Phew! It’s hot out there. The sun is riding high and sadly, wearing sunscreen cream is one of those irritating necessities, like salad and taxes. However, this super hero beauty product is in charge of single-handedly protecting your skin from damage and aging. And yet, most Indian women don’t wear sunscreen despite being aware of the risk of harmful rays throws up a study conducted by Vichy Laboratories.

UVB radiation penetrates the epidermal or outer layer of your skin; and aggarvates skin’s natural melanin production. It damages the skin DNA and causes other changes in skin cells.

UVA radiation damages the epidermis, and penetrates deeper into the skin to the lower levels harming collagen and elastin structure - your skin’s building blocks. In addition, it hurts the blood vessels in your skin layer.

Do you need a different sunscreen for face and body ?

Yes, sunscreens for the body and the face are quite different. Face sunscreens are lightweight and formulated so they don’t cause breakouts or clog pores. They are often non-greasy on the skin. You can use them as a primer as they’re invisible under makeup. Some present day sunscreens are also tinted so that you may get a flawless complexion without the foundation.

For the body, pick a moisturizer that comes with added SPF protection of 30 or higher to protect your skin from tanning and burning. Many of these are waterproof, and possess skin lightening properties.

Make sunscreen the main part of your skincare routine for the daytime. Allow for at least half an hour for this to absorb into the skin. Keep your sunscreen on even when sunlight’s not out. Here’s an instant tip - the SPF number only determines how much time you can spend in sunlight. The higher the SPF, the longer you can go without reapplying!

So here’s our gather of the 10 best sunscreen superheroes for you…

1. Best for light protection
SHOP: Garnier Sun Control Moisturiser
A lightweight daily wear moisturiser with SPF 15 which offers the basic minimum sun protection, as it hydrates skin. Great for days when you plan to stay indoors.

2. Best hydrating sunscreen for your body
SHOP: Vaseline Healthy White SPF 24 Triple Lightening Lotion
Enriched with vitamin B3 and antioxidants, it protects the body skin from darkening, and prevents hydration loss. SPF 24 and PA++ offer broad-spectrum sun protection.

3. Best for uneven complexion

SHOP: Lakme Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 30
Banishes uneven skin tone and evens out complexion using its melanin blockers. Protects the skin from sun damage. This lightweight cream is ideal for daily wear.

4. Best for oily and acne prone skin
SHOP: Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen MatteGel SPF 50
A sunscreen gel for those with greasy skin issue. It is a broad spectrum sunscreen that is lightweight and soothes sunburns. Gives your skin a matte look.

5. Best for a day beneath the sun

SHOP: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50
With helioplex complex, this waterproof sunblock is suitable for the sun worshippers or the beach babes. With SPF 50 this is a broad spectrum sunscreen that gives you resilient protection for about 4 hours under sunlight. Feels light and non-sticky on your skin.

6. Best to wear under makeup

SHOP: L’Oreal Dermo Expertise UV Perfect 12H Long Lasting UV Protector Even Complexion
It is a tinted moisturiser and sunscreen that protects your skin from the UV rays; and evens out your complexion at the same time. Great as a makeup base for a few lightweight makeup.

7. Best for sensitive skin

SHOP: Vichy Capital Soleil Velvety Cream SPF 50
Give your dry, sensitive cream long lasting protection with this soft and silky cream. It also has hyaluronic acid that refines your complexion, and protects from sensitivity to sun-induced skin allergies.

8. Best for preventing tan

SHOP: Jovees Ayurvedic De-Tan Lotion SPF 40
The blend of natural extracts from carrot, ginger lily, green tea, lotus and cinnamon makes this a powerful lotion to take away pigmentation due to sun exposure. It prevents further tanning, and protects your skin from the UV rays.

9. Best for dark circles and sensitive skin
SHOP: Himalaya Herbals Under Eye Cream
Protects the delicate skin of the under eye area, and prevents dark circles. The sun-blocking natural actives protect the area from damage caused by harsh sunlight.