾರತೀಯರಿಗೆ ಸನ್ಸ್ಕ್ರೀನ್?
Video Link in Hindi: भारतीयों को सनस्क्रीन ?
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