All You Need to Know about Sunscreens!

Did you know that sunscreen also has an expiry date? Are you aware of the ‘Teaspoon Rule’? Can we highlight why skin specialists insist on using sunscreen with SPF 30+? As we approach International Sunscreen Day which falls on May 27^th, we cover this and more in this latest blog written by the skincare experts at Kaya.

Let’s start with the importance of sunscreen, shall we?

Class is in session. What is sunscreen?

How do we explain this in a simple way? Every living organism in this world needs sunlight. That includes plants, animals and of course, us humans too. However, we do not need everything that the sunlight has to offer i.e. the harmful UV Rays that can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. To protect ourselves from the UV rays, we need sunscreen.

Sunscreen, available in various forms such as lotions, sprays, gels, and foams, is a topical product designed for photoprotection. The SPF that we hear in conjunction with sunscreen stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects the skin against UV rays. Therefore, higher SPF numbers mean greater protection from UV rays.

Who needs sunscreen?

Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen is not to protect one from getting tanned. It is instead, a defensive coat against the dreadful UV rays. Regardless of your complexion, age, or gender, sunscreen is essential when you’re outdoors, unless you’re a toddler. Period.

It is Crucial that we apply sunscreen, particularly on sunny days. If it’s not already part of your morning routine ,now is the time to include it.  As the temperatures are rising year after year, especially in the Middle East, the importance of sunscreen cannot be stressed enough. If you have questions on how to go about applying sunscreen, follow the ‘Teaspoon Rule’. Say what!

To protect your face, neck, arms and legs, you’ll  need about 9 teaspoons of sunscreen for the whole body: 1 teaspoon for the face and neck, 1 teaspoon for the front of the torso and 1 for the back of the torso, 1 teaspoon for each arm, and 2 teaspoons for each leg. But one round of application won’t do the trick. Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that in general, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. While you may not need a second application if you are working indoors, be mindful of how often you step outside. Keeping a spare bottle of sunscreen at your desk is always  a safe idea,  as even a short stroll at lunch could put your skin at risk.

I’m on board. But, which sunscreen should I choose?

Yeah, that’s a question often asked but seldom answered right. For better or worse, the cosmetics section shelves will be filled with sunscreen products claiming various benefits. This being said, one of the most important things to look for is broad-spectrum protection, which means protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays of the sun.

Another important factor that needs to be on your criteria list while selecting your sunscreen is its SPF Factor. Doctors recommend a minimum of SPF 30 these days. While almost all sunscreen products out there claim to be SPF 30+ and broad spectrum, it is hard to determine which one to go for. This is where you place your trust in a brand with a strong track record in scientific research, offering the best available products. The brand is Kaya.

Kaya – a name you can trust

Kaya Skin Clinic has been in the business of providing world-class services and products to its patrons for more than twenty years now. With a team of expert dermatologists and skin specialists in their 20 Clinics across the UAE, Kaya combines cutting-edge technology with expertise of their own to provide care and solutions unlike anyone else in the Middle East region. Their skincare products, especially their ‘sun defence range’ are worth a mention.

The Kaya Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 is a lifesaver. This wonder product contains special UV absorbers that can prevent sunburn, photo-ageing, tanning and freckles. It is very well suited for normal as well as dry skin and keeps the skin hydrated all day long. Moreover, its non-greasy formula spreads easily leaving a matte finish look.

Another amazing product that is highly sought after and reviewed is the Kaya Ultra Light Aquagel Sunscreen SPF 25. This sunscreen is specially formulated for oily and acne prone skin. The gel based, fragrance-free formula of this product from the house of Kaya gives a cooling sensation with a weightless & matte finish. It does not clog the pores, thereby reducing the possibility of acne breakouts. While providing superior sun protection against harmful UV-A and UV-B rays, it also protects the skin against the onslaught of environmental damage.

Sunscreen to 10x your looks

Sunscreen shields you from the sun and its harmful UV rays, no doubt. Yet, its effectiveness extends beyond mere protection—it’s your ally in warding off premature ageing. A study published in the influentia l Annals of Internal Medicine followed more than 900 people over four years. It found that even participants who started daily sunscreen applications in their 40s and 50s showed reduced signs of skin ageing. People who use broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis experience 24% less skin ageing than those who use sunscreen only intermittently. Guess that is enough proof to stock up your vanity bag with some sunscreen i.e. if you want to look your age.

That is pretty much all that we have to say about sunscreen. As International Sunscreen Day is in a few weeks’ time, let’s make a vow to ourselves to incorporate sunscreen into our daily routine.  Should you have questions or need clarifications on how to go about it, the Kaya Skin Clinic expert team is always a call away. Book an appointment with us and let us help you look glamorous be it indoors or outdoors.