Don't Skip Sunscreen as the Weather Cools Down in the UAE!

As the weather cools down in the UAE, many people remove sunscreen from their daily routine; however, a drop in temperature does not mean a halt to ultraviolet rays.

Skin specialists say UVA exists year-round and, by penetrating deeper into the skin, plays a role in premature aging, the formation of spots, and cumulative skin damage. UVB, which is the main cause of sunburn, varies more with the season, time of day, and geographical location.

For this reason, a cool or even cloudy day in the UAE is not necessarily a low-risk day in terms of UV exposure. Clouds can reduce the amount of rays that reach the ground, but they do not completely block them.

But should everyone reapply sunscreen every few hours in the fall and winter? No.

The amount of use should align more with lifestyle than with the calendar. If you spend most of your day inside a building away from large windows, your UV exposure is lower, and specialists do not necessarily consider frequent reapplication essential.

However, the situation is different for someone who sits by a sunlit window for a long time, drives a lot, or is outdoors. UVA can pass through glass, and in these conditions, daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen becomes more important.

When choosing sunscreen, the main difference between mineral and chemical types is how they work and their texture. Mineral sunscreens, which usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, generally have good tolerance for sensitive or reactive skin, but may have a heavier texture.

Chemical sunscreens usually have a lighter and more transparent texture and are easier to use daily and under makeup. Specialists emphasize that the best sunscreen is the one your skin tolerates and that you can use regularly.

Several mistakes are repeated more than others: using a small amount of sunscreen, skipping it on cold and cloudy days, and forgetting areas like the ears, neck, hands, hairline, and legs.

And one more important point: the SPF in moisturizer or makeup does not replace dedicated sunscreen. Specialists consider it more of an additional protective layer, not a substitute for broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Ultimately, fall and winter do not mean setting aside sunscreen; only the need for it changes with your exposure to light. In the UAE, it’s better to look at how much and where you are exposed to daylight rather than the thermometer.
Source: Gulf News