Sunscreen is often overlooked in South Asian skincare routines due to widespread misconceptions about melanin-rich skin and its natural protection against the sun. However, experts emphasise that sunscreen is just as essential for darker skin tones as it is for lighter ones.
Understanding the myths and facts about sunscreen can help Sri Lankans take better care of their skin and prevent long-term sun damage.
For many Sri Lankans, sunscreen has not traditionally been a part of their daily skincare routine. Many of our readers whom The Sunday Morning Brunch reached out to shared that they either rarely used sunscreen or had only recently incorporated it into their skincare routines. The belief that darker skin tones do not require sun protection has contributed to this delay in adoption.
The scientific perspective
Cosmetic Physician and Medical Officer Dr. Afza Afzal shared with Brunch that there were certain myths about using sunscreen, noting that one of the most prevalent misconceptions among individuals with melanin-rich skin, particularly in South Asia, was that sunscreen was unnecessary due to the natural protection provided by darker skin tones.
She explained: “While it is true that increased melanin offers some defence against Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, this protection is not comprehensive.”
Dr. Afzal highlighted that excessive sun exposure could lead to common issues in darker skin tones, such as hyperpigmentation and melasma. Although melanoma is less common among people of colour, its mortality rate is higher due to late diagnoses, often stemming from the belief that darker skin is immune to skin cancer.
She further pointed to another myth that melanin-rich skin did not develop dark spots. “In reality, South Asians are prone to hyperpigmentation caused by various factors, including acne scars, bug bites, and conditions like melasma,” she said, noting that Dr. Jaishree Sharad, a leading dermatologist, also supported this claim, highlighting that hyperpigmentation was a common concern among South Asians.
Preventative measures such as daily sunscreen application are essential to protect against UV-induced pigmentation and maintain even skin tone.
Dr. Afzal also highlighted another myth, that sunscreen was only necessary on bright and sunny days. “Many believe that sunscreen is only needed when the sun is shining, but UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning skin is at risk even on overcast days,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of consistent use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or higher to protect against both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. “To ensure continuous protection, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating,” she added.
Additionally, she noted that while lower SPF values might be sufficient for those staying indoors, it was highly recommended to use an SPF of 50 or more when venturing outside. “There are offerings of lower SPF values that may be adequate when you are indoors, but when leaving your shelter, an SPF of 50 or more is strongly advised,” she said.
According to Dr. Afzal, the SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by a sunscreen product.
All sunscreens undergo testing to measure how much UV radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when using sunscreen compared to how much exposure it takes without sunscreen. UV radiation consists of both UVA as well as UVB rays and the product is then labelled with an appropriate SPF value.
Sunscreens are available in a wide range of SPF levels, with higher values (up to 50) providing greater protection against sunburn. Because SPF values primarily indicate UVB protection, it is crucial to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Many people mistakenly believe that SPF is directly related to the amount of time one can safely spend in the sun. However, SPF measures the amount of solar exposure needed to cause a sunburn, which varies based on several factors, including the time of day, geographic location, and skin type.
For example, the sun’s intensity is strongest at midday and in locations closer to the equator, increasing the risk of sunburn even if sunscreen is applied.
The social perspective
While there are numerous myths, as discussed by Dr. Afzal, there are also aesthetic and convenience reasons why South Asians may opt out of using sunscreen. One of the main reasons is that sunscreen is often thick in consistency and leaves a white cast on the skin.
Speaking to Brunch, Ashila Lashani shared that her personal journey with sunscreen began when she was living abroad. “During my time in the UK, I became more aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen. However, because I have melanin-rich skin, I was sceptical at first, thinking it was just a marketing gimmick. We have only recently started hearing about sunscreen’s importance, so I was resistant to the idea.
“However, when I returned to Sri Lanka and experienced the intense sun here, my sister was instrumental in convincing me to start using sunscreen. I have now incorporated it into my routine and I suppose the benefits will become apparent years down the line,” she said.
Similarly, Kishali Rajadurai reflected on her own experience with sunscreen, noting that the lack of awareness and accessible research in her youth had contributed to its absence from her skincare routine.
“I believe that the reason why sunscreen wasn’t such a staple when I was young is because the research was simply not there and media wasn’t as accessible for this information to trickle down to us effectively. However, from all the evidence presented, it seems we should wear sunscreen,” she stated.
Despite this, she expressed concerns about potential drawbacks, particularly regarding skincare maintenance. “I do feel like it clogs my pores and there is also the need to get a really good cleanser and then double cleanse. You have to clean your pores and then also use all these chemical peels and such.
“Sometimes I am sceptical whether capitalism has created a problem for us that we didn’t actually have. But I will continue to wear sunscreen because most medical professionals swear by it and I have yet to meet a medical officer who says you don’t need sunscreen and that it is a scam,” she added.
These perspectives highlight the evolving understanding of sunscreen among Sri Lankans, with growing awareness and ongoing debates about its necessity and impact on skincare routines.
Aadya Karunasinghe shared that a common reason many South Asians avoided sunscreen was the white cast that some formulations left on darker skin tones. “Fortunately, advancements in skincare have led to the development of sunscreens that blend seamlessly with a variety of skin tones,” she said.
She elaborated: “There are now new products that are specifically catered to darker brown skin, providing effective sun protection without compromising cosmetic appeal.”
Aadya also observed that the South Asian market was now picking up on this demand and beginning to develop sunscreens that catered specifically to the region. “As the South Asian market becomes more aware of the importance of sunscreen, brands are starting to create formulations that work better for us,” she added.
A skincare essential
Sunscreen is a crucial component of skincare, regardless of skin tone. While South Asians may have more melanin, this does not provide complete protection against sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or skin cancer.
Dispelling common myths and understanding the importance of broad-spectrum sunscreen can help individuals make informed decisions about your skincare. By incorporating sunscreen into daily routines, reapplying it regularly, and using additional sun protection measures, we can better safeguard our skin health in the long term.