Lakme

The classic Indian woman is expressive, confident and redefines the definition and meaning of beauty. She not only inspires but also aspires to achieve the best.

From being the contemporary Indian beauty expert to becoming the flag-bearer of the latest makeup trends and styles that hit the runway, Lakmé as a brand continues to be innovative with its approach towards the world of makeup and beauty.

Whether it is products that are synthesized to meet every Indian woman’s requirements, or the world-class hair, beauty and skin care services offered at Lakmé Salons, we at Lakmé are proud to deliver only the finest!

Key Facts

• Lakmé is the country's first cosmetic brand to introduce makeup to Indian women and takes pride in being the Indian beauty expert for over 65 years.
• It is a complete beauty brand spanning colour cosmetics & skin care and extends to beauty services through the network of Lakmé Salons.
• Its bond with beauty and fashion is manifested through the Lakmé Fashion Week, which is now the largest fashion event of its kind in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is SPF?

  ‘SPF’ stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’ which is the ratio of minimum erythemal dose on skin protected by a sunscreen product to the minimum erythemal dose on the same unprotected skin. SPF is more accurately the sun burn protection factor, as it primarily shows the level of protection against UVB, not the protection against UVA.

  SPFs are rated on a scale of 10 to 50+ based on the level of protection they offer. Sun protection products are generally divided into the following four protection classes, termed as Low, Moderate, High and Very High, based on the level of their SPF label claims.

  Label SPF Protection Class

  SPF 6, SPF 10 – Low protection

  SPF 15, SPF 20, SPF 25 – Medium protection

  SPF 30, SPF 40, SPF 50 – High protection

  SPF 50+ – Very High protection

• What is tan?

  The dark pigment that gives the skin its natural colour is called melanin. Melanin is made in the skin by pigment cells called melanocytes. After our skin has been exposed to sunlight the melanocytes produce more melanin in attempt to absorb further UV radiation, and so the skin becomes darker. A tan is actually a sign that the skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself.

• Who needs sunscreen?

  Everyone regardless of age, gender or race. Sunscreen use can help prevent skin damage by protecting you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

• What are UVA and UVB radiations?

  Ultra Violet (UV) radiation from the sun is transmitted in three wavelengths – UVA (wavelength range from 320 nm to 400 nm), UVB (290 nm to 320 nm) and UVC (100 to 280 nm). UVC does not penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, so we only need to protect against UVA and UVB.

  UVA irradiation is associated with skin ageing. UVA affects the elastin in the skin and leads to wrinkles and sun-induced skin ageing (for example coarse wrinkles, leathery skin and brown pigmentation), as well as skin cancer. UVA can penetrate window glass and penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB. UVA protection in a sunscreen will help defend the skin against photo ageing and potentially skin cancer.

  UVB is most responsible for sunburn and has strong links to malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma risk (types of skin cancer).

• Why UVA protection factor labelling is important?

  When compared to UVB, UVA is less dangerous but its penetration is deeper than UVB and sometimes its higher dose induces photo toxicity with or without exogenous sensitizers present in the blood. Thus, to avoid the phototoxic dose of UVA protectant should be applied on skin. Therefore, UVA PF labelling is important.

• What is UVA rating system?

  When you buy sunscreen containing UVA protection, you may notice a PA+/ ++/ +++/ ++++ rating on the packaging. The PA ranging from + to ++++ indicates the level of protection from UVA radiation.

• What do you mean by organic and inorganic filters?

  Organic filters absorb harmful UV radiation and convert and give this energy back out as infrared. These are sometimes known as ‘absorbers’, or ‘chemical’ sunscreens. Note that organic filters do not mean ‘organic’ in the environmental sense.

  Inorganic filters (also known as ‘physical’, ‘natural’, ‘reflective’, ‘zinc’) contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which reflect UV radiation away from the skin.

  It can be helpful to think of organic filters as sponges, mopping up the UV radiation, and inorganic filters as mirrors, bouncing UV straight back off the skin.

• How much sunscreen should I apply?

  To obtain the intended protection, you must follow the manufacturers’ instructions for use and application.

  Therefore, always apply the amount of sunscreen indicated on the label and re-apply frequently. Remember the easily forgotten areas: tops of ears, behind knees, ankles, feet and eyelids.

  Regardless of which sunscreen you choose, be sure to apply it generously to achieve the UV protection indicated on the product label.

• When should I use sunscreen?

  Every day you go outside. The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays.

• How often should I apply sunscreen?

  Sunscreen should be re-applied frequently to maintain protection, especially after perspiring, swimming or towelling. You should always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for use, application and re-application.

  The frequency of re-application should correspond to how and when the product is being used, for example, when exposed to direct sunlight, on the beach, when swimming, doing sports, etc.

• Do you use sunscreen to stay in the sun longer?

  Sunscreen products should not be used as a means to stay in the sun for prolonged periods. Over- exposure to the sun can be harmful and the use of sunscreen is one part of ‘sun safe’ behaviour.

• Do you read the information on the label to help you choose the appropriate product and apply it correctly?

  Always read the label and choose the most appropriate product based on your skin sensitivity and the conditions under which you will be exposed to the sun. UV ray intensity will depend on the time of day, your geographical location and the weather.

• Will a high SPF sunscreen stop me from getting a tan?

  No, you can still get a tan while wearing a high factor SPF. Wearing sunscreen will lower your risk of skin damage.

• Will using sunscreen limit the amount of Vitamin D I get?

  Using sunscreen may decrease your skin’s production of vitamin D.

  • If you are concerned that you are not getting enough vitamin D, you should discuss your options for getting vitamin D with your doctor.
  • Many people can get the vitamin D they need from foods and/or vitamin supplements. This approach gives you the vitamin D you need without increasing your risk for skin cancer.

• What SPF number do you think is enough for you?

  The higher the number, the greater the protection. But do not think of the SPF number as a mathematical formula indicating multiples of the amount of time you could stay out in the sun without sunscreen before you burn.

  Choose an SPF that suits your skin and the way in which you apply sunscreens.

  Sunscreen products that offers the following maybe used depending on the time of day, your geographical location and the weather:

  • Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
  • SPF 6 or higher

  UVA PF (PA +/ ++/ +++/ ++++)

  • Water resistance (40 min/ 80 min)

  A sunscreen that offers the above helps to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer.

  However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you. In addition to wearing sunscreen, dermatologists recommend taking the following steps to protect your skin and find skin cancer early:

  • Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Dress to protect yourself from the sun by wearing loose-fitting clothing and a wide- brimmed hat with a good pair of sunglasses, when possible.
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements.
  • Avoid tanning beds.
  • Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.