Sunscreen in the Saudi Climate: How to Choose and Use It

What do SPF and broad spectrum mean?

Two main types of ultraviolet light reach the skin: UVB, mainly responsible for sunburn, and UVA, which penetrates deeper, causes pigmentation and skin ageing, and passes through window glass.

The SPF number measures protection against UVB, while UVA protection is shown by the words broad spectrum or by the PA rating, where more plus signs (PA++++) mean higher protection. Choose a sunscreen that offers both: SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection, ideally SPF 50 if you spend long hours outdoors or have melasma.

How much should you apply, and when should you reapply?

The most common mistake is using too little, which lowers real protection well below the number on the bottle. To get the protection you need:

• Use about two finger-lengths of sunscreen for the face and neck, or roughly a quarter teaspoon for the face alone.
• Apply it about 15 minutes before going out.
• Reapply about every two hours when outdoors.
• Reapply straight after swimming, heavy sweating or towel-drying.
• Do not forget the ears, the back of the neck and the backs of the hands.

Mineral or chemical? And which suits oily skin?

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV light. They often suit sensitive skin and children but may leave a white cast. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV light and are usually lighter and easier to spread. Both work well when used in the right amount, and the best sunscreen is the one you are comfortable using every day.

For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a gel or light fluid labelled non-comedogenic or oil-free. People with melasma benefit from a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides, because it also protects against visible light.

Do I need sunscreen indoors, in the car or at the office?

UVA passes through car and window glass, so if you spend long periods near a sunny window or drive for long stretches every day, sunscreen helps even indoors. Some drivers notice more pigmentation or changes on the side of the face nearest the window.

If you work in an office away from windows all day, a morning application is usually enough, with reapplication before going out around midday.

What about children?

Babies under 6 months should be protected with shade, clothing and hats and kept out of direct sun; sunscreen should only be used on them with a doctor's advice. From 6 months, a children's sunscreen can be used, preferably a mineral one, reapplied during outdoor play or swimming, while keeping them out of the peak sun hours as much as possible.

Common sunscreen myths

Several common beliefs lead people to skip protection. The most widespread are:

• "Darker skin doesn't need sunscreen": it burns less easily but is more prone to pigmentation and melasma, so it needs protection too.
• "Make-up with SPF is enough": the amount usually applied is far less than needed.
• "No need on cloudy or dusty days": much of the UV light passes through clouds and dust.
• "SPF 100 protects all day": no sunscreen removes the need to reapply, and the gain above SPF 50 is limited.
• "Sunscreen completely blocks vitamin D": normal use does not usually cause a deficiency, and anyone with low levels should treat it with their doctor.