Summer is already here, which means it is time to gear up with all the summer essentials for our skin to protect them from radical damage and UV radiation, which significantly lead to fine lines, wrinkles, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. Among the many essentials and tips we need to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, sunscreen is the most crucial for us, regardless of where we live and how humid or warm the weather is. 

Whether you are a tourist or a resident, sun protection is incredibly crucial to follow and apply, especially in a country with extreme temperatures like the UAE. Residents in the UAE are often exposed to and encounter intense UV radiation and sunlight, which can potentially cause sunburns, skin cancer, premature ageing, reduction of skin elasticity, eye damage, immune system suppression, and many more. Therefore, it is very crucial for everyone to use a good broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers UVA & UVB protection, and even blue light protection. 

Considering there are just uncountable brands out there in the market these days, they are known for formulating sunscreens using various ingredients and technologies. So, in a way, it can become overwhelming for most of us when choosing the best sunscreen in the UAE. There are many factors to consider even while choosing a sunscreen for your skin to match and blend. So, to make it easier for you, we have narrowed down some of the best sunscreens in the market right now that offer complete sun protection for your skin, and they are all easily accessible in the UAE.  

Sun Bum SPF 50 Original Sunscreen Lotion

This sunscreen lotion by Sun Bum brand is one of the highest-rated sunscreens in the UAE and around the globe. It is the original version from the brand with 50 SPF and can be used daily before you head outside. This sunscreen comes in a lotion consistency, so it can be applied to our body as well. 

It is designed to protect our skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays, while the Vitamin E present in the formula supplements our skin. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant that helps to counteract free radicals on our skin, which are the primary reasons for premature ageing. Moreover, this sunscreen lotion is cruelty-free and oil-free.

Product Highlights

  • Vegan
  • Paraben Free
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Oil Free
  • Vitamin E
  • Gluten-Free
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50
  • UVA & UVB protection

Product link: https://www.amazon.ae/Sun-Bum-SPF-50-Sunscreen/dp/B004XGPM32

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray

This sunscreen comes in a spray bottle, allowing the users to equally spread the product all over the body. Neutrogena is a renowned brand for producing some of the best sunscreens, and this Beach Defence sunscreen spray was designed for heavy-duty protection from the sun’s radiation when we need to expose our skin outdoors. 

Since this product was created with the beach wears in mind, it is water-resistant and offers protection for up to 80 minutes underwater, making it one of the best sunscreen choices to wear for outdoor activities in the UAE. In addition, this Neutrogena sunscreen spray is made using Helioplex technology, which is excellent for defending our skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays without irritation.

Product Highlights

  • PABA Free
  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Fast Absorbing
  • Water Resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Oxybenzone-Free 
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 30
  • UVA & UVB rays protection

Product link

https://www.amazon.ae/Neutrogena-Water-Resistant-Oxybenzone-Free-Fast-Drying-Protection/dp/B07B65XX81 

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop! brand has lately been the craze in the sunscreen users’ community because of how their sunscreen glides onto your skin and offers full sun protection. This Unseen sunscreen from the brand is suitable for skin types and skin tones and has an unscented formula, which makes it a great and safe choice for your skin. 

Many skin and beauty influencers noticed that this sunscreen can also be used as a primer before applying foundation because of the texture quality. It features a velvety consistency and offers shine control, which is great to combine with cosmetics. The product is created using natural ingredients like frankincense, meadowfoam seed, and algae. Further, this sunscreen is also water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes, which makes it even more likeable. 

Product Highlights

  • Paraben Free
  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Reef Safe
  • Water-resistant
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Oxybenzone-Free 
  • Octinoxate Free
  • Sulphate Free
  • Phthalates Free
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++
  • Beard-Friendly
  • UVA, UVB & IRA rays protection
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link:

https://www.amazon.ae/Supergoop-Unseen-Sunscreen-SPF-Beard-Friendly/dp/B08CFVM1TT

Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Sunscreen 

This sun gel cream by Eucerin is designed with a dry touch technology, which helps in controlling your oily skin perfectly. This product is suitable even for people who have acne-prone skin conditions because it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. The micro pigments in this sunscreen assist in absorbing the lipid away from our skin, removing any greasy effect and giving a nice dry-touch finish. 

The best factor about this gel-cream sunscreen is, it does not only protect our skin against UVB and UVA rays, but it is also noticeably super light in texture, which makes it suitable to use with cosmetics as well. It has a broad spectrum SPF of 50+, is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. For best coverage, follow dermatologists’ 2 to 3-finger rule of the sunscreen and apply generously all over your face and neck. 

