In our previous edition, we addressed your most frequent questions on ‘Anti-aging and Dry Skin’, and navigating ‘General Skin Health and Ingredients/Product Confusion’ with clarity and confidence.
In Part II of this series, we turn our attention to two essential pillars of serious skincare: intelligent “Sunscreen Protection” and the art of balancing “Oily Skin” while visibly diminishing the appearance of enlarged pores. Here are your FAQs answered:
Sunscreen Protection
#1 What SPF level is recommended for everyday protection?
As per American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 is efficient in providing protection by up to 97% against sunburn and daily skin damage. It also reduces the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Higher SPFs (like 50 or 100) only provide an additional (and a false sense of) +1% protection. So the real-world benefit is minimal. Higher SPFs may also be thicker and occlusive, making them less comfortable for daily wear.
#2 What does broad spectrum sunscreen mean?
‘Broad Spectrum Sunscreen’ means that our SunProtect SPF30+ is made from EWG-approved Micronized Zinc Oxide (learn more) that shields your skin from all the three forms of UV rays (UVA/UVB/UVC) – providing complete daily protection.
Note:
- UVA rays – Responsible for premature aging and skin cancer.
- UVB rays – Responsible for sunburn, redness, and inflammation – causing superficial skin damage.
- UVC rays – Responsible for severe skin burn, surface tissue damage, and long-term skin damage.
#3 Does your sunscreen protect against strong coastal UV rays?
Along the coast, UV rays are intense (with a High to Intense UV index of 6 to 11+), especially between 10AM to 4PM. Also, water and sand strongly interact with UV rays, which exacerbates exposure up by 15 to 25%.
With an SPF of 30+, our SunProtect SPF30+ Sunscreen provides complete protection during beach days, walks, and outdoor exposure – even when the sun is strong. Just remember to reapply every 2 hours (and after swimming) and wear protective clothing for added protection, especially if fair-skinned and/or have winter-pale skin!
#4 Does saltwater affect the effectiveness of sunscreen?
If your sunscreen isn’t water-resistant, its protection can fade when it’s washed away during long swims or when saltwater and salt crystals break down and rub off the protective layer. Fortunately, SunProtect is water-resistant (made with natural xanthan gum, shea butter, and oil-based carriers), which keeps you protected even during extended beach or pool time (up to two hours).
#5 Are Physical (Barrier) Sunscreens Better than Chemical Sunscreens?
Two mechanisms are at work here: Physical or Mineral Sunscreens (with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) sit on the surface of the skin to reflect/mirror back UV rays. On the other hand, active ingredients in chemical sunscreens (such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, etc) absorb into the skin and react with UV rays and convert them into heat.
Many states, including Hawaii, Palau, US Virgin Islands, and Mexico have put bans on the sale and use of chemical sunscreens. EU regulators have also reviewed and only permitted filters that can be used at defined concentrations (learn more). These bans became necessary to reduce the damaging impact of chemical UV filters on marine ecosystems as well as on human health. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) consistently recommends mineral sunscreens as a safer choice due to their stable UV filters – being 100% reef safe, and having lower risk of skin irritation.
SunProtect is 100% clean, reef-safe, and free of toxic chemicals.
#6 Can sunscreen help prevent sun-related skin aging and hyperpigmentation?
Yes. Daily use of our @PVO broad-spectrum SunProtect SPF 30+ protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays — the primary causes of premature aging, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. UVA contributes to fine lines and loss of firmness, while UVB rays trigger excess melanin production, leading to pigmentation.
Enriched with Devabright (a proprietary blend of Licorice Root Extract, Bearberry/ Uva Ursi, and Kojic Acid from Mushrooms), Our Sunprotect is very effective in eliminating the appearance of dark spots, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion.While SPF protection prevents future damage, Devabright (learn more) improves visible dark pigmentation discoloration — making it a powerful daily protection solution.
#7 Should sunscreen be used with other skincare treatments?
SunProtect can be safely used (and is in fact,highly recommended) with all our other skin care treatment solutions. In fact, it protects your results, prevents further pigmentation, and supports overall skin health. Think of SunProtect as the essential final step that locks in the benefits of your skincare routine while shielding your skin from UVA/B/C damage.
#8 Is sunscreen needed indoors?
