Protect Your Skin from the Harmful Rays of the Sun: Check out the Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin Currently Available in India and Important Factors to Consider Before Buying One (2022)

You all know the importance of wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun. Sun generates energy in the form of ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause significant damage to the skin. Exposure to the sun with unprotected skin can lead to premature ageing, wrinkles, dull and uneven skin tone & hyperpigmentation. There are two types of UV rays (though invisible to the naked eyes) that can be very harmful and can cause sunburn, skin cancer & premature ageing:

Sunscreen works as a shield to protect the skin from damage.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor which indicate the level of protection a sunscreen gives to the skin from burning. For example, if you apply SPF-50 sunscreen, your skin will be protected for 50 times longer than if you are not wearing sunscreen. It means that you are protected for a certain period, you should re-apply sunscreen after every 2 hours for guaranteed protection. It is recommended that you should use a minimum of SPF-15 sunscreen when the sun is not out.

Many healthcare professionals believe that you should wear sunscreen every day, indoor or outdoor, in summer, monsoon or winter, irrespective of your skin tone. It’s one of the preventive healthcare habits that should be maintained throughout the year. Over 80% of UV rays can pass through the clouds so if you think it’s okay to not wear sunscreen in winter, think again.

The best practice is to wear sunscreen every day, ideally for 30 minutes prior to being exposed in the sun, so that the sunscreen is absorbed by the skin. Ensure to apply the sunscreen on any surface of the body that is not covered by clothes, like neck, hands & legs. Remember to reapply the sunscreen immediately after swimming or some other exercise. You have to apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day, in winter, vacation & if you are going to some nearby places.

First of all, shake the bottle well before use. Ensure to apply enough sunscreen to cover the exposed skin to the sun - back of the ears, neck, shoulders, etc. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly on your skin. If you are outdoors, just apply the sunscreen every two hours or immediately after sweating. To protect your skin, apply a lip balm with a minimum of SPF-15. Remember the sunscreen will not be effective unless you wear it correctly.

The Aroma Magic Carrot Sunscreen Lotion is enriched with all the minerals and it protects your skin from the sun. It is non-greasy, skin-friendly and enriched with carrot seed, sea buckthorn and rice bran oils. It provides vitamins B5, C and E and prevents wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. This sunscreen has essential oils that moisturise and soothe dry skin and give it a healthy glow. It comes with SPF-15 and natural ingredients and 100% free of oxybenzone, paraben, harsh chemicals, alcohol and artificial fragrances. This product is available to purchase from Amazon for ₹ 131.00.

This is one of the ultimate skin protectors that is mild on the skin and features a formulation of thyme, licorice, and soy protein. It gives an instant glow to your complexion and prevents tan, wrinkles, sunburns and visible sign of aging. This cream does not leave any greasy effect and has a decent smell. Also, it does not make your face sweaty after application. You can purchase it from Nykaa for ₹ 218.00.

This sunscreen is non-greasy and easily blends into the skin. Its broad spectrum protection protects the skin from premature aging and sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays. It is enriched with ceramide III, saxifraga & carrot extracts which work towards reducing the skin pigmentation and even tone the skin while making it look fresh & healthy. Just apply this sunscreen liberally on your face & neck 15-20 minutes prior to sun exposure. This sunscreen can be purchased from Nykaa for ₹ 259.00.

If you are looking for a mineral sunscreen then this is a mineral sunscreen with sun protecting physical UV filters along with skin nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn & aloe vera that shield your skin from damaging UVA & UVB rays. This SPF-30 sun protection factor sunscreen has the ability to protect your skin from severe damage such as redness, inflammation and skin cancer, if your skin has been overexposed to the UVA+UVB rays for a long time. It’s free from fragrance, paraben and phthalate and is available on Flipkart for ₹ 450.00.

The Ayur Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 is full of natural ingredients that provide protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. It contains vitamin E that repairs skin damage and wheatgerm oil that is easily absorbed into the skin and treats dryness. It is enriched with antioxidants and vitamins A, B, D, and E. The multifunctional formula brightens the skin while protecting it from the sun. This product is affordable and easy to apply and can be bought from Flipkart for ₹ 198.00.