Product Highlights

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Matte Finish 
  • Suitable For Oily/Acne-prone Skin
  • Dermatologically Approved
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50 
  • Non-greasy 
  • Non-sticky
  • UVA & UVB rays protection

Product Link: 

https://www.amazon.ae/Eucerin-Face-Control-Gel-cream-Spf50/dp/B00W35YVOQ

https://www.noon.com/uae-en/oil-control-sun-gel-cream-spf50-50ml/N30966198A/p/

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen

If you have ever heard of the brand La Roche-Posay, you know nothing can go wrong with them because they produce some of the best skin care products in the world. Likewise, their sunscreen range offers some of the best selections in the sunscreen market, which they design to meet the requirements of every skin type and concern. Their Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen is highly recommended by almost every dermatologist in the world. 

This sunscreen is formulated using CellOx Shield antioxidant technology, which absorbs excess sebums from clogged pores even in humidity and heat. This prevents our skin from breakouts. It is mainly developed with a dry-touch texture, which is excellent for people with acne and oily-prone skin. If your skin tends to expose to the sun often, this sunscreen is a fantastic choice for you. 

Product Highlights

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Water-resistant
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Non Greasy 
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 60
  • UVA & UVB rays protection
  • CellOx Shield Technology
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link: 

https://www.amazon.ae/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Sunscreen-Non-Greasy-Oxybenzone/dp/B01A0NT3D6

Paula’s Choice Extra Care Sunscreen 

Another highly recommended sunscreen by dermatologists around the world is Paula’s Choice sunscreen. It is the perfect sunscreen pick for both indoor and outdoor activities and is designed to offer the highest protection to your skin if you live in a hot and humid area in the UAE. It is suitable for oily, normal, dry, combo, sensitive and acne-prone skin since it is formulated with oil-absorbing elements like clay.

This sunscreen is packed with rich antioxidants like aloe vera, vitamin A, C, and E, which helps in boosting collagen production and protect your skin against environmental damage. It is also water-resistant and can be applied on both face and body. What’s better about this product is that it is 100% free of fragrance and colourant. 

Product Highlights

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Water-resistant
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Non Greasy 
  • 100% Recyclable 
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50
  • UVA & UVB rays protection
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link: 

https://www.amazon.ae/Paulas-Choice-Sunscreen-Protection-Resistant/dp/B00949DNDO

Nivea Sun UV Shine Control Sunscreen 

Nivea Shine Control sunscreen is another fantastic sunscreen you can wear during outdoor exercise in the UAE. This sunscreen is specifically designed for face and daily wear, featuring a broad spectrum SPF 50+. It is lightweight and non-greasy on your skin, leaving a refreshing matte finish. The product contains natural antioxidants, which rejuvenate your skin and protect them from radical damage. 

Further, the Nivea sunscreen is ophthalmologically tested and approved, which makes it safe for your eyes as well. The sunscreen absorbs excess sebum from your skin and safeguards from UVA and UVB sun radiation and blue light effects, preventing you from premature ageing. Additionally, it is dermatologically tested and approved. 

Product Highlights

  • Lightweight
  • Ophthalmologically Proven
  • Dermatologically Proven
  • Non Greasy 
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
  • UVA & UVB rays protection
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link

https://www.amazon.ae/Nivea-Sunscreen-Shine-Control-Cream/dp/B07DKDKXL2

The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Aqua Gel Sunscreen 

The Derma Co’s 1% hyaluronic sunscreen is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, which has natural antioxidant properties for replenishing our skin and helps in retaining the collagen in our skin. This, in turn, helps reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles. It is also infused with Vitamin E, which is an essential fat-soluble nutrient, supplemented with anti-inflammatory agents and helps restore the skin from sun damage. 

Further, this sunscreen has Titanium Dioxide ingredient, which functions as a UV filter to protect your skin from the sun’s UV radiation. The best thing about this sunscreen is that it offers broad spectrum protection of up to PA++++, which is the highest level of protection given in a sunscreen against UVA radiation. Furthermore, it also protects your skin from harmful Blue Light.

