Sunscreen Guide for Pakistan: SPF, PA Rating and Which One to Choose

Most people in Pakistan think of sunscreen as something for the beach or for summer. But sun damage does not take a holiday. Ultraviolet rays reach your skin on cloudy days, in winter, and through car and office windows. They darken melasma, bring on dark spots, speed up wrinkles and raise the risk of skin cancer. And you do not need to be fair-skinned to be at risk.

This guide explains how to read SPF and PA ratings, how to choose a sunscreen for your skin type, how much to use, how to apply it, and which products are available at Khasmart.

Do people with darker skin need sunscreen?

Yes. Darker skin has more natural protection, roughly equal to a low SPF, but not enough to prevent pigmentation problems such as melasma and sun spots, or to avoid skin damage. The most common reason South Asians use sunscreen is to prevent dark patches from returning. Read our guide to melasma for more.

What do the labels mean?

• SPF (sun protection factor) shows protection against UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. SPF 30 blocks about 97 per cent of UVB, and SPF 50 about 98 per cent. The difference above 30 is small, so the best sunscreen is the one you will actually use properly.
• PA+ to PA++++ is an Asian rating for UVA protection, the rays that cause ageing and pigmentation. More plus signs mean stronger protection.
• Broad spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB. Always choose this.
• Water resistant products last longer when you sweat or swim, but need to be reapplied after towelling.

Chemical or mineral sunscreen?

• Mineral (physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin and reflect light. They suit sensitive skin and children, and also block some visible light, which helps with melasma. They can leave a white cast, mostly on darker skin.
• Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as avobenzone, which absorb UV. They are usually lighter and feel less visible, but may sting the eyes or irritate sensitive skin.
• Hybrid formulas combine both.

Choosing by skin type

• Oily or acne-prone skin: choose an oil-free, gel or light lotion that says non-comedogenic. Saeed Ghani Oil Free Sunblock and Saeed Ghani SPF 60 Oil Free are options.
• Dry skin: a cream formula with moisturising ingredients, such as Solar Block SPF 60+, which contains avobenzone, aloe vera, vitamin E and zinc oxide.
• Sensitive skin: look for mineral sunscreens without fragrance. UV Block 60 Cream is available in our dispensing range.
• Everyday use: Golden Pearl Sunblock SPF 60, Vince Sun Block SPF 40 and Vince Sun Block SPF 50 are other options.

Prices change, so check the product page. Browse the skin care range and our dispensing section for more.

How much and how to apply

• Use enough. For the face and neck, a line of sunscreen along two fingers is a good guide. Most people use less than half the amount needed for the SPF on the label.
• Apply 15 to 20 minutes before going out, as the last step of your skin care, before make-up.
• Do not forget the ears, neck, hands, the back of the neck and the tops of the feet.
• Reapply every two hours outdoors, and after sweating or swimming. If you are indoors all day, once in the morning is enough, but sit away from a bright window.
• Protect your lips with a lip balm that contains SPF. See our guide to chapped lips for lip care.

Beyond sunscreen

• Wear a hat, sunglasses and a scarf, and use an umbrella.
• Seek shade between late morning and mid-afternoon.
• Wear tightly woven clothes. A thin cotton shirt provides only modest protection.

What about vitamin D?

Some people avoid sun for fear of low vitamin D, and many people in Pakistan are low in it. Using sunscreen normally does not cause a deficiency in most people, and a few minutes of sun on the arms and legs, or a supplement if advised, can cover your needs. Read our guide to vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan, and ask your doctor to check your levels.

Sunscreen and children

Keep babies under six months out of direct sun, and ask a paediatrician before using sunscreen on them. For older children, use a mineral sunscreen made for kids, and reapply often.

Side effects and allergies

• Stinging or redness around the eyes is common with chemical filters. Switch to a mineral formula.
• New breakouts may mean the product is too heavy. Choose a light, oil-free one.
• Patch-test a new product on the inner arm for a day or two, especially if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

When to see a doctor

• A mole that changes size, shape or colour, bleeds, or looks different from others.
• A sore that does not heal, or a new shiny or scaly patch.
• Painful blistering sunburn with fever or chills.
• Sun reactions such as an itchy rash or hives every time you go out.

Frequently asked questions

Is a higher SPF always better?

Not by much. SPF 30 to 50 is plenty for daily use. A higher number can give a false sense of safety, so reapply anyway.

Can I use a moisturiser with SPF instead of sunscreen?

You can, if it is broad spectrum and you apply enough. Most people apply too little of a moisturiser, so a dedicated sunscreen is better.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes. Check the date, and throw away any that has changed colour or texture, or been left in a hot car.

Do I need sunscreen on a cloudy day?

Yes. Most UV passes through cloud.

Order sunscreens from Khasmart, with delivery across Pakistan.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your dermatologist or doctor. It does not include dosage; always follow the directions on the pack or from your doctor.