Are you incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine this summer? You should be. As a skincare obsessive, I will never stop emphasizing the long-term importance of sunscreen for the face.
While many of us know we should wear sunscreen for sun protection, we often skip it. However, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation emphasize that wearing sunscreen is the most crucial step to slow down visible signs of aging and protect sensitive skin.
Experts advise that sun protection shouldn’t be limited to the outdoors. It’s crucial to shield your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing SPF indoors as well, as sunlight can penetrate through windows.
Curious about what your skin needs during the summer and how to choose the right formula for your skin type? Keep scrolling!
What should you look for in sunscreen to use during summer in Dubai, and how much should you apply on your face?
In the UAE’s intense sunlight and high temperatures, it’s advisable to use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor). While SPF 30 is often considered the minimum, many experts recommend SPF 50 or higher for better protection, especially in areas with strong and prolonged sun exposure. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and remember to reapply it every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Additionally, when shopping for sunscreens, look for the letters “PA,” which stand for “protection grade of UVA,” followed by plus signs. For example, PA+ indicates some protection, while PA++++ signifies the highest level of protection.
If you have acne or oily skin, opting for sunscreen labeled as ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘oil-free’ ensures it won’t clog pores. For dry skin, choose moisturizers with sunscreen or sunscreens containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Regarding how much sunscreen to apply on your face, you might have heard of the “3 finger rule,” which advises using enough sunscreen to cover the full length of three fingers.
Why should you use separate sunscreen for your body and face?
Using separate sunscreens for your face and body is essential because facial skin is typically more sensitive than the rest of your body. Facial sunscreens are often oil-free, making them gentler on the skin and less likely to cause breakouts.
Here’s the list of best sunscreens for face available in the UAE market now
1. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid (SPF 50+)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid provides skincare for normal and combination facial skin, maintaining an optimal balance of oil and hydration levels while preventing pore clogging.
Known for its water resistance and broad-spectrum protection, this sunscreen is well-suited for the hot and humid weather of the United Arab Emirates. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula provides effective defense against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comfort for regular wear. It helps to prevent from oxidative stress generated by infrared and pollution.
Price: Dhs148
2. Best for all skin types: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen (SPF 50+, PA++++)
How can we create a lineup of top sunscreens without including Korean varieties? Korean skincare has revolutionized the industry with breakthrough technology tailored to diverse skin types.
This organic sunscreen offers high sun protection while providing hydration, nourishment, and soothing anti-inflammatory benefits. Formulated with rice extract and 30% grain fermented extracts, it’s gentle, suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Price: Dhs66
3. Best Budget: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (SPF 40, PA+++)
Suitable for all skin tones and types, this fragrance-free sunscreen is oil-free and lightweight. Perfect for beach trips, Supergoop! offers 40 minutes of water and sweat resistance.
It’s also reef-friendly, made with clean ingredients such as red algae, frankincense, and hydrating meadowfoam seed, while excluding harmful oxybenzone, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic.
Price: Dhs74
4. Best Hybrid Sunscreen: ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water (SPF 50+)
The Isdin Fotoprotector Fusion Water sunscreen has an oil-free, water-based formula that offers a high protection of SPF 50+. Its lightweight texture won’t clog pores or irritate the eyes. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it offers anti-aging and antioxidant benefits for an extra skin boost. Ideal for the pool or beach, it applies effortlessly on both wet and dry skin, making reapplication a breeze. Just remember to apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Price: Dhs183
5. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel-Cream (SPF 50+)
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+ is unperfumed and has an ultra-light, non-greasy texture. Clinical and dermatological studies prove very good skin tolerability on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
What makes this sunblock exceptional is its protection not just against UVA and UVB rays but also visible light, which can accelerate aging and pigmentation. Eucerin emphasizes that despite containing chemical filters, there’s no need to wait after applying it.
Price: Dhs135
6. Best for Oily Skin: eltaMD UV Physical Broadband Tinted (SPF 41)
EltaMD UV Physical is an all mineral sunscreen for normal to oily skin. It is lightly tinted to even skin tone and provides excellent protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
UV Physical can be applied alone or under makeup. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. This lightly tinted formula provides a matte finish and is water-resistant (40 minutes).
Price: Dhs180
You might also like: Best Vitamin C serums available in the UAE : Our Top Picks
7. Best for Dry Skin: Innisfree Daily UV Defence Sunscreen (SPF 36)
Innisfree’s Sunblock features a lightweight lotion formula infused with sunflower seed oil to nourish and Green Tea + Cica to hydrate and soothe. It provides an invisible shield against UVA & UVB rays with Broad Spectrum SPF 36, ideal for daily wear, especially for dry skin in the UAE. Known for its water-based, hydrating properties and rich in natural ingredients, this sunscreen absorbs quickly and leaves a dewy finish that has earned rave reviews.
Price: Dhs102
8. Best for Combination Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 combines superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with hydrating benefits for a refreshing, non-greasy feel. Formulated with Helioplex Technology, it shields against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. Purified Hyaluronic Acid quenches dry skin, maintaining vital hydration throughout the day. This oil-free sunscreen layers invisibly under makeup, leaving no white marks or residue. As a non-comedogenic formula, it won’t clog pores, making it ideal for daily use.
Price: Dhs157
