Bad news for sunscreen users, it does not work

Hyderabad: Three out of four sunscreens available in the market do not work, according to a recent study by the Environmental Working Group which released its 11th annual sunscreen guide recently.

The group reviewed more than 880 beach and sport sunscreens, 480 moisturisers and 120 lip products with sun protection factor. Of these, 73 per cent did not work.

Sunscreens are available in two versions — oil-based for people with dry skin and water-based for those with oily skin. Dr G. Manmohan, senior consultant dermatologist with Apollo Hospitals, said they had found that most people chose the wrong sunscreen for their skin type. “That is why most of them are not found to work. The application has to be proper for maximum protective effect. Faulty application can lead to failure.”

He said sunscreens do not give protection for eight hours in the sun. They last for two or three hours and have to be reapplied. Dermatologists say sunscreens must be applied on areas which are exposed to the sun. Sunscreens must be applied gently and uniformly.  Dr Swapna Kunduru, consultant dermatologist, said a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 must be used. “If there are any problems people must consult with a dermatologist,” she said.