Connector July 2025

CONNECTOR.AE 38 CONNECTOR.AE 39 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS 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 fromKaya Skin Clinic warns that ingredients like oxybenzone may have hormonedisrupting properties and that octocrylene can produce a compound called benzophenone, which raises potential safety concerns. Dr. Kausar Valiulla from Kaya Skin 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. “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.” 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. 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 oftenmissed, which can lead to uneven skin tone and early signs of ageing in places we don’t always expect. “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.” “It is essential for long-term skin health to integrate sun protection lotions into a consistent routine daily.”

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