CONNECTOR.AE 36 CONNECTOR.AE 37 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS 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. Choosing The Right Sunscreen This Summer 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. Next comes the texture and formulation. Both experts agree that people with oily or acne-prone skin should look for sunscreens labelled as noncomedogenic, 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 fromKaya SkinClinic 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. 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 fromboth 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 toDr. Kausar Valiulla, AestheticGeneral Practioner at Kaya Skin Clinic, “Sunscreen with SPF 100 offers slightly more protection, which can be used for extended outdoor use”. “Sunscreen with SPF 100 offers slightly more protection, which can be used for extended outdoor use.”
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