
She would sit on the veranda every afternoon in her white cotton saree, which smelled faintly of vetiver and sandalwood. Her bangles clinked as she stirred her concoctions—one for cough, one for glowing skin, and another for the mighty Ravi ( the sun). She would share her wisdom, saying, “You need honour and offer it the right greeting.”
Our grandmothers understood the rhythm of nature. They knew when to rise with the sun, what herbs cooled the skin, and what oils to press into your palms after harsh afternoons. Full of wisdom from ancient cultures, they knew how to choose the best sunscreen—in a language we are only beginning to relearn.
Today, we find ourselves scrolling through endless products, chasing protection while forgetting tradition and time-tested wisdom. Old School Rituals, with this blog, invites you to pause and learn about nearly lost wisdom—not just how to pick sunscreen but how to choose the protection that honours your skin, spirit, and the rituals passed down through generations.
The Sun: A Friend, Not A Foe
The sun in ancient culture like ayurveda is known as the giver of life. It governs digestion, mood, energy and sleep. But like fire in the hearth, it must be respected. Daily sun exposure to the harmful UV rays can damage skin cells, break down collagen and trigger pigmentation. When choosing sun protection for your skin, the first step is about appreciation.
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen: What Matters Most

The second one obviously is picking the one with SPF and yes it is important. There are many benefits of SPF-rich sunscreen such as protection against pigmentation and UV rays. However beyond the obvious there are other markers for good sunscreen as well. Here’s how to choose the right natural sunscreen for the face that does more than just sit on the skin.
-
Nature-Kissed Protection
There’s sunscreen, and there’s skin nourishment that protects. Most sunscreens rely heavily on synthetic ingredients that are often harsh and disturb your skin's natural balance. For those who seek gentle routes, nature has always offered alternatives.
Our ancestors did not smear harsh chemicals and materials -they turned to cooling pastes of earth’s luxurious ingredients such as turmeric, coconut, Yashad Bhasma (zinc oxide) and more. When searching for how to choose the right sunscreen, looking for a thoughtfully blended one that uses natural plant-derived ingredients offers a protective veil against aggression. It shields and soothes.
If your skin feels flushed after application, it is time to switch. Choose the formulas that echo tradition and avoid ingredients your skin wouldn’t recognise.
-
Reading the label: Simplicity Is Key
Ancient beauty science believed in simplicity. Too many ingredients can confuse your skin. It is essential to look for something that feels like home. A thoughtful blend of natural ingredients stirred in a pot or brass bowl.
Old School Rituals sunscreen offers skin-soothing botanicals carefully created in small batches. It wears like silk, smells faintly of indulgence, and allows your skin to breathe while being shielded.
-
Texture, Touch and Ritual
When deciding on how to pick sunscreen ask yourself: does it feel like a chore to apply, or a tranquil ritual? The best sunscreen will melt into the skin like ghee on warm rice. No white cast, no stickiness, just veil of nourishment and protection.
Remember, your everyday sunscreen should delight and bring peace.
How To Choose Sunscreen: Common Myths To Unlearn

-
Darker Skin Tones Don’t Need Sunscreen:
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. While melanin does offer some protection, it cannot prevent the long-term impact of UV damage. Sunspots, uneven texture, and premature ageing can affect every complexion.
-
Sunscreen Is Only For Sunny Days:
UVA and UVB rays are present even when the skies are grey or when you’re indoors by a window. Think of sunscreen as your daily shield, not just for the outside but also for subtle and nourishing protection even without sunlight.
-
Natural Sunscreen Aren’t Effective:
Natural sunscreen is formulated with the time-tested wisdom of ancient beauty and life secrets. This thoughtfully formulated product crafted of natural ingredients offers broad-spectrum protection without harming the planet, your hormones, or your skin’s microbiome.
You can even enhance the effectiveness of your natural sunscreen by massaging a thin layer of Kumkumadi face oil into your temples and jawline. Perhaps pair it with a sandalwood face pack, and your sun care will move beyond repair—it’s about reunion.
Sunscreen Should Be A Part Of Your Everyday Ritual
Oftentimes using sunscreen is treated as a final checkpoint in our hurried routine. But what if it were an invitation to pause? Revel in a sacred ritual to honour yourself and your skin.
To do so, begin with a natural cleanser for the face that smells delicious and removes impurities without stripping. Follow it with a face moisturiser that offers dewiness. Only then sweep on your sunscreen.
Finally, during the night after washing off your day routine apply a natural serum for your face that allows your skin to rejuvenate and revitalise and thus prepping it for the next day. Layering skincare like this is about intention and living in the moment that rewards you with natural radiance.
Choose from the best of ancient rituals inspired products formulated of earth’s luxurious ingredients from Old School Rituals and revel in honouring the old tales, your skin and spirit through holistic care.
Choose A Sunscreen That Honours You

Learning how to choose sunscreen isn’t about trends or glossy advertisements. It is about listening to your skin's needs. It is about knowing the needs of seasons and honouring the rich traditions of mindful rituals.
So next time you wonder how to choose the right sunscreen, pause and ask: Does it feel like a ritual? Does it feel like home? Does it respect the skin I'm in?
Let that response lead you.
Always protect your light—but do so with love and compassion.
FAQs
How to pick sunscreen for sensitive skin?
Choose a sunscreen that is delicate, not overpowering, and free of synthetic aroma, alcohol, and harsh active ingredients. Look for soothing, natural components like aloe, calendula, and zinc oxide. Your skin deserves quiet and breathable protection every day.
What’s the best way to layer sunscreen into my routine?
Begin with a gentle natural face wash, then apply a hydrating natural serum or a nourishing face moisturiser. Finish with sunscreen for a silky, protective veil that seals in care and protects your radiance.
What should I use after sun exposure?
Use a rose water compress or a few drops of Kumkumadi face oil to soothe your skin. A sandalwood face pack can soothe and chill the skin, revitalising its natural brightness without abrasion.