Here’s the blunt truth: almost 80% of visible aging of the skin is caused by the sun, no genetics, no time.
Wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and uneven tone tend to have less to do with age and more to do with unguarded time in the sun.
But while we use endless creams and serums, the majority of people still make sunscreen optional, something to reach for only when they hit the beach.
As a dermatologist, I’ve witnessed this error firsthand. And I have some news to share: sunscreen has nothing to do with preventing sunburn. It’s the single most effective anti-aging weapon you can use every day.
Most users apply sunscreen under misconceptions that reduce its potential. Let’s analyze the major issues.
Most use sunscreen only when the sun is strong. But UV rays don’t take a holiday during summers; they pass through clouds, windows, and even Chandigarh’s winter mist.
The consequence? Accumulated damage over the decades quietly ages your skin.
Others buy retinol, vitamin C, or collagen creams expecting them to reverse aging. Sure, those assist, but none can rival the preventative barrier sunscreen offers.
Prevention is always more difficult (and expensive) than correcting.
We all dread sunburns (caused by UVB rays), but UVA rays, year-round and capable of passing through glass, are the real skin agers.
They destroy collagen, causing sagging and wrinkles. Without daily sunscreen, UVA quietly hastens aging even inside.
Surprisingly, the barrier is not awareness; it’s behavior.
We lose priorities. Marketing tends to promote “glow creams” and “anti-aging elixirs” as sexy, while more effective sunscreen is dull.
This psychological disconnect is why so many forgo the one product that most matters.
The discussion needs to change: sunscreen is not an add-on, it’s the key to healthy skin.
Consider sunscreen a stealthy investment. Every application skips future demand for corrective treatments such as lasers, fillers, or resurfacing.
It guards collagen, maintains elasticity, and wards off pigmentation.
Modern sunscreens are lighter, more refined, and customized to suit various skin types—gel formula for oily, moisturizing for dry, and tinted for cosmetic convenience.
No more alibis about weight or white cast.
Research attests: daily sunscreen application can decrease signs of skin aging by 24% in only 4.5 years, vs. non-users. (Skincare & Dermatology Research, 2013)
That’s not cosmetics propaganda, it’s a medical fact.
When Chandigarh patients ask me what the best sunscreen is, I provide them with this template rather than one product name because everyone has different needs.
SPF 30 or more – Anything less won’t do for city life daily.
Broad-spectrum protection – Protects against both UVA & UVB.
Formulation match – Gel or matte for oily skin (typical in hot and humid climates), cream for dry skin, tinted for two-way coverage.
Reapplication – Every 3 hours when outdoors; once in the morning when indoors with limited exposure.
Quantity counts – Apply a minimum of half a teaspoon to the face and neck combined.
It’s not about one “miracle sunscreen,” it’s about establishing the correct daily habit.
Residing in Chandigarh involves fighting different weather, tough summers, cold winters, and pollution all year round.
These create increased UV damage and oxidative stress. This is why regular sunscreen application is particularly important here.
Though lifestyle in North India typically entails outdoor commuting, social outings, and window exposure during work, very few of us take protective measures regularly.
This cultural disconnect drives premature skin aging that might have been avoided.
The beauty world survives on complicated 10-step regimens, infinite products, and magic serums. But as a dermatologist, I’m committed to keeping it simple when it comes to anti-aging:
If you can only take one product to your daily routine, take sunscreen.
All else is based on this.
Your skin’s future doesn’t rely on costly treatments. It relies on the easy daily habit of sunscreen.
Ready to shield your glow and stem the clock? Begin today.
If you’re looking for the best sunscreen in Chandigarh tailored to your skin type, schedule a consultation at The Glam Skin Clinic.
Let’s create a routine that’s not just about protection, it’s about confidence, longevity, and radiant health.
👩⚕️ Dr. Anshu Aggarwal
Dermatologist | Founder, The Glam Skin Clinic, Chandigarh
Helping people age gracefully by protecting today for tomorrow.
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