Kohli Malavika, Srinivas C R, Saraswat Abir, Ganjoo Anil, Kathed Atul, Patel Geeta, Podder Indrashis, Krupashankar D S, Sachdev Maleeka, Vedamurthy Maya, Kandhari Rajat, Damisetty Rajetha, Rajan Renita, Aurangabadkar Sanjeev, Dhoot Dhiraj, Balasubramanian Ashwin, Patil Saiprasad, Barkate Hanmant
Breach Candy Hospital, and Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Department of Dermatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Sep;24(9):e70441. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70441.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributor to photoaging, pigmentary disorders, and photocarcinogenesis. While sunscreens remain central to photoprotection, clinicians in India find it challenging to choose a sunscreen due to the wide variability in skin types, dermatologic conditions, climates, and formulation preferences. Selecting a sunscreen that balances efficacy, cosmetic acceptability, affordability, and patient adherence remains a practical dilemma.
To develop consensus-based, practical recommendations for sunscreen selection and use in Indian dermatologic practice, addressing gaps in clinical guidance and contextual challenges.
A panel of 14 dermatologists from across India, forming the Indian Sunscreen Forum (ISF), was convened through an in-person scientific meeting followed by iterative virtual discussions using a modified Delphi technique. The panel reviewed relevant scientific literature, real-world clinical practices, and patient-centric factors affecting sunscreen use in India.
Consensus was achieved on preferred sunscreen formulation types (physical, chemical, and hybrid), application techniques, frequency, quantity, and specific recommendations across dermatologic indications including melasma, photodermatoses, acne, and post-procedure care. The panel also addressed considerations for special populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with sensitive skin. Safety concerns around systemic absorption and environmental impact were also discussed.
This consensus statement provides Indian clinicians with evidence-informed, context-specific guidance for recommending sunscreens, helping them streamline decision-making, improve patient compliance, and align photoprotection strategies with dermatologic and public health priorities in India.
紫外线辐射是光老化、色素沉着紊乱和光致癌作用的主要促成因素。虽然防晒霜仍然是光防护的核心，但由于皮肤类型、皮肤病状况、气候和配方偏好存在很大差异，印度的临床医生发现选择防晒霜具有挑战性。选择一种能平衡功效、化妆品可接受性、可承受性和患者依从性的防晒霜仍然是一个实际难题。
制定基于共识的、关于印度皮肤科实践中防晒霜选择和使用的实用建议，以解决临床指导方面的差距和实际挑战。
通过一次面对面的科学会议召集了来自印度各地的14名皮肤科医生组成的小组，即印度防晒霜论坛（ISF），随后使用改良的德尔菲技术进行了多次虚拟讨论。该小组审查了相关科学文献、实际临床实践以及影响印度防晒霜使用的以患者为中心的因素。
就首选的防晒霜配方类型（物理、化学和混合）、应用技术、频率、用量以及包括黄褐斑、光皮肤病、痤疮和术后护理在内的各种皮肤科适应症的具体建议达成了共识。该小组还讨论了针对特殊人群的注意事项，如儿童、孕妇和皮肤敏感者。还讨论了关于全身吸收和环境影响的安全问题。
本共识声明为印度临床医生提供了基于证据的、针对具体情况的防晒霜推荐指导，帮助他们简化决策过程，提高患者依从性，并使光防护策略与印度的皮肤科和公共卫生重点保持一致。