Now protect your skin from hot and humid weather with Sugar Citrus Got Real SPF-30 Sunscreen. It gives a fresh glow to your complexion. It is enriched with vitamin C goodness which protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and keeps it nourished. Vitamin C also reduces skin damage and brightens your skin. It’s matte formula simultaneously rejuvenates and hydrates the skin, and does not leave a white cast. This is non-greasy, gentle and smooth on your skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. This product is 100% vegan, free from parabens, sulphates, mineral oil and absolutely cruelty-free. You can buy this from Nykaa for ₹ 399.00.

This is a light sunscreen lotion with SPF-30 that protects the skin from sunburns and blocks up to 97% of UVB rays. The PA++ blocks UVA rays, protecting the skin from becoming dark, aged and dull. This sunscreen for dry skin contains cucumber which is anti-inflammatory and soothes skin rashes. Lemongrass helps soothe irritated skin and detoxifies it by cleaning the pores. Vitamin B3 moisturises the skin and makes it look smooth, hydrated, and young. You can purchase it from Nykaa for ₹ 193.00 at a discounted price.

This sunscreen offers superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays, so you can have shine-free protection. Enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin C, lemon peel oil & natural extracts of licorice, amla fruit, orange peel, tamarind seed, saffron, turmeric, rose flower, sandalwood and vitamins C, E and B3, it combats free-radical damage to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin. It is lightweight with a non-greasy formula, ideal for daily use and wears well under makeup. You can buy it from Nykaa for ₹ 402.00.

This sunscreen is enriched with shea & kokum butter to retain its moisture. It keeps your skin well nourished & moisturised for 24 hours. It deals with skin problems like tanning & aging and is comfortable to use even in extreme heat. Its hydrating formulation keeps the skin nourished for the entire day, preventing dryness & discomfort. It successfully blocks out UV rays & protects your skin from numerous harmful effects. There is no need of a separate dry skin moisturiser. The sunscreen is available on Purplle for ₹ 653.00.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Emulsion is a lightweight, milky formula with SPF-30 that moisturises and protects skin against damaging UVA & UVB rays. It locks in the moisture for 48 hours of hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Its antioxidant properties protect against free radicals. It is powered with bio-fermented hyaluronic acid. This sunscreen can be purchased from Nykaa for ₹ 1,276.00.

This basic brightening daily sunscreen is specially formulated for Indian skin. It protects the skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays. It is also helpful in de-pigmentation & hydration of the skin. Its sunflower extracts repair damaged skin and it works well on dull & dry skin. It is free of paraben, sulfate and cruelty and can be purchased from Dr. Sheth's for ₹ 950.00.

The Earth Rhythm Daily Defence Sun Fluid helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun and its UV rays. It has a soft, dry, water-resistant finish and its formulation is enriched with both mineral and chemical filters that are encapsulated for a long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB ray. It is clinically tested and paraben, fragrance & cruelty-free product. You can purchase this from Earth Rhythm for ₹ 337.50.

Lotus sunscreens are one of the most used sunscreens in India. The matte look variant for dry skin keeps the skin protected from sun damage without drying out the skin at all. It is anti-inflammatory, soothing, skin mattifying and it refines the skin pores. Its matte finish lends a surreal texture to the skin. Lotus Herbals 3-in-1 Matte-Look Daily Sunblock PA+++ SPF-40 provides skin care even in case of exposure to direct sunlight. You can purchase it from Amazon for ₹ 360.00.

This sunscreen gel protects your skin from the harsh sun rays. It offers superior broad spectrum protection against both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. It doesn't cause irritation to the skin and is free from preservatives, colour additives and alcohol. It’s non-greasy formulation, spreads easily on the skin giving a matte effect. This sunscreen is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), water-resistant and dermatologist tested making it suitable for all skin types including dry skin. You can buy this from Nykaa Man for ₹ 593.00.

