Will I get sunburned?

[PrincessTigerLily]

How likely am I to get sunburned in India? Is it crucial to wear sunblock?

I do have fairly pale skin, so this is a concern to me. I can usually get away with little sunblock use here in the US, except during really hot days when I have to be outside.

But I'm wondering if it's necessary to wear it all the time in India?

 

[rootle]

I used to spend a lot of time with white people here in India and whenever we did outdoor activities like trekking or camping, they would use sunscreen. The sun is stronger in most parts of India compared to the US, because it's closer to the Equator. I would definitely bring sunscreen with to India. Whether you need to wear it all the time or not is your call I suppose.

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

That's what I was thinking. When I was in Ukraine, we were closer to the equator too, and after a week of being outside, maybe half the day each day, I was very red!

If anyone needs to know a really good sunblock for fair skinned people, I use Blue Lizard. It's also great if your skin is sensitive. They also do one just for your face. It's a little pricier than the average drug store brand or Banana Boat types, but it's worth it.

Definitely going on my packing list.

 

[Norjak71]

I use sunblock everywhere but yes you are correct it is a little stronger in that part of the world. I would at least make sure your face is protected and wear a hat. Don't wait until you get there to buy it either as its probably a safer bet getting it here first.

 

[rootle]

That's what I was thinking. When I was in Ukraine, we were closer to the equator too, and after a week of being outside, maybe half the day each day, I was very red!

If anyone needs to know a really good sunblock for fair skinned people, I use Blue Lizard. It's also great if your skin is sensitive. They also do one just for your face. It's a little pricier than the average drug store brand or Banana Boat types, but it's worth it.

Definitely going on my packing list.

It's strange that you got sunburned so badly in Ukraine, it's actually quite far north. In that case you should probably be using sunscreen almost everyday in India except if it's cloudy or raining. And don't worry if you run out while you're in India, it's not very hard to get here although most people don't need it.

 

[Normad]

It's certainly a requirement if you have fair or sensitive skin. The sun in India might be just a little more intense than it is back in the US owing to the fact that they are nearer to the Equator. That's what everyone seems to think anyway. So you had better be safe than sorry and just carry your favorite brand of sunscreen just to be sure you are protected if you need to be outside for any length of time.

 

[GammaRay]

Use sunscreen when there's sun is what I always say. Better to be safe than sorry especially if the country you're going to is near the equator. If sunscreen is not a possibility then I suggest you wear long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, hats or any means of protection.

 

[djordjem87]

If you have pale skin you will get sunburned on Antarctica. Sunblock is crucial for you and people who has no dark pigment or to be more precise it is not prominent. I get my tan very easily and it is nicely brownish and golden but still I use sunblock and I got sunburned on the public pull this summer because of the water. I put sun block but water washes it and after I get out I forget to put some more so I got all red and ugly. If you are pale you should take the strongest one with 50 factor or whatever the name of that thing is.

 

[gamer2x]

How likely am I to get sunburned in India? Is it crucial to wear sunblock?

I do have fairly pale skin, so this is a concern to me. I can usually get away with little sunblock use here in the US, except during really hot days when I have to be outside.

But I'm wondering if it's necessary to wear it all the time in India?

The temperatures in India usually soar at times and therefore, it is important to use a sun protection cream and that too with spf 50 rather then spf 15.

This is specially needed when you go to south India or west India. The temperatures in northern are generally on the lower side and don't cause sunburns, but as compared to western countries, the climate here is pretty hot. So yes, without sub protection, your skin would indeed get sunburned.

 

[Admin]

The temperatures in India usually soar at times and therefore, it is important to use a sun protection cream and that too with spf 50 rather then spf 15.

What has temperature got to do with sunburn?

 

[gamer2x]

How likely am I to get sunburned in India? Is it crucial to wear sunblock?

I do have fairly pale skin, so this is a concern to me. I can usually get away with little sunblock use here in the US, except during really hot days when I have to be outside.

But I'm wondering if it's necessary to wear it all the time in India?

What has temperature got to do with sunburn?

with all due respect, the op herself posted the likelihood of sunburn increases with the increase in temperature.

Anyways I will try to get the scientific explanation for this in sometime as to how its related to temperature.

 

[Dybbuk Jones]

The hole in the ozone layer is still there and lighter skinned people are more likely to get sunburned. You probably should check to see where you are going when it comes to shade, but if you are pale you will most likely get sunburned. The main role that temperature plays is how much exposed skin you have. Minnesotans tend not to get sunburned as often - although they tend to make up for it in the summer with a lot of exposed skin and tanning booths.

I don't know if it's always been like this, but generally it is a good idea to avoid the sun as much as possible. Sunscreen is essential.

 

[Trevlr]

If you're used to wearing a sunblock then consider carrying it whenever you travel. You will need it if your current location is cold than where you are travelling to. You can also consider staying under a shed if you don't want to get sun burned. So carry it for emergency since the weather may be favourable at the time you will be there.

 

[djtravels]

But I'm wondering if it's necessary to wear it all the time in India?

Wear sunblock when you're in the tropical parts of the country.
Also, keep in mind, that you should really use local sunblocks since the SPF factor varies on these products even if they belong to the same brand. This means that you'd endanger yourself if you put on your regular sunblock. So, when you land there, buy the Indian version.

 

[Blue Betta]

I'm going to say yes. Also, you can do like many of the locals and use an umbrella or parasol to protect yourself. Many people cover their arms or their head with a drape of light cloth, especially in some of the more Muslim areas. You'll find that in many tropical equatorial regions in general the response to heat and to the sun is to cover up or seek shade. I personally never had this problem because my skin naturally tans quite dark, but I saw that this was a problem with other, lighter-skinned people. And believe me, no one will blame you for trying to protect your fair skin, and some people may even be jealous!