If you’re anywhere in India, be it the coastal areas of Andhra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, or the busy cities of Bengaluru and Mumbai, there’s one thing we all are waiting for: A respite from the harsh and humid Indian heat. Now that the harsh summer sun takes a backseat and temperatures drop, wearing SPF can feel less urgent. Unfortunately, your skin does not get that memo.One of the biggest skincare myths is that SPF should only be worn during the summer. Here’s the truth, even though the sun may disappear, UV rays do not. UV rays, especially UVA, are prevalent all year-round, even through cloud cover and overcast days, meaning that tanning, pigmentation, and premature ageing can still worsen, with or without visible sunlight.
Deconstruct — Gel Sunscreen for Oily Skin
In this dermatologist-approved guide, we help deconstruct the importance of applying SPF, even during the monsoon season and bust some common rainy season skincare myths.
Do You Really Need Sunscreen During The Monsoon?
Yes, you absolutely do. Before we understand why, let’s understand UV rays.
It’s broken into three types, with two reaching the earth's surface
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UVA: longer wavelength, they penetrate deeper into the skin, causing long term skin damage -premature ageing, tanning, pigmentation
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UVB: shorter wavelength, causes immediate damage- tanning and sunburn
(Source: National Library of Medicine)
UV Does Not Take Rainy Days Off
Many assume that cloudy weather automatically means lower sun damage. This cannot be further from the truth. Although clouds can reduce visible sunlight, they do not completely block out ultraviolet radiation.
Enhanced Risk in the Rain
Clouds may provide an illusion of safety, but according to the World Health Organisation,
up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can pass through cloud cover. To add to this, wet roads and water surfaces act as a mirror, reflecting UV rays onto your skin and eyes, even increasing UV levels by up to 25%. Concrete buildings and sidewalks, upto 15%.
So even if you’re protected by umbrellas or shade from above, you’re still exposed to UV radiation from surfaces like concrete, puddles and diffused or scattered reflection from concrete and brick buildings.
Key Takeaway Box:
Cloudy skies reduce visible sunlight, but not the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. This is why wearing SPF as a daily staple in your skincare routine is a necessity.
Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen During Monsoon
Prevents Tanning and Pigmentation
If you’ve spent months reducing pigmentation and tanning with skincare, skipping your SPF will undo all that progress.
UV exposure triggers melanin production in the skin, which
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Uneven skin tone
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Makes pigmentation harder to fade
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Increasing tanning over time
This is especially apparent in Indian skin tones, as we Indians have more pigmentation-prone skin. Wearing SPF daily helps prevent further tanning and pigmentation
(PubMed).
Slows Premature Aging
Sunscreens act as a protective shield, reflecting or blocking out the harsh UV rays before it damages your skin at a cellular level, protecting your skin from premature ageing, fine lines and wrinkles in the long term.
Daily use of SPF helps preserve elastin and collagen in your skin, slowing down premature ageing (National Library of Medicine).
Protects Overall Skin Health
Think of your sunscreen as a daily protective shield, protecting your skin from long-term and short-term effects of UV.
It helps
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Support the skin barrier
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Reduces cumulative UV damage
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Protect the benefits of your skincare routine
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Promote overall skin health in the long-haul
Your Skin With vs Without SPF.
Here’s a quick table depicting your skin with and without wearing a daily SPF.
|
Without Sunscreen |
With Sunscreen |
|
Increased tanning |
Reduced pigmentation |
|
Faster premature skin aging |
Protected skin barrier and protected collagen + elastin |
|
Cumulative UV damage buildup |
Better long-term skin health |
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Monsoon
Remember not all sunscreens are built equal. Here’s how to choose the right sunscreen for the upcoming monsoon season.
Choose Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher
Dermatologists always recommend that you pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) to give your skin well-rounded protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Opt for Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formulas
Dermatologists recommend you choose lightweight options.
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Gel-based sunscreens
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Water-resistant options
These lightweight formulas are your best friends during the monsoon, especially if you live in hot and humid climates, like India. They feel more comfortable on your skin and help you build a more consistent routine. That’s exactly why dermatologists recommend Deconstruct’s Gel Sunscreen for its lightweight, gel-based and water resistant formula (up to 60 minutes) which is comfortable for daily wear, even in the monsoon season, with no signs of greasy residue.
Consider Your Skin Type
Always factor in your skin type when it comes to choosing your SPF.
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Oily skin → gel-based, lightweight and non-comedogenic formulas
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Dry Skin → fluid or gel-based and hydrating formula
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Sensitive skin → fragrance free, gentle formulas
If you’re a skincare beginner, learning how to choose the right SPF for your specific skin type is crucial for effective protection.
Quick Monsoon SPF Checklist
✓SPF 30+
✓ Broad-spectrum protection
✓ Lightweight formula
✓ Water-resistant
✓Suitable for your skin type
Common Sunscreen Myths During Rainy Season
Let’s bust some common sunscreen myths!
Myth: No Sunshine Means No UV Damage
Reality: UV rays can penetrate clouds and cloud cover, continuing to affect the skin even on days where the sun goes into hiding!
Myth: Indoor Workers Don't Need Sunscreen
Reality: UV rays can penetrate through glass windows. If you work near windows or anywhere near natural sunlight, SPF is needed daily, non negotiable.
Myth: Makeup SPF Is Enough
Reality: It is not enough, especially if you live in India. A dedicated broad-spectrum SPF is still the foundation of your entire skincare routine for effective protection against the harsh UV rays.
The Final Verdict:
Monsoon brings cooler temperatures and cloudier skies but it does not switch off UV exposure. UV and its radiation affects you year-round and so is tanning, pigmentation and premature ageing. This makes sunscreen not just a seasonal, but everyday essential in your skincare regimen. Modern sunscreen formulas, such as gel-based formulas from companies like Deconstruct, are lightweight and engineered for Indian weather, be it rain or shine, for your specific skin type and even skin concern. If you live in Indian weather, wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30+or higher, with a water-resistant, gel-based, lightweight formula, daily is not a choice, it’s a must, especially if you want healthier and protected skin in the long-haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is SPF necessary on cloudy days?
Yes, absolutely. UV rays (up to 80%), specifically UVA, can still penetrate through cloud cover and affect your skin even on overcast days.
Q2. What SPF should I use during monsoons?
Dermatologists recommend you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, during the monsoon seasons for well-rounded and effective protection against UV rays.
Q3. How often should sunscreen be reapplied?
Dermatologists recommend that you reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
Q4. Are gel-sunscreens good for humid weather?
Yes, dermatologists recommend gel-based sunscreens as the ideal option for humid weather, especially Indian weather, as they are lightweight and breathable
Q5. Can rain wash away sunscreen?
Yes, heavy rain can wash away SPF. This is why dermatologists recommend that you opt for water-resistant formulas, for up to 60 minutes, especially during the monsoon season.