This broad-spectrum sunscreen is for dry skin, it has a hydrating & non-comedogenic formula. It is lightweight, fast absorbing and feels like moisture bursting on the skin, providing a cool hydrating sensation without feeling greasy. Additionally, it also gives a gentle moisturising effect to the skin. This lightweight sunscreen for dry skin comes with SPF-45 PA++++ that shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. You can buy it from Amazon for ₹ 314.00.

When you are exposed to the sun both in summers and winters, your skin needs extra protection. This products is a 100% physical sunscreen free from chemical filters and can be used by you if you are allergic to chemicals. Its broad-spectrum formula with SPF-50+, Boots Star **** and PA+++ provides superior photo protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Being water-resistant up to eight hours, it offers long-lasting protection from sunburn, redness, tanning, pigmentation, aging, inflammation, etc. It is exceptionally transparent, and does not leave a white cast on the skin. You can buy this from Nykaa for ₹ 473.00.

Re’equil is a dermatologically tested brand that helps repair skin damage, leaving the skin flawless. This sunscreen is for all skin types, including dry skin. It has a velvety, non-sticky texture that leaves no cast post-application. It is a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF-50 formulation which allows the sunscreen to work on skin when exposed to humid conditions and under makeup too. you can buy this sunscreen online from Nykaa for ₹ 556.00.

Cos-IQ Sunscreen Serum is a makeup-safe, water-resistant, sweatproof and fragrance-free ultra-sheer invisible sunscreen for men and women that protects against tan, skin ageing and sun damage with a non-chalky and non-patchy formula. This sunscreen comes in serum form that has bamboo water. This premium sunscreen is available on Nykaa for ₹ 594.00.

This sunscreen is infused with raspberry oil that rejuvenates the skin and aloe vera that offers hydration, this dermatologically tested formula keeps your skin sun-safe and soft. Plus, this certified toxin-free sunscreen is free from artificial colours and parabens. The gel-based formula with SPF-50 soothes your skin and its raspberry seed oil rejuvenates the skin and reverses signs of aging, such as fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles. This sunscreen is available on all major shopping sites and you can buy it from MamaEarth for ₹ 399.00.

This is an antioxidant-rich sunscreen, that is light-as-air and provides overall protection from UV rays through the most modern filters. It applies invisibly on all skin tones and does not leave a white cast. It is reef safe and free of OMC, benzophenone/oxybenzone, and homosalate. It reduces inflammation and photodamages in the skin after UV irradiation and is a photostable & pregnancy-safe sunscreen. You can buy this sunscreen from Myntra for ₹ 569.00.

Biotique Bio Sandalwood Face & Body Sun Cream SPF-50+ is a blend of pure sandalwood, wheatgerm, saffron, honey, and Arjuna bark that lends it a relieving and soothing touch. The sunscreen has a creamy formulation and feels lightweight when applied. It is also water-resistant. This sunscreen is designed specifically for those of you with with dry skin. You can buy this excellent sunscreen from Nykaa for ₹ 251.00.

This Avene sunscreen creates an ideal balance between pleasure and security. It has a light and non-greasy, invisible and non-oily texture for particularly pleasant application. It is specially formulated for dry skin. It’s unique antioxidant complex (pre-tocopheryl + pro-taurine) provide complete cellular protection against oxidative stress. You can purchase it from Amazon for ₹ 1,294.00.

This sunscreen is for men and women both. It’s broad spectrum SPF-50+ offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is dermatologically tested and oil-free with an ultra-light and non-shiny finish that leaves the skin soft & smooth. Suitable for all skin types (oily, dry, normal), it is waterproof & sweatproof and feels like a matte finish sunscreen on your skin. You can buy this sunscreen from Amazon for ₹ 213.00.

This sunscreen works as a sun protector that also shields from blue light! Packed with SPF-50+ and PA+++ protection, this sunscreen provides ultimate protection against UVA, UVB rays and blue light. It prevents sun tan as it gives maximum coverage. It is hydrating, lightweight & non-sticky. Its water-light formula gives glowing skin and doesn’t clog the pores. You can purchase this product from Myntra for ₹ 399.00.

