When most people in India hear "sunscreen," the first instinct is to associate it with tanning. A beach essential. A summer thing. A way to stay “fair.” But that’s only scratching the surface - and sunscreen does far more than prevent sun-induced pigment.
Here’s what we’re not told enough: SPF is about protection. Not appearance. And your skin needs it every single day, regardless of the weather, your skin tone, or whether you're indoors or out.
MYTH 1: If I don’t tan, I don’t need sunscreen
TRUTH: Tanning is a visible response. But UV rays do invisible damage every day - like collagen breakdown, deep pigmentation, and premature ageing. In melanin-rich Indian skin, this shows up more subtly: dullness, uneven tone, slow healing, and persistent spots.
MYTH 2: Sunscreen is only for sunny days
TRUTH: UVA rays - responsible for ageing and long-term cell damage - penetrate clouds, glass, and even clothing. Which means whether you're in an office, driving, or indoors near a window, your skin is still exposed.
MYTH 4: Sunscreen isn’t for deeper skin tones
TRUTH: Melanin offers some natural protection, but not nearly enough to prevent long-term damage. In fact, Indian skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is worsened by sun exposure.
UVA vs UVB - AND WHY INDIAN SKIN NEEDS BOTH PROTECTED
SPF primarily measures protection against UVB rays - the ones responsible for sunburns. But UVA rays, which are longer and penetrate deeper, are actually more damaging long-term. They can:
- Trigger pigmentation and melasma
- Accelerate collagen breakdown
- Damage skin cells even when it’s cloudy
Most Indian skin tones are melanin-rich, which gives natural protection from sunburn but not from UVA-induced ageing, dark spots, or inflammation. That’s why broad-spectrum SPF matters, especially in India’s high-UV climate.
WHY SPF ISN’T A SEASONAL STEP - IT’S DAILY SKIN DISCIPLINE
Sunscreen isn’t seasonal. It’s foundational. It’s the quiet, daily defence your skin needs - not just to look good now, but to stay healthy long-term. Protect your story - not just from tanning, but from the damage you don’t always see.
At Long Story, we believe sunscreen should do more than block UV - it should feel good on your skin, suit your melanin-rich tone, and fit into real routines. That’s why ours is made to hydrate, brighten, and calm, while shielding you every single day. Because skin deserves care that listens, not just layers.