Guide to Choosing Sunscreen for Your Skin

Saudi Arabia has strong sunshine for much of the year, making sunscreen an essential daily step, beyond beach days or travel.

What Do SPF and Broad Spectrum Mean?

The sun protection factor, SPF, measures protection against ultraviolet B rays, which are mainly responsible for sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher: SPF 30 blocks about 97% of these rays, while higher numbers add a limited difference and do not mean you can stay in the sun longer. The term broad spectrum or UVA protection symbols mean that the product also protects against type A rays, which contribute to pigmentation and signs of ageing. If you will sweat or swim, look for water resistant, meaning protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes in water before reapplication is needed.

Mineral and Chemical Filters

Mineral, or physical, sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Dermatologists consider them less likely to irritate, making them a suitable option for sensitive skin, although some formulas may leave a slight white cast. Chemical sunscreens absorb the rays and often have a lighter, more spreadable texture. Both types are effective when used in the right amount; choose a texture you find comfortable enough to use every day.

Choose by Skin Type

Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin

Choose lightweight fluids and matte-finish gels, and look for the term non-comedogenic.

• Eucerin Clear Skin Oily Skin Facial Sunscreen SPF 50 75 ml— a lotion for oily skin.
• ACM Sebonex Mattifying SPF 50 Gel 40 ml— a matte-finish gel from the Sebionex range for oily skin.
• Dermedic Sunbrella SPF 50+ Fluid Oily & Combination Skin 40 ml— an ultra-light fluid with SPF50+.
• LA Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control SPF 50+ 50 ml— a lightweight fluid with SPF50+ for daily facial use.

Normal and Dry Skin

A cream texture provides greater comfort for dry skin and can be applied over moisturiser once it has absorbed.

• Sebamed Sun Care SPF 50 Sun Cream 75 ml— an SPF 50 cream in a 75 ml pack.
• Dermedic Sunbrella SPF 50+ Cream Dry & Normal Skin 50 ml— a 50+ protection cream for those who prefer a creamy texture.
• Eucerin Age Defence Sunblock Lotion SPF 50 75 ml— an SPF 50 lotion for those concerned with signs of ageing.
• Eucerin Sun Photoaging Control SPF 50+ Fluid 50 ml— a lightweight 50+ protection fluid from a range addressing signs of photoageing.

Sensitive Skin and Body Protection

For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free formulas where possible and try the product on a small area first. Sprays are easier for larger body areas; spread them thoroughly by hand and avoid inhaling them.

• Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Spray SPF 50 200 ml— an SPF 50+ spray for sensitive skin.
• ACM Medisun SPF 50 Spray 200 ml— an SPF 50 spray in a 200 ml size suitable for the body.
• Prime Suneuty Sunscreen SPF 50+ Lotion 120 ml— an SPF 50+ lotion.

High Protection or an Invisible Texture

• ACM Medisun SPF 100 Cream 40 ml— a factor 100 cream for those spending long periods outdoors.
• Beesline Ultrascreen SPF 50 Sunblock Invisible Cream 60 ml— an invisible SPF50 cream that leaves no obvious cast.
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF 50+ Cream 50 ml— a rice and probiotics cream.
• Exotic Sunblock SPF 75 Cream 60 ml— a factor 75 cream.
• Exotic Sunblock SPF 60 Cream 100 ml— a factor 60 cream in a 100 ml pack.

Pigmentation-Prone Skin

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that tinted sunscreens containing iron oxide also protect against visible light, which worsens dark spots in people with darker skin.

• ACM Depiwhite M Protective Cream SPF 50+ 40 ml— from the Depiwhite range for pigmentation-prone skin.
• Ventamor Lighting SPF 50 Gel— a factor 50 gel with a brightening finish.

Lips and After-Sun Care

• Sebamed Lip Defense SPF 30 Strawberry Lip Balm 4.8 g— a factor 30 lip moisturiser.
• DR Rashel After Sun Gel Soothing Cooling 60 g— a soothing, cooling gel used after sun exposure; it does not replace sunscreen.

Children

Keep infants under six months out of direct sunlight and rely on shade and protective clothing; if necessary, use a small amount of mineral sunscreen on exposed areas. From six months onwards, choose a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with factor 30 or higher. Consult the pharmacist for a formula suitable for your child's age.

How to Use Correctly

• Apply sunscreen to dry skin about 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• The face needs approximately a teaspoon, while an adult's body needs about 30 ml to cover exposed areas.
• Reapply about every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
• Remember the ears, neck, backs of the hands and areas of scalp with sparse hair.

Common Mistakes

• Using too little, which makes actual protection much lower than the stated factor.
• Relying on small amounts of foundation or moisturiser with SPF instead of sunscreen.
• Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days or inside the car, although UVA rays pass through glass.
• Using an expired pack or one left in very hot conditions for a long time.

If redness or itching appears after using sunscreen, stop using it and consult a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you use medicines or products that increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Browse more in the Sun Protection and Skin Care sections.