Everything You Need To Know About The Right SPF

Debate While the internet constantly pushes for the perfect skin routine, most doctors and people will say, at least wear sunscreen. It has to do more with protection than vanity. But how much to use, which one to pick? Doctors, brands, and men who use sunscreens break down everything you need to know about the right SPF

- Samreen Tungekar

I’m a self-confessed sunscreen promoter, almost bordering on the offensive. Admittedly, I wasn’t always this passionate about protecting my skin, until a few years ago when I realised that even if you don’t do any kind of skin pampering, you’ll go a long way if you’re just loyal to your SPF. Even the lazy person’s guide to skincare will first ask you to wear sunscreen. But what’s so important about wearing sunscreen? Do men wear it? How to pick the right sunscreen for yourself? Tons of information on Instagram, zero clarity.

Peter Kotikalapudi, 35, was introduced to sunscreen by his wife, a beauty editor, who told him how important it is. “My in-laws have had significant sun damage to their skin, and my wife saw firsthand what UV rays can do to our skin, so she’s made sunscreen a go-to product for us,” he says. Peter tends to use sunscreen when he’s going to be out in the sun for a while. As a family that loves beaches, they travel with at least four to five sunscreens.

Forest Essentials is one of the most trusted luxury brands in India, and their Sun Fluid Tender Coconut Water with Turmeric and Basil Leaf is a common favourite. They have a bestselling face moisturiser — Soundarya Radiance Cream — which is prepared with a natural SPF of 25. Dr Taruna Yadav, the brand’s senior Ayurveda expert, suggests their Sandalwood & Orange Peel Facial Moisturizer with SPF 25 as the ideal sunscreen for men on the go. While all their products are gender neutral, their Hydrating Facial Moisturiser in Sandalwood & Orange Peel SPF 25 is included as part of their Gentleman’s Collection.