Product Highlights

  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Vitamin E
  • Designed By Dermatologists
  • Non Greasy 
  • 1% Hyaluronic
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
  • UVA, UVB, & Blue Light protection
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link: 

https://www.amazon.ae/Hyaluronic-Sunscreen-Ultra-Spectrum-Protection/dp/B095CRM8NF

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen 

This Korean sunscreen practically became widespread all over the world some years back, thanks to the power of social media. But, all for the fitting reasons and deserving hype. It is a chemical sunscreen from one of the most popular Korean skincare brands, Beauty Of Joseon. It offers broad-spectrum protection of SPF 50+ with PA++++, which soaks into our skin thoroughly and gently. Although the texture of this sunscreen is thicker than the standard ones, it is super lightweight and does not pile up or leave a white cast on our skin. 

This relief sunscreen is made with 30% rice extract, which functions as a probiotic element in enriching, moisturising, nourishing, calming, and brightening our skin texture. It is a non-sticky formula and comfortably glides onto our skin even if we reapply it multiple times on top, leaving a moist finish. 

Product Highlights

  • Lightweight
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Essential Oil-Free
  • Vegan
  • Non-Sticky 
  • No White cast
  • 30% Rice Extract
  • Reef-Friendly
  • Grain fermented extracts
  • Boosted with Vitamin C, B, E, Amino Acids, and Minerals
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link: 

https://www.amazon.ae/Beauty-Joseon-Relief-Sun-Probiotics/dp/B09JVNZVH3

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Best Sunscreen

The Ultra Sheer sunscreen by Neutrogena is another excellent pick for outdoor exercise in the UAE. This product works amazingly for all, especially for those struggling with oily skin. This sunscreen has a non-greasy texture and is designed with sweat-free formula, where the product will stay intact on our skin even if we rub it off. Also, it protects our skin from sunburns for a long period during outdoor activities, while making our skin feel soft and smooth. 

This broad-spectrum sunscreen comes with SPF 50+ and PA +++, allowing it to protect our skin from UVA and UVB radiation and future radical damage. Moreover, with its sheer and lightweight formula, the cream quickly absorbs into our skin and does not take long to blend it. 

Product Highlights

  • Lightweight
  • Oil-Free
  • Sweatproof
  • Waterproof
  • Non-comedogenic 
  • Dermatologically Tested 
  • PABA free
  • Non-Sticky 
  • No White cast
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++
  • Suitable for All Skin Types

Product Link: 

https://www.amazon.ae/Neutrogena-Ultra-Sheer-Touch-Sunblock/dp/B00G7RTYT8

How Many Types Of Sunscreens Are There?

To prevent our skin from UV rays, sunscreens are generally developed using active chemicals to create the so-called UV filters. UV filters are effective in preventing harmful UV rays from penetrating our skin. There are mainly two kinds of sunscreens available in the market— Chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen. The different types of sunscreen utilise a distinct mechanism to filter the UV rays and protect our skin from serious damage. Let’s get to know the two kinds of sunscreen. 

Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens are also known as a physical sunscreens, and this type of sunscreen settles directly on the surface of the skin, where they function as a physical barrier by scattering and diverting the UV radiation away from our skin, just like small mirrors. Mineral sunscreens are formulated in such a way that it helps to shield our sensitive skin against UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet A) radiation, which are known to highly contribute towards the cause of skin cancer in the world. 

Since mineral sunscreens perform as a physical barrier on our skin from harmful radiation, the effectiveness of the product is almost immediate after we apply it to our skin. So, there is no need to wait before we head outside. The downside of using mineral sunscreen is that it could leave a white cast on our skin, which may not look pleasing, especially for people with darker skin tones. Moreover, since the product settles on the surface of the skin, this type of sunscreen tends to rub off or rinse away easily, which leads us to reapply it now and then for the utmost effect. 

Mineral sunscreens also contain nanoparticles in the component, which are not safe if inhaled by us. Therefore, this type of sunscreen is not ideal to use in the power variant or spray variant to protect our lungs from harmful exposure. One way to find out if you are using mineral sunscreens is by checking the ingredient list. Mineral sunscreens typically contain active ingredients like zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide, or a hybrid of both. 

Chemical Sunscreens

This type of sunscreen is absorbed almost immediately into our skin, penetrating the inner layers. Just as its name, this type of sunscreen is formulated using chemical components to tackle the sun’s radiation. Unlike mineral sunscreen, chemical sunscreens soak in the UV rays and transform them into body heat, which is then released from our bodies. 

