In a candid revelation on her podcast, actor and host Pooja Bedi disclosed a recurring point of contention with her daughter, actress Alaya F. The topic of their friendly feud? The daily use of sunscreen.
The Mother-Daughter Skincare Standoff
Pooja Bedi shared that she and Alaya are "constantly at loggerheads" over sun protection. While her daughter is a staunch advocate for daily sunscreen application, Bedi admitted she often skips it. "She insists that I slap it on daily, which I don't," Bedi told her guest, wellness educator Barbara O'Neill. This generational clash over a simple skincare step highlights a broader, evolving conversation about sun safety, chemical exposure, and holistic health.
Beyond Skincare: The Modern Sunscreen Dilemma
Dr. Shweta Nakhawa, a consultant dermatologist at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, explains that sunscreen is no longer seen as just a cosmetic product. With increased online information, people are more inquisitive about what they apply on their skin—the body's largest organ. Concerns about long-term chemical absorption and overall effects are natural and valid.
"Different opinions across generations often come from exposure to varying health messages," Dr. Nakhawa notes. She points out that older generations might have been exposed to advice promoting natural living and vitamin D from the sun, while younger people are bombarded with messages about preventing photoaging and skin cancer.
Does Sunscreen Block Vital Vitamin D?
One of the core debates is whether sunscreen hinders the body's ability to produce Vitamin D by blocking UVB rays. Dr. Nakhawa clarifies the nuance: "While sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and lowers skin cancer risk, consistent and heavy use may limit natural vitamin D formation, especially if sun exposure is already low." She adds that UVA rays, responsible for skin ageing and long-term damage, can still penetrate if sunscreen is not applied correctly.
Should You Avoid Sunscreen Altogether?
The answer, according to the expert, is not a simple yes or no. "The issue is not sun exposure itself but how and when it happens," Dr. Nakhawa contends. She recommends short periods of unprotected morning sun for safe Vitamin D synthesis. However, for prolonged exposure during peak hours (late morning to afternoon), sunscreen is crucial to guard against pigmentation, premature ageing, and skin damage.
Why the Generational Gap in Sunscreen Use?
The consistency seen in younger people stems from heightened awareness. "Social media, beauty trends, and awareness of long-term skin damage make sunscreen feel necessary," explains Dr. Nakhawa. Conversely, older generations, who often had more outdoor exposure and fewer skincare products, may believe the skin can adapt naturally.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen For You
Dr. Nakhawa emphasizes a personalized approach. It is essential to consider your skin type, daily sun exposure, and lifestyle. Someone working indoors may not need frequent reapplication, unlike those who spend long hours outside. Ingredients matter too; choices range from mineral-based options to modern chemical filters tested for safety.
The Balanced Takeaway: Sunscreen as a Tool
The key is to view sunscreen as one tool in a broader sun-smart strategy, not an absolute barrier. Dr. Nakhawa's balanced advice includes: allowing limited unprotected morning sun for Vitamin D, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen mindfully during high-exposure periods.
This debate, sparked by Pooja Bedi and Alaya F's personal experience, underscores that skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Informed choices, based on individual needs and expert guidance, pave the way for healthy skin in the long run.
