Whether you're heading to the beach, driving to work, or simply sitting by a sunny window, sunscreen is your skin’s first line of defence. With the UAE’s intense sun exposure, using sunscreen daily isn't just a skincare tip, it's a must for maintaining healthy, youthful skin and reducing your risk of skin damage or even skin cancer.
In this feature, Connector explores what sunscreen really does, how you can pick the best one for your skin type, and the common mistakes to avoid. We also share expert insights from skincare specialists to help you build the right sunscreen routine this summer.
Sunscreen is often seen as something we apply at the beach or during holidays, but its role goes far beyond that. Especially during the summer months, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, sunscreen becomes one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. It protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays from the sun that cause both immediate and long-term skin damage.
There are two main types of UV rays that affect the skin, namely UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the ones responsible for long-term damage like wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin tone. UVB rays cause sunburn and can directly harm the skin cell DNA. A good sunscreen should protect against both types, which is why experts always recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is designed to shield you from both UVA and UVB exposure.
What To Choose And What To Avoid
Not all sunscreens are the same, however, and choosing the right one for your skin makes a big difference. According to Anisah Omar, Research and Development Scientist at Vaseline Arabia, "The first thing to check is that the product has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, which offers a strong baseline of UVB defence suitable for daily use, especially in high-UV environments". According to Dr. Kausar Valiulla, Aesthetic General Practioner at Kaya Clinic, "Sunscreen with SPF 100 offers slightly more protection, which can be used for extended outdoor use".
Next comes the texture and formulation. Both experts agree that people with oily or acne-prone skin should look for sunscreens labelled as non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores. For dry skin, more nourishing options that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerine can help keep the skin hydrated. Dr. Kausar Valiulla from Kaya Clinic also points out that those with sensitive skin may benefit from mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tend to be gentler and less likely to cause irritation, and those who sweat a lot or go for swimming must use water-resistant sunscreens.
The way a sunscreen feels on your skin is more important than it may seem. Anisah Omar from Vaseline Arabia says, “If it’s lightweight, smooth, and comfortable, you're much more likely to use it every day, and that’s what truly makes it effective". This is why it’s a good idea to try a few different formats, whether it’s a cream, gel, lotion or stick, and find the one that feels best for your daily routine.
It’s also helpful to look at the label for any ingredients you might want to avoid. Some chemical ingredients like parabens and octinoxate have been linked to environmental concerns and, in some cases, skin sensitivity. Dr. Kausar Valiulla from Kaya Clinic warns that ingredients like oxybenzone may have hormone-disrupting properties and that octocrylene can produce a compound called benzophenone, which raises potential safety concerns. Dr. Kausar Valiulla from Kaya Clinic also advises staying away from fragrances and parabens, especially for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Overcoming Mistakes And Misconceptions
Once you’ve chosen the right sunscreen, how you use it makes all the difference. A common mistake is not applying enough product. Experts recommend using at least half a teaspoon for the face and neck, and about nine teaspoons for the entire body. It’s also important to apply sunscreen about 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors to give it time to absorb and form a protective barrier.
Reapplication is another key step that people often overlook. Sunscreen doesn’t last all day. It breaks down with time, especially when exposed to water, sweat, or frequent touching. Both experts agree that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you’re spending time outside, and even more often if you’re swimming or perspiring heavily. Even indoors, reapplication is recommended every few hours if there’s exposure to sunlight through windows, as UVA rays can pass through glass.
Another misconception is that sunscreen is only needed for the face. In reality, areas like the ears, neck, hands, lips and even the tops of the feet are regularly exposed and just as vulnerable to damage. These spots are often missed, which can lead to uneven skin tone and early signs of ageing in places we don’t always expect.
While the process of picking and applying sunscreen may seem like a lot at first, building it into your daily routine quickly becomes second nature, and the long-term benefits are significant. Consistent use helps prevent visible signs of ageing, reduces the risk of sunburn, and most importantly, protects your skin from deeper damage that may not show up until years later. As Anisah Omar from Vaseline Arabia puts it, “It is essential for long-term skin health to integrate sun protection lotions into a consistent routine daily".
Choosing the right sunscreen is all about understanding your skin, knowing what to look for, and using it regularly and correctly. With just a bit of attention and the right product in hand, sunscreen becomes more than a skincare step. It becomes a daily habit that supports healthier, stronger, and better-looking skin for years to come.