Okay.
So you're standing in front of 47 different sunscreen tubes in the store (or worse, scrolling endlessly online) — SPF 30, SPF 50, PA++, PA++++, gel, cream, matte, dewy, Korean, Ayurvedic, mineral, chemical… like bro, what even is this?
Don’t worry. Been there. Done that. Burned a little. Peeled. Learned.
Let’s break it down together — what to look for, what to avoid, and how to finally pick a sunscreen that works (especially if you're in India, sweating by 8AM and breaking out from just breathing).
☀️ First Things First: SPF, Decoded
Let’s not complicate it —
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) protects you from UVB rays (aka the rays that burn).
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SPF 30 = blocks ~97%
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SPF 50 = blocks ~98%
So yeah, not a HUGE difference but that extra 1% matters when you’re in Delhi in May 🥵
✅ Go with SPF 50 if you’re outdoors a lot, travel, drive, or just don’t trust Indian sun.
✅ Reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re sweating, swimming, or out too long.
🌥️ PA Rating = Protection Against Ageing
Now here’s what NO ONE tells you (but should):
UVA rays go deeper into your skin and cause ageing, pigmentation, long-term damage.
That’s where the PA++++ thing comes in.
More plus signs = more protection.
If you’re serious about skincare, just go for PA++++. Don’t settle.
💧 Gel vs Cream vs Lotion vs UGH
Now this is the part where everyone’s skin goes “umm no” — because the texture of your sunscreen changes everything.
Here’s what works best in Indian weather:
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Gel Sunscreens — lightweight, non-sticky, no white cast. Great for oily, acne-prone skin.
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Creams — richer, good for dry skin or winter months. But can feel greasy in heat.
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Lotions — meh. Usually average at everything.
I personally use a gel sunscreen because my skin? It’s moody af. Oily, sensitive, sometimes dramatic.
This one’s my go-to:
👉 Achisy Matte Shield Sunscreen SPF 50+ Gel — clean, matte, no white cast, and doesn’t mess with makeup. Also built for Indian skin & weather.
(Okay, yes I’m biased, I created it. But that’s only because nothing else worked lol)
😫 White Cast = No Thanks
You ever put on sunscreen and looked like you were auditioning for Casper: The Beach Sequel?
Yeah, same.
Avoid mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide/titanium dioxide unless they’re well formulated. Otherwise, white cast is REAL — especially on deeper Indian skin tones.
Gel-based chemical sunscreens tend to blend better and look like actual skin.
🔥 Fragrance, Breakouts, and the ‘Hidden Traps’
Fragrance-free? Always.
Non-comedogenic? 100%.
Alcohol-free? Preferably yes.
Water-resistant? If you sweat or live in Mumbai… absolutely yes.
Basically: don’t trust the “natural” or “organic” tags. Flip the damn tube and read the ingredient list.
✅ TL;DR — What To Look For in a Good Sunscreen in India
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SPF 50
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PA++++
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Gel or light cream texture
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No white cast
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Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic
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Water/sweat resistant
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Dermat-tested or just... trusted by real people
👀 What I Use (And Why)
I couldn’t find the one so I made it. No seriously. That’s the backstory.
After years of testing everything from Neutrogena to Korean sunscreens to pharmacy ones, I wanted a sunscreen that didn’t make me break out, didn’t feel like glue, and actually looked nice under makeup or just on bare skin.
So I made Achisy Matte Shield SPF 50+ Gel
It’s the one I grab before leaving the house every morning.
No cast. No drama. Just clean, calm protection.
Final Thoughts (If You Made It This Far, You're My People)
Finding the right sunscreen isn’t about chasing trends or SPF 99+. It’s about finding something you’ll actually wear every day.
So skip the 10 tabs open and just get the one that checks your boxes. Trust your skin — it knows what it likes.
And hey, if you try Achisy and love it, shoot me a DM. Or if you hate it? Still shoot me a DM. We’re all learning here :)
Peace, SPF & good skin days.
– Someone who’s been sunburnt too many times 🌞