Should you be applying sunscreen even in monsoon? Well, the answer is quite simple and straight – YES. It is a big misconception that sunscreen is not a necessity during monsoons. No matter what weather it is, sunscreen is as important as washing your face. Harmful UV rays are present even when the weather is cloudy just because you do not see it doesn’t mean it is not present.

Sun damage can cause skin cancer, premature ageing, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and increase the chances of inflammation. One needs to protect the skin at all costs from the harmful UV rays because sun damage can not be reversed easily.

Three things to keep in mind when choosing a sunscreen:

1. High SPF: SPF stands for Solar Protection Factor. The higher the SPS the higher the protection. Pick out sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or more, and look out for the term “broad spectrum”. It means that it can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Water resistant: Monsoon can cause humidity and we tend to sweat more. Therefore, choose a non-greasy and water-resistant sunscreen.
3. Do not forget your body: All parts of the body exposed to the sun are supposed to be protected. When you go out, do not forget to slather sunscreen on your body as well.

Now that we know why SPF is an essential part of the skincare routine even when it’s cloudy, enjoy the monsoons while being sun protected at all times.