However, as per studies, chemical sunscreens do not offer full UVA protection as much as mineral sunscreen does, since UV radiation must pass through the skin to get into contact with the chemical substance. Therefore, it may still cause harm to the in-depth layers of the skin. On average, the chemical sunscreens can take around 20 minutes to fully perform on our skin, so it is always recommended to apply at least 30 minutes before you head out of the house. 

Furthermore, chemical sunscreens tend to exhaust their effect on our skin sooner since the sunlight falls directly on the chemical components. Hence, skin professionals usually recommend the public reapply chemical sunscreens frequently, especially if you are exposed to direct UV rays. 

Because chemical sunscreen releases natural heat from our skin due to the way it is formulated, it can deem to be challenging or icky for those with sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation or suffering from skin conditions like rosacea. The natural heat emitted from our skin could provoke the existing pigmentation and increase it. Furthermore, chemical sunscreens also tend to clog the pores of our skin, which can be challenging for people with acne skin conditions. Chemical sunscreens typically contain ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, or a hybrid of all.

How To Find Your Perfect Sunscreen In The UAE

Taking into consideration that the UAE country has arid desert weather almost all year round, it is extremely necessary to apply sunscreen all over our face and body to protect our skin from sun damage and other concerning possibilities. If you are completely new to the world of sunscreen or you are still getting to know its importance and uses, here are a few aspects that you need to check and consider to find your perfect sunscreen in the UAE. 

Consider The SPF and Understand The UV index

The first and foremost aspect that you need to look for while hunting for your perfect sunscreen is the level of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and the UV index of the area you live in. The UV index or Ultraviolet index is the global standard measurement of the potency of ultraviolet radiation, which causes sunburns at a certain time and place. Generally, the UV index of the UAE varies between 8 to 13, which is high and extreme. So, always go for sunscreens with the highest SPF available in the market. The ideal SPF that we highly recommend using is not less than SPF 30. Ideally, SPF 50+ is the recommended range, which can block 98% of UVB rays. And opt for sunscreens that have at least PA with 4 pluses (PA++++), which is the highest protection grade available in the current market against UVA

Broad Spectrum Protection

The next factor to look out for while choosing your next sunscreen is whether the product offers broad-spectrum protection to your skin. According to the FDA, Broad Spectrum Sunscreens can defend your skin from dangerous Ultraviolet B (UVB) and Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation of the sun. This means that sunscreen shields the entire UV range and protects the skin’s surface as well as the in-depth tissue of the skin against the harmful UV radiation of the sun. Good quality sunscreens will be labelled as “UVB/UVA protection” or “broad spectrum” on their packaging, which means that it offers protection against both UVA & UVB rays on your skin, which can potentially cause premature ageing, wrinkles, fine lines, sunburn, or even skin cancer. 

Quick Tip

Whether you stay indoors or go out for an activity, it is crucial to apply sunscreen at all times, anywhere, every day. UV exposure to your skin while you are indoors is real, which can occur through the UV rays from your window glass, lights, etc. 

Hunt For The Active Ingredients

Checking the ingredients of the sunscreen is the next thing you need to do as you search for a good sunscreen. There are so many marketing gimmicks going around, and you do not want to be the one who falls for it. First off, you have to check what are the active ingredients that are present in the formulation. Some of the most effective and must-have active ingredients in sunscreen are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone. Look out for sunscreens that contain Vitamin A, also commonly known as retinyl palmitate, as it can potentially cause danger to your skin and increase the risk of developing tumours, skin cancer, melanoma, and lesions.

Water Resistant/ Sweat Proof

Using a water-resistant or sweat-proof sunscreen is also important in places like the UAE, because of how hot and humid the weather can get. Due to the scorching heat, we often opt to go for a quick swim or visit the beaches, which allows our skin to be alarmingly exposed to the sun’s radiation without even realising it. Sunscreen with a sweat-proof or water-resistant factor helps to retain the product on your skin even when or after you are exposed to water or sweating. It helps to protect your skin from UV rays for up to 80 minutes, but it can vary from brand to brand. 

Consider Your Skin Type 

Another factor you need to think about is the type of your skin- whether it is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, or others. There are numerous sunscreens in the market nowadays which are designed for specific skin conditions and types to meet the requirements of every user, thanks to the contribution made by dermatologists and medical professionals. 

Sunscreens that are hypoallergenic, oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, PABA-free, oxybenzone free, octinoxate-free, sulphate-free, phthalates-free, and such are some of the best options for your skin. Generally, mineral sunscreens (physical sunscreens) are better recommended than chemical sunscreens for our skin, although it tends to leave a white cast.