The season to spend a leisurely day by the pool or beach is just round the corner. We all know that on such a day the alternating between soaking in water and soaking in the sun can damage our skin. Like all other products, the sunscreen too has evolved, says Dr Mohamed El Gharib, dermatologist at Kaya Skin Clinic in Dubai. El Gharib also explains how these new products work and what you should keep in mind when buying them.
There are so many products on the shelves. There are moisturisers, foundations, BB creams, clear sprays with SPF … how does one know which is a good product to use?
Sunscreens today are extremely effective. They provide a shield against both UVA and UVB radiation which damage the skin, ageing it prematurely and also increasing the risks of skin cancer. While UVB causes sunburns, UVA is associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and other light-induced effects of ageing.
Broadly speaking, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. It takes about 20 minutes for unprotected skin to start turning red. Using an SPF 15 sunscreen can prevent reddening 15 times longer, say for about five hours. Percentage wise, SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 per cent of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 keeps out 97 per cent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 per cent. So, it depends on the skin type on how sensitive it is to determine the right product. Plus, anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily.
Does one need to go through a derma test to establish what SPF value is suitable to one’s skin?
Yes, it is recommended. The SPF value depends on the skin type as its exposure to sun is different for every individual. In all cases, Kaya dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Many lotions and moisturisers have a sunscreen in them, and this is sufficient for everyday activities. However, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need stronger, water-resistant, beachwear-type sunscreen that holds together on your skin.
The ill-effects of sun exposure is rather dependent on an individual’s skin type with people having type 1-2 skin being at most risk. Also, people who have photo-sensitive disorders may react strongly even to moderate amounts of sun exposure. During summer, there is an increased prevalence of skin problems. Also, other problems such as increased incidence of fungal infections, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) are noted. The heat, humidity, occlusive clothing, all are contributory factors.
It’s said it’s good to use sunblock even when it’s cloudy. Please explain why.
It is interesting to note that up to 40 per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This can lead to the most serious sunburns, because people spend all day outdoors with no protection from the sun.
We use sun block usually on our necks, hands and faces, but what about the ears? What’s the right way of application?
The sunscreens should be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure; and then should be re-applied every 2 hours for ideal skin protection, across all exposed skin areas such as the face, neck, ear, hands… even if you wear a hat or a scarf.
The parts which bear the brunt are the face, the ‘V’ of the neck, ears, nape of neck, hands, feet and scalp (in case of a bald person). The lower eyelid is the most exposed in the area around the eye. Any exposed area is at risk of sun damage.
Is it possible someone can be allergic to sunblock? And is it still important to use it?
Yes, there is a possibility that you can be allergic to sunscreen. An allergic reaction of red patches can be triggered either by one of the ingredients in the cream or by the combination of the sunscreen and UV exposure. Checking the ingredient list is the first step, but as a norm, you should be doing a patch test for each product before applying it. Your best bet is to try a mineral sunscreen with as few ingredients as possible. If that doesn’t work, you should consult a doctor.
Here’s a few new sunscreens in the UAE market
Lancaster’s 365 Sun Compact’s formula effectively protects the skin against pollution and oxidative stress. It incorporates a full light protection and provides radiance, while the Tan Activating Complex in it extends your tan. The formula also provides comfort and moisture. Sun Compact is available in various shades to suit different skin tones. Dh165.
Nimue Skin Technology introduces two new sunscreen body sprays – Active SPF 30 and Sport SPF 50 water resistant, that disperse a light textured mist of sunscreen to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The non-oily formula also helps the skin resist and absorb pro-ageing solar radiations (UV and IR) and pro-ageing thermal shock (heat and cold). The sprays can be used on children over two and sensitive adult skin too. Nimue Active SPF 30 (Dh174, 150ml) and Nimue Sport SPF 50 Water Resistant (Dh177, 150ml).
Herbal Essentials non-greasy three-product Sun Care range has been formulated with a daily broad spectrum filter that offers effective UVA/UVB protection, leaving the skin hydrated with quick absorption. It includes Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 (Dh145), Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 (Dh135) and Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Oil SPF 30 (Dh140). They’re suitable for the whole family too.
Shiseido’s new Wetforce range contains skincare ingredients that prevent dryness, oxidation and damage to cells and DNA. It becomes even more effective when it comes into contact with water or perspiration. The range includes ageing protection Lotion and cream with SPF50, an eye cream that minimises the appearance of UV-induced fine lines and wrinkles and promotes resilient-looking skin, a sun protection lip treatment and a UV protection cream that provides hydration with protecting against UV rays, dryness and air pollution.
Sephora’s Sunscreen face lotion (Dh85) provides intense protection against dark spots, especially areas such as the nose, as that are prone to them. The tiaré flower-scented lotion keeps UV rays at bay. The Flawless Moisturising Lotion (Dh99) helps achieve a youthful appearance with this body lotion. More than just a moisturiser, it illuminates and evens your skin tone. Upon application, it ensures a clear and radiant complexion even without makeup.
Have an oily, acne-prone skin? Eucerin’s Sun Gel-Crème Oil Control Dry Touch Face SPF50+ (Dh118) targets exactly that. It includes sebum-regulating and mattifying ingredients to control oil production and provide an instant dry matt finish. The formula provides biological cell protection with Licochalcone A and Glycyrrhetinic Acid, which offer optimal anti-oxidative efficacy and DNA protection. Licochalcone A, a highly effective antioxidant, is extracted from liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza Inflata), which grows in countries that are exposed to high levels of solar radiation. The plant prevents UV-induced skin damage by generating special protective molecules that are also effective on human cells. Licochalcone A also has a soothing effect on the skin. It reduces redness, and even atopic skin tolerates it well. Dh118.
