Irrespective of the weather conditions in the UAE, it is extremely important to use sunscreen throughout the year. Sunscreens help protect the skin against the harmful radiations from the sun. With a wide variety of sunscreens now available in the market, it has made the choices wider and difficult for consumers. Pricier sunscreens do not necessarily need to be better than the economical ones.
Before using any sunscreen or skin care products, it’s always advisable to consult a dermatologist to understand your skin type and the best products to use. A few tips to keep in mind to buy a good sunscreen are;
- Pay attention to the SPF – With the climatic conditions in the UAE, it is crucial to choose a sunscreen with a minimum of 30SPF.
- Water and sweat resistance – Such sunscreens will provide protection against harmful UV rays for a minimum of 40 minutes, i.e. if you apply sunscreen and go for a swim, a water resistant sunscreen will be effective for a maximum of 30-40 minutes after which you will have to reapply.
- UVA filters – Most people only check for SPF (sun protection factor, which applies to UVB alone) when choosing a sunscreen because that is what is talked about most and people are aware of. However, it is also important to check for UVA filters/ingredients such a titanium dioxide, zinc oxide. Sunscreens labelled as broad spectrum include both UVA and UVB filters and should be the preferred choice.
- Opt for a cream based sunscreens instead of the spray ones. In case of the sprays you need to know how and how much to use or else patches of the skin tend to remain left out.
- Choose sunscreens based on the weather conditions, thick cream based sunscreens should be avoided during the summer as they tend to get very sticky.
- Check the manufacturing and expiration date – this has to become a habit, keep track of the date of expiry and discard the product when required.
- Always use sunscreen based on your skin type. Water based sunscreen is best suited for acne prone and oily skin.
- Do not use the same sunscreen for kids. They have much more sensitive skin and require special sunscreens that are available in the market.
In addition to the aforementioned, it is also necessary to know the right means of using and applying sunscreen. Most people still do not realize the importance of sunscreen and tend to disregard its use, failing to realize that it will help in protecting the skin. Consult a dermatologist who would be able to advise you the best product based on your skin type and the method of applying it.