UVA rays penetrate glass, contributing to premature aging and pigmentation even indoors. Additionally, the blue light (HEV light) from screens and indoor lighting triggers oxidative stress and worsen hyperpigmentation, particularly in medium to deeper skin tones.
Our SunProtect SPF 30+ offers broad-spectrum (including UVC protection), which defends skin against daily light-induced damage — making it essential even when you’re indoors.
Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores
#1 Why is my skin so oily even after repeatedly cleansing my face?
Skin oiliness is due to kapha dosha (check yours here), which is predominated by overactive sebaceous glands. When you use harsh cleansers with an unbalanced pH, this strips natural oils, causing your skin to produce even more oil. Using a gentle, organic cleanser like Puraveda Organics Pore Perfect Cleanser (with balanced pH of 4.5) balances oil without over-drying.
#2 How can I control oily skin naturally?
Controlling oil production is all about maintaining the all-important oil-moisture balance, without stripping natural oils. Follow our detailed guide on Pore Perfect Regimen for the best results. Some important considerations to balance and control oily skin:
- Start with Pore Perfect Cleanser (2X/day) – it harnesses the power of energising hydromineral and unique botanical blend to remove dead skin, oil build-up, toxins, and impurities from pores and balance complexion.
- It is very important to follow with oil-balancing and pore minimizing Pore Perfect Hydrator/Toner (2X/day or whenever necessary). It restores pH balance, controls excess oil, minimizes appearance of pores and preps skin after cleansing.
- Apply BioScience Peptide Complex (+ Rejuv Serum for skin over 30) (2X/day) for moisture, radiance, and strength.
- Exfoliate 2-3X times a week with Papaya and Honey Exfoliation Mask & Scrub.
- Adjust diet (low spice, fried, processed foods, and sugar).
- Manage stress and sleep to harmonize stress hormones responsible for excess oil production.
#3 Is moisturizing necessary for oily skin?
When you skip moisturizer, your skin can become dehydrated, which signals it to produce even more oil to compensate. The key is using a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without blocking pores.
Bioscience Peptide Complex and Rejuv Serum with natural humectants work at a deeper level to repair, hydrate, and smooth the skin’s texture, helping control excess shine while promoting a clearer, healthier complexion. Together, they hydrate intelligently without making oily skin feel greasy.
#4 How often do I exfoliate my skin?
Exfoliate 2–3 times a week with our Papaya and Honey Exfoliation Mask & Scrub to gently remove dead skin cells and unblock pores. For a deeper treatment, apply it as a mask and leave it on for up to an hour. It allows the natural papaya enzymes and nourishing ingredients to fully absorb. Regular use clears buildup, refines texture, and reveals a brighter, more refreshed complexion.
#5 Can natural ingredients really help reduce enlarged pores?
Our Pore Perfect regimen is made with Peppermint, Nettle, White Willow Bark Extract (Salicylic Acid), Bergamot Essential Oil and other vital natural botanicals that are proven to refine pore size and provide effective and long lasting results. Regular use makes pores look visibly smaller and smoother over time.
#6 Can enlarged pores shrink permanently?
Pore size is mostly determined by genetics, skin type, age, and collagen levels. While once a pore is stretched, it cannot physically close or completely disappear, its appearance can be significantly minimized. Proper cleansing, toning, and exfoliation with oil-balancing and collagen-supporting ingredients with our Pore Perfect treatment makes pores visibly reduce pore size in 3-4 months. So while permanent shrinking isn’t possible, consistent skincare can make enlarged pores far less noticeable and keep them looking refined and balanced.
#7 How do I eliminate blemishes and acne from my oily skin?
For the complete procedure on Natural Acne Treatment for Oily skin, follow this detailed guide.
#8 How long does it take to see results with Pore Perfect Treatment and On the Spot Blemish Treatment?
Pore Perfect Regimen starts showing results in 14 to 21 days with clearer skin, better oil balance and brighter complexion. Visible reduction in pore size in 3-4 months. On the Spot Blemish Treatment for spot acne is designed to give quick results in 1-2 days (learn more).
Got more questions?? Leave us your query here and we will write you back. In Part 1 and Part 3 of this series, we will cover the Most Asked Questions on:
- Anti-aging and Dry Skin
- General Skin Health and Ingredients/ Product Confusion
- Acne and Breakouts
- Rosacea & Sensitive Skin
