Educating clients about the need for Sun Protection

Skin protection has always been a matter of concern and the beauty market has been witnessing an increasing number of sunscreen launches from several brands. According to Statista – the statistics portal, the revenue in the Sun Protection market in India amounted to INR US$0.68bn in the year 2023. It further states that this market will experience an annual growth rate of 8.02% (CAGR 2023-2028). Keeping the total population figures, the per person revenue generated in India in 2023 is INR US$0.48.

Although the main objective of these products is protection from the sun, it is imperative to understand that there are few factors to be considered before selecting the right product with the right percentage of SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

Meena Asrani, Proprietor, Fatal Attraction states, “A sunscreen should be selected according to the skin type and intensity of sun exposure and planned activities. SPF 30 is generally recommended as minimum but higher SPF can be opted for prolonged sun exposure.”

Application

Normal exposure
15/20 minutes before sun exposure for skin to absorb it
Reapply after few hours

Water-based activities (Swimming)
Use water-resistant SPF

Water-resistant SPFs are not waterproof so reapply after the swimming activity

Lips
Lipstick or lip balm with SPF to be used

Skin
Apply evenly all over the skin when outdoors for a very long time

Higher the percentage of SPF, better the protection

Revealing more on the importance of SPF, Meena reveals, “Do not use SPF after the expiry date. Understand the fact that no sunscreen blocks 100% UV rays. Reapplication is essential for continuous protection and combining with shades, protective clothes, wearing hats, sunglasses, staying hydrated contributes to effective sun safety.”

Factors essential for SPF protection
Using the right kind of SPF helps to maintain the health of the skin. It also protects the skin against various skin issues.
Hemangi Mahabaleshwarkar, NCD Skin Lakme Salon reveals the key points that highlight the need of SPF as skin care:

• A good sunscreen acts as a barrier against environmental stress
• Protects the skin from allergies caused due to sunrays
• Prevents premature ageing, uneven skin tone, hyper pigmentation, reducing the risk of skin cancer

Myths surrounding sunscreen and SPF

Although a good sunscreen with a higher percentage of SPF is beneficial in protecting the skin, there are certain myths surrounding the use of sunscreen. Some of the common myths include individuals with dark skin can survive the harmful effects of the sun and UV rays are produced by the sun only during the summer season. These are untrue as skin needs protection irrespective of the colour or type of skin. Inadequate or insufficient application of SPF reduces its efficacy. And last but not the least, another popular belief surrounding SPF is that all sunscreens are the same. In fact, sunscreen vary in ingredients and broad spectrum coverage so one has to select sunscreen as per their skin type and skin concerns.

Hemangi suggests the following options suitable to varying skin types:
Sensitive skin

• La -Roche -Posay melt in milk sunscreen SPF 50+
• Cetaphil sun SPF 50+ light gel

Dry dehydrated dull skin

• Lakme absolute perfect radiance UV lotion SPF 50 + PA +++
• Dermalogica power bright moisturiser SPF 50

Oily and acne prone skin/combination skin

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer dry touch sunblock SPF 50
• Lakme Sun expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA +++

Matured/ageing skin

• Dermalogica Dynamic skin recovery SPF 50
• Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance SPF 30 PA +++

All skin types

• Dermalogica protection 50 sports
• Lakme Sun expert SPF 50 tinted sunscreen

Growth prospects of the sun protection market

Sun protection is a booming market in India, driven by the high demand for sunscreen products due to the country’s hot and tropical climate. Considering the above factors and availability of sunscreens in the market, other factors contributing towards the growth of this market according to Hemangi include

• change in lifestyle and trends like increasing awareness of health & wellness and harmful effects of UV rays on skin health and conditions.
• rising disposable income among consumers combined with
• desire for healthy radiant skin

This has helped lots of aesthetics and beauty oriented skin care treatments entering the market, contributing towards the growth of SPF products. Additionally, the e–commerce boom has also given consumers easy access to skincare brands, contributing towards the overall growth of this market.