The one step that decides whether everything else works
Sun protection guidance at Skinline, Hyder Nagar, Kukatpally, helps you choose the right sunscreen for your skin type and concern, use it in the right amount, and build it into a daily habit — because without it, pigmentation, tan and early ageing keep returning.
Darker skin tones burn less but pigment more. That is why sun protection matters even more for Indian skin.
Choosing the right sunscreen
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Protects against UVB, which burns, and UVA, which pigments and ages skin.
PA rating
PA+++ or higher indicates stronger UVA protection.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin. Often preferred for sensitive skin.
Chemical (organic) sunscreens
Absorb UV and tend to feel lighter. Suit most skin types but may sting sensitive skin.
Tinted sunscreens with iron oxide
Help against visible light, which can worsen melasma.
Which sunscreen for which skin
| Skin type or concern | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Oily, acne-prone | Gel, fluid or matte, non-comedogenic |
| Dry | Cream-based with added moisturising ingredients |
| Sensitive | Mineral, fragrance-free |
| Melasma or pigmentation | Broad-spectrum, high PA, tinted with iron oxide |
| Post-procedure skin | As advised by your dermatologist, usually mineral |
How to apply it properly
- Use about two finger-lengths of sunscreen for the face and neck.
- Apply as the last skin care step in the morning, 15 minutes before going out.
- Reapply every 2–3 hours when outdoors, and after sweating or swimming.
- Do not forget ears, neck, hands and the back of the neck.
- Wear it on cloudy days and indoors near windows — UVA passes through glass.
Who needs sun protection advice most
- Pigmentation, tan or melasma that keeps coming back
- Anyone having peels, lasers or microneedling
- Anyone using retinoids or exfoliating acids, which increase sun sensitivity
- Long commutes, outdoor work or driving
Common mistakes
- Using too little — most people apply a third of the amount needed
- Applying once in the morning and not reapplying
- Relying on makeup with SPF alone
- Skipping sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days
Beyond sunscreen
Sunscreen works best alongside shade, a hat, UV-protective sunglasses and covering clothing during peak sun hours, roughly 10 am to 4 pm.
What affects the cost
Sunscreen advice is part of your consultation. Product costs vary widely; your dermatologist will recommend options across price ranges, since the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day.
Why Skinline for sun protection advice
The wrong sunscreen — too heavy, too irritating, too thin — is the one that ends up in a drawer.
At Skinline, dermatologists with 10+ years of experience each match sunscreen to your skin type, tone and concern, so you will actually wear it.