World Sunscreen Day 2025: Significance and the role of lifestyle changes
World Sunscreen Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and the essential role sunscreen plays in preventing skin damage. Sunscreen acts as an invisible shield, blocking or reflecting UV rays—especially UVB rays, which are known to cause sunburn and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen helps reduce premature aging, wrinkles, and sun-induced skin damage, making it a non-negotiable part of daily skin care, regardless of the season or weather.The observance is also a call to dispel common myths, such as the belief that darker skin tones do not require sun protection or that sunscreen is only necessary during summer or vacations. In reality, UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass, making year-round protection essential for everyone.WHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES MATTER EQUALLYWhile sunscreen is a cornerstone of sun safety, it is just one part of a comprehensive approach to skin health. Lifestyle changes play a crucial, complementary role in protecting and maintaining healthy skin."Putting on sunscreen in the morning might feel like enough, but that's where a lot of us go wrong. Many people think of sunscreen as a one-time step, just like using moisturizer or makeup. The reality, however, is that sunscreen's protective barrier naturally diminishes throughout the day. Activities like sweating, touching your face, or even prolonged exposure through a window can degrade its efficacy. So by the afternoon, your skin might not have much protection left, even if you started the day with it," added Ashish Chaudhary, AVP, group lead retail and training, at The Body Shop.KEY LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR SKIN PROTECTIONadvertisementHydration: Drinking enough water is directly linked to improved skin hydration and elasticity. Studies have shown that individuals who use sunscreen regularly also tend to maintain better hydration habits, which can slow down skin aging and keep the skin barrier healthy.Balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants supports skin repair and resilience. Certain foods, such as those high in polyphenols (like green tea), can provide additional protection against UV-induced damage and inflammation.Regular exercise: Physical activity boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, aiding in toxin removal, and supporting cellular regeneration. Exercise-induced sweating also helps the skin's immune defense and can make skin cells behave more youthfully.Adequate sleep: Sufficient rest allows the skin to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can exacerbate inflammation and accelerate aging, undermining the protective effects of sunscreen.advertisementProtective clothing and shade: Wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing, as well as seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 am–3 pm), further reduces UV exposure.SUNSCREEN ND LIFESTYLESResearch indicates that while sunscreen is highly effective in preventing sunburn and skin cancer, its benefits are amplified when combined with healthy lifestyle practices. For example, hydration and a nutritious diet enhance the skin's natural defenses, while protective clothing and behavioral changes minimize direct UV exposure.
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News18
24 minutes ago
- News18
Monsoon Skincare Myths Debunked: Why You Still Need Sunscreen (And Moisturizer) When It's Pouring
Last Updated: UVA rays typically penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation, and they also play a role in skin cancer development The sun emits different types of ultraviolet radiation, primarily UVA and UVB rays, both of which can harm your skin in different ways. UVA rays typically penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation, and they also play a role in skin cancer development. These rays are sneaky, they can penetrate through clouds, glass, and even reach your skin on overcast days. UVB rays mainly affect the superficial layers of the skin, causing sunburn and contributing to skin cancers. While their intensity decreases on cloudy or rainy days, they don't disappear completely. In fact, almost up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, which means your skin is still getting significant exposure even when you don't feel the sun. Dr Akanksha Sanghvi, Dermatologist and Founder, Oprava Aesthetics, shares, 'In fact, when clouds scatter sunlight, UVA rays actually disperse more widely, increasing your skin's exposure to UV radiation. Moreover, the monsoon means high humidity, which makes your skin more vulnerable to free radical damage from UV rays, compounding the effects of acne, aging, and pigmentation." In simple terms, sunscreens act like invisible shields on your skin. They either absorb harmful UV rays before they can damage your skin or reflect them away, depending on their ingredients. There are two main types of sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens and Physical (Mineral) sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like Avobenzone, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone that absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat. They're usually lightweight and feel invisible on the skin. Physical sunscreens contain Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. These sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays like tiny mirrors. 