Do Indian skin need sunscreen?
Yes. All skin tones, including the full range of Indian skin tones, benefit from sunscreen. The melanin in darker skin provides some natural UV protection but does not prevent UV-driven damage like collagen loss, pigmentation, or uneven skin tone. Sunscreen adds a layer of protection that melanin alone cannot provide.
A common misconception is that darker skin does not need sunscreen. While it is true that darker skin has more natural UV resistance and is less prone to sunburn, this does not protect against all UV effects. UVA rays, which are responsible for premature ageing and deep skin changes, penetrate through melanin and affect darker skin just as they affect lighter skin. For Indian skin specifically, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone are among the most common concerns, and both are significantly driven by UV exposure. Daily sunscreen use is one of the most practical ways to manage both.