By: Mamta Thakkar, UAE General Manager at Merle Norman

Mamta Thakkar

Ready to take a plunge in the pool or head to the beach and achieve that sun-kissed look? With the 40 degrees weather, it is time to seriously start thinking of taking extra precautions while basking in the sun.

The ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun have two effects on the skin: UVB cause burning, and UVA cause ageing.

Most supermarkets store sunscreens as it is known to be a must-have item for everyone, especially for this time of the year. But have you ever wondered what’s with the numbers and descriptions on the packages?

Sunscreens come with descriptions such as SPF - 15, 30, 45 etc. SPF, the abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement of the effectiveness of sunscreens. 

Normally, it takes about 20 minutes for a ‘light skinned individual’ to experience sun-burns if he or she is not wearing sunscreen protection.

At Merle Norman, we follow a simple equation to gauge the frequency of use of sunscreen. First, determine how long it would take you (in minutes) to burn without wearing sun protection, indicated by slight redness of the skin. Multiply the number by the SPF of the product, and divide it by 60 (minutes).

For instance, if you observe a sunburn sensation in 10 minutes and use SPF 30, multiply 10 by 30 = 300; divide by 60, which is 5; this corresponds to five hours; meaning, you have to apply the sunscreen every five hours.

Dermatologists recommend a teaspoon of sunscreen lotion for the face and approximately three tablespoons for the body. The more the sun protection applied, the better it is for your skin. Choose a sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. In case of excessive sweating or swimming, use products with water resistant formula and re-apply if you find the sunscreen wearing off.

The percentage of SPF content does not matter if applied based on the above equation. For example, by using a higher SPF sunscreen lotion or cream, you do not have to apply at more frequent intervals and a lower sunscreen product will need frequent re-applications.

While many people only associate sunscreen with a day out on the beach, it is to be remembered that even casual exposure to sun can be harmful to the skin. Remember! Effects of sun damage to the skin are irreversible and therefore prevention is the key! Sunscreen is thus an everyday use in the Gulf region, so slather on some even when going to the office!