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Here's what to look for: Broad-Spectrum Protection Ensure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that say 'Broad Spectrum" or mention PA+++ (for UVA) and SPF 40 or higher (for UVB). Lightweight Formulations Opt for matte-finish sunscreens. These are non-greasy, water-based, get absorbed quickly, and feel more comfortable in humid weather. Some formulations use micronized powders like titanium dioxide in very fine form to help scatter light, reduce shine, and give a velvety finish. Gel-Based Sunscreens Lightweight, non-greasy, and water-like, these are perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. A small percentage of alcohol (like ethanol) is often added to make the sunscreen quick-drying and non-greasy, giving that fresh 'water-gel" feel. They absorb quickly and don't leave a white cast. Spray Sunscreens These come in mist form great for quick top-ups and for people who dislike rubbing creams into their skin. 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If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose sunscreens labeled non-comedogenic, as they won't clog your pores. top videos View all Even during the monsoon, sunscreen needs reapplication every 2–3 hours—especially if you get wet or sweat a lot. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 07:23 IST News lifestyle Monsoon Skincare Myths Debunked: Why You Still Need Sunscreen (And Moisturizer) When It's Pouring Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Hans India
Why SPF Lip Balms Are Taking Over Everyone's Skincare Routine
It's no longer just about sunscreen for your face—your lips need sun protection too. With growing awareness around comprehensive skincare, lip balms with SPF, often called lip screens, are fast becoming a must-have in everyday routines. These multitasking balms do more than moisturise; they shield your lips from harmful UV rays. Most people don't realise that lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage. Unlike the rest of the skin, lips lack melanin—the pigment that helps protect against UV rays—making them more prone to sunburn, darkening, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. Regular lip products like tinted balms and glosses may enhance appearance but often fall short on protection. In fact, some glossy formulas can attract more sunlight and worsen sunburn. That's where SPF lip balms come in. Formulated to be hydrating and non-sticky, modern lip screens offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Many of them go on clear, have no chalky residue, and don't leave a weird taste behind—making them perfect for daily wear under lipstick or gloss. Why Make the Switch to SPF Lip Balm? Shields lips from sunburn and painful peeling Prevents UV-induced pigmentation and dryness Slows down signs of ageing like fine lines Significantly reduces risk of lip cancer Keeps lips smooth even in harsh weather Whether you're heading to the office, going for a run, or lounging at the beach, SPF lip balm is the one product you shouldn't skip. Just like facial sunscreen, it's essential to reapply every two hours—especially after meals or drinks—for continued protection. Pro Tip: Always check for a lip balm with broad-spectrum SPF and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or coconut oil to get the best of both worlds: protection and hydration. As skincare becomes smarter and more targeted, this small addition to your routine could make a big difference. Your future lips will thank you.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
How safe are chemicals in sunscreen? Pharmacology expert explains
Adelaide: Last week, the Therapeutic Goods Administration ( TGA ) released its safety review of seven active ingredients commonly used in sunscreens. It found five were low-risk and appropriate for use in sunscreens at their current concentrations. However, the TGA recommended tighter restrictions on two ingredients - homosalate and oxybenzone - to reduce how much can be used in a product. This is based on uncertainty about their potential effects on the endocrine system, which creates and releases hormones. This news, together with recent reports that some products may have inflated their claims of SPF coverage, might make Australians worried about whether their sunscreen products are working and safe. But it's not time to abandon sunscreens. In Australia, all sunscreens must pass a strict approval process before going on the market. The TGA tests the safety and efficacy of all ingredients, and this recent review is part of the TGA's continuing commitment to safety. The greatest threat sunscreen poses to Australians' health is not using it. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide, and approximately 95 per cent of melanoma cases in Australia are linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Still, it's understandable that people want to know what's in their products and any changes that might affect them. So let's take a closer look at the safety review and what it found. What are the active ingredients in sunscreen? There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. This is based on the different active ingredients they use. An active ingredient is a chemical component in a product that has an effect on the body - basically, what makes the product "work". In sun screens, this is the compound that absorbs UV rays from the Sun. The other ingredients - for example, those that give the sunscreen its smell or help the skin absorb it - are "inactive". Physical sunscreens typically use minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that can absorb the Sun's rays but also reflect some of them. Chemical sunscreens use a variety of chemical ingredients to absorb or scatter UV light, both long-wave ( UVA ) and short-wave (UVB). The seven active ingredients in this review are in chemical sunscreens. Why did the TGA do the review? Our current limits for the concentrations of these chemicals in sunscreen are generally consistent with other regulatory agencies, such as the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration . However, safety is an evolving subject. The TGA periodically reexamines the safety of all therapeutic goods. Last year, the TGA revised its method of estimating sunscreen exposure to more closely model how skin is exposed to sunscreens over time. This model considers how much sunscreen someone typically applies, how much skin they cover (whole body versus face and hands, or just face) and how it's absorbed through the skin. Given this new model, along with changes in the EU and US approaches to sunscreen regulation, the TGA selected seven common sunscreen ingredients to investigate in depth. Determining what's safe When evaluating whether chemicals are safe for human use, testing will often consider studies in animals, especially when there is no or limited data on humans. These animal tests are done by the manufacturers, not the TGA. To take into account any unforeseen sensitivity humans may have to these chemicals, a "margin of safety" is built in. This is typically a concentration 50-100 times lower than the dose at which no negative effect was seen in animals. The sunscreen review used a margin of safety 100 times lower than this dose as the safety threshold. For most of the seven investigated sunscreen chemicals, the TGA found the margin of safety was above 100. This means they're considered safe and low-risk for long-term use. However, two ingredients, homosalate and oxybenzone, were found to be below 100. This was based on the highest estimated sunscreen exposure, applied to the body at the maximum permitted concentration: 15per cent for homosalate, 10 per cent for oxybenzone. At lower concentrations, other uses, such as just the hands and face, could be considered low-risk for both ingredients. What are the health concerns? Homosalate and oxybenzone have low acute oral toxicity - meaning you would need to swallow a lot of it to experience toxic effects, nearly half a kilogramme of these chemicals - and don't cause irritation to eyes or skin. There is inconclusive evidence that oxybenzone potentially causes cancer in rats and mice, but only at concentrations to which humans will never be exposed via sunscreens. The key issue is whether the two ingredients affect the endocrine system. While effects have been seen at high concentrations in animal studies, it is not clear whether these translate to humans exposed to sunscreen levels. No effect has been seen in clinical studies on fertility, hormones, weight gain and, in pregnant women, fetal development. The TGA is being very cautious here, using a very wide margin of safety under worst-case scenarios. What are the recommendations? The TGA recommends that the allowed concentration of homosalate and oxybenzone be reduced. But exactly how much it will be lowered is complicated, depending on whether the product is intended for adults or children, specifically for the face, or the whole body, and so on. However, some sunscreens would need to be reformulated or warning labels placed on particular formulations. The exact changes will be decided after public consultation. Submissions close on August 12. What about benzophenone? There is also some evidence that benzophenone - a chemical produced when sunscreen that contains octocrylene degrades - may cause cancer at high concentrations. This is based on studies in which mice and rats were fed benzophenone well above the concentration in sunscreens. Octocrylene degrades slowly over time to benzophenone. Heat makes it degrade faster, especially at temperatures above 40°C. The TGA has recommended restricting benzophenone to 0.0383 per cent in sunscreens to ensure it remains safe during the product's shelf life. The Cancer Council advises storing sunscreens below 30°C. The bottom line The proposed restrictions are very conservative, based on worst-case scenarios. But even in worst-case scenarios, the margin of safety for these ingredients is still below the level at which any negative effect was seen in animals. The threat of cancer from sun exposure is far more serious than any potential negative effects from sunscreens. If you do wish to avoid these chemicals before new limits are imposed, several sunscreens are available that provide high levels of protection with little or no homosalate and oxybenzone. For more information, consult product labels. (The Conversation)