This cream is enriched with chamomile to leave your skin moist & fresh. It’s anti-inflammatory properties and natural antioxidant fights early signs of aging. It is free from silicones, paraben & phthalates. You can reapply this cream after every 2-3 hours. This is available on Myntra for ₹ 416.00.

The sunscreen is non-greasy and ultra-light with matte that gives a natural look without any white cast so that your skin does not look patchy. It’s broad-spectrum provides protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays. Aloe vera extract and turmeric present in the sunscreen helps treat sunburn, hyperpigmentation, tanning & hydrates your skin. It’s free from chemicals and evens your skin tone & reverses sun damage. The sunscreen is available on Amazon for ₹ 399.00.

This sunscreen is infused with the goodness of Ficus, liquorice, aloe vera, sandalwood and carrots. It protects your skin from the harmful effects of sun rays by keeping your skin moisturised and supple. It is a quick absorbing, waterproof and sweatproof formula that is suitable for all skin types. It is free of alcohol and parabens and is a cruelty-free product. It also prevents premature aging of your skin. You can buy this sunscreen from Amazon for ₹ 325.00.

This sunscreen is a golden tint that offers a very high UVA/UVB anti-shine protection and evens out the complexion. It’s light & watery fluid texture is suitable for pale skin with freckles and skin exposed to maximum sunlight. It is paraben-free, water-resistant & fragrance-free. You can buy this from Nykaa for ₹ 1,508.00.

This matte gel sunscreen is lightweight and non-sticky, and it brightens the skin with the power of glow-boosting vitamin C. It is paraben-free and provides broad-spectrum SPF-50 protection. Its anti-pollution property protects your skin from external aggressors. Wear this game-changing sunscreen every day, and protect your skin from UV induced damage. You can buy this from Lotus Herbals for ₹ 356.00.

This SPF-55 PA+++ sunscreen is meant for dry skin. It is a daily broad spectrum sunscreen which offers UVA & UVB protection. It is rich in vitamin E and has the benefits of raspberries, carrot seed, and avocado which prevent skin damage. It helps to protect your skin from UV radiation, inhibits signs of aging, neutralises photo damage, soothes redness and prevents dryness due to sun exposure. It also protects your skin from dehydration and diminishes wrinkles and brown spots. The sunscreen is available on Nykaa for ₹ 499.00.

Sunscreen is a skin essential and a must-have in summers. The obvious reason is to protect your skin from serious sunburn & harmful UV rays. The most important factor in a sunscreen is its SPF. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection. A sunscreen should be picked according to the skin type. If you have dry skin then make sure your sunscreen hydrates and nourishes your skin. In the summer, skin gets dry due to not retaining enough moisture and not because of lack of oil.

You may often ask yourself whether 'a higher SPF better’? SPF refers to the ability or level of protection it provides from UVB rays or sunburn. UVA rays do a deeper skin damage and can cause sunburns, skin aging, and some of the more serious melanoma-type skin cancers.

Higher SPF does not cover UVA completely. Higher SPF makes you believe that it provides higher protection but this false sense of security can lead to higher sun exposure, lower chances of re-application and may end up in getting a lot more UV damage, thus defeating the purpose. According to dermatologists, an SPF-15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays; an SPF-30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF-45 product blocks about 98% of rays. The best way to make sure your skin is protected, irrespective of how much higher the SPF is, a reapplication after every 2 hours. If used correctly, SPF-30-50 are just fine for sunburn protection. Other than using sunscreens be sure to cover yourself up, wear a hat & seek a shade if you feel sunburn outdoors.

There are various formulations available for sunscreen such as gel, lotion, cream, fluid, spray, etc. More than the formulation, it’s the level of SPF, the amount of sunscreen and how often you use, reapplication & exposure to the sun and your skin type that matters. Please buy a sunscreen keeping the above factors in mind and remember to reapply, post sweating or some sports activity.