Since summer is here, protecting your skin from sunlight by using sunscreens is one of the key elements to keep your skin youthful and beautiful. 

Why are sunscreens a trend now?

Exposure to the sun can cause sunburns and damage collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to aging of the skin (a condition known as photo-aging). Also, it increases the risk of developing skin cancer. But daily use of sunscreens can reduce the risk of issues mentioned above.

So, how can you select sunscreen suitable for you?

1. Select sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. The higher the factor the better protection, as SPF 30 or more can block more than 97% of the damaging UVB ray.
2. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is your choice. Select a sunscreen that can protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, sunscreens are classified as chemical and physical barriers. Substances like oxybenzone, avobenzone and octisalate are examples of chemical sunscreens which absorb damaging sunlight, while substances like minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are physical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens act as a barrier preventing sunlight from penetrating your skin. Physical sunscreens are also known as tinted (colored) sunscreens, they provide better protection against sunlight compared to chemical ones.
3. Select sunscreen suitable for your skin. Choose a sunscreen that matches your skin type. For example, people with oily skin can break out due to selecting the wrong products. If you have oily skin, select a non-comedogenic sunscreen and mattifying formulas.
4. Select the formula that you prefer.  Sunscreens are available in many forms like creams, lotions, sticks, sprays, and even body oils. The formula chosen is based on your preferences and your skin routine habits. For example, if you have oily skin, some companies have gel sunscreens. Gel sunscreens are light weight on the skin and will not cause breaking out of the skin. If you like to wear make-up, you can use spray or powder sunscreens to re-apply the sunscreen. Also, sprays, lotions, and oils are good options to use on the body.

What sunscreens are available in Al-thiqa pharmacy?

Because we care about you during summertime, we provide a selection of sunscreens in Althiqa pharmacy:

• Eucerin photoaging control sun fluid SPF 50+
• Eucerin sun- gel cream oil control SPF 50+
• Bioderma photoderm AKN mat SPF 30+
• Bioderma photoderm MAX crème SPF 100
• Bioderma photoderm MAX crème SPF 50+
• Uriage bariesun SPF50+ sensitive skin sun cream
• Uriage bariesun SPF50+ Mineral cream
• Avene SPF 50+ lotion for children
• Avene cleanance SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Avene very high protection fluid SPF50+

How to make sunscreen an essential part of your daily routine?

• Use sunscreen after cleaning your face. If you wear make-up, apply it before makeup or you can use tinted formula instead of regular foundation.
• Sunscreens lose their effect after 2 hours, make sure you re-apply them every 2 hours. And to prevent ruining your makeup, use sunscreen spray in the re-applying process.
• Intense room lights/ studio lights are also damaging to the skin. Apply sunscreen before entering areas with intense lights. 
• Apply sunscreen to your entire body when you go swimming and re-apply it after getting out of the water.