Summer SPF Guide

The UAE temperature is rising rapidly daily, with summer well and truly here. With this in mind, it is now more important than ever to be militant with your SPF and apply it like a true pro! Whether you love to bask by the pool on your day off or hit your favourite beach club at the weekend, one item that should always make the cut in your beach bag is SPF. Aside from being a beachside saviour, SPF should also be a strong staple in your daily beauty arsenal and be applied to the skin as frequently as your daily face moisturiser. The sun's harmful rays can pass through glass from your windows and penetrate deep into the skin, making it imperative to use sunscreen even when you're not going outside.

When choosing your SPF weapon of choice, it is important to choose one that has been formulated with a daily broad-spectrum filter that offers effective UVA and UVB protection that will also leave the skin fully hydrated. This can also help reduce signs of premature skin ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles – bonus!

Here is our roundup of the SPF's to look out for this summer and beyond:

SunKiss Coconut SPF 30

This sustainable SPF is the UAE's first luxury sunscreen that protects from the sun's harsh rays with a delicious coconut scent that comes in both SPF15 and 30. Each SunKiss product is formulated with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defence to keep the skin protected. The whole range is marine and reef-friendly, vegan and comes in zero-waste packaging.

Explore the local brand's range at www.sunkissme.com/

Corine De Farme SPF 30

This SPF 30 Protect and Tan Spray quickly brings a golden and bright tan thanks to a tyrosine derivative that naturally stimulates the tanning process while ensuring effective protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is also enriched with Tahitian Monoi to offer soothing properties in addition to a delicious fragrance. This formula is enriched with 100% natural extracts and is paraben and sulfate-free.

Available online at https://www.glambeaute.com/

Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluide SPF 50+

This SPF has uniquely offers extreme fluidity with a dry touch finish and very high protection. It contains both UVA and UVB filters and offers optimised protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. Combined with internal biological protection, the Cellular Bioprotection patent, this patent activates the natural defences, protects cells and prevents premature skin ageing. Ideal for all skin types, this SPF can be used on combination to oily skin, sensitive skin, fair skin with freckles and skin exposed to maximum sunlight.

Available at branches of Lifestyle and online at https://www.lifestyleshops.com/ae/en/

Organic Harvest Sunscreen SPF 30

Boasting a one of a kind advanced protection formula, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection to the skin from the sun's UVA and UVB rays as well as the blue light of electronic devices. This non-greasy and quick-absorbing sunscreen is made of certified organic ingredients. It helps in keeping the skin hydrated and nourished along with protecting it from the harmful effects of UV and blue light rays.

Available at branches of Lifestyle and online at https://www.lifestyleshops.com/ae/en/

Filorga UV Defense SPF 50

To counteract the harmful effects of the sun during sun exposure and as daily UV protection, Filorga UV-Defence features powerful anti-ageing and sun protection active ingredients. Offering very high protection with sun filters boosted by SunActin and Vitamin E that block UVA and UVB light, this SPF also contains hop extract to work on photo-induced brown spots and fight against their appearance by regulating melanin synthesis.

Available at leading pharmacies including Bin Sina Pharmacies, Boots Pharmacies and online at www.basharacare.com

Neal's Yard Remedies – Wild Rose Moisturising SPF 30

This Wild Rose Moisturising SPF 30 moisturises the skin throughout the day and helps to protect against damaging UVA and UVB light. With antioxidant-rich, organic wild rosehip seed oil and nourishing shea butter and baobab oil, as well as a balancing blend of organic geranium and patchouli essential oils, it keeps skin beautifully soft throughout the day.

Available at branches of Neal's Yard in Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Mall, Wafi Mall, Meadows Town Centre, Arabian Ranches Souk and in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall and Al Wahda Mall

Ixora Ultimate Protection Sunscreen SPF 40

Protect skin from harmful UV rays with the Ultimate Protection sunscreen from natural and certified organic brand, Ixora. Enriched with concentrated amounts of Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, a natural SPF that is rich in antioxidants that both protects and nourishes the skin. Suitable and safe for all ages starting from 6 months, Ixora's SPF contains no sulfates, synthetic perfumes, parabens, silicons, paraffin and other chemical ingredients.

Available at Ixora stores in Dubai Festival City and Dubai Mall, Faces Mall of the Emirates and online at Ounass.com

Jack N' Jill Natural Sunscreen for Kids

This natural non-nano sunscreen contains soothing Chamomile and Calendula and is SPF 30. Some sunscreens contain tiny 'nano' particles that can be absorbed through the skin into the body and have become controversial in recent years. If there is any doubt, the brand will always take the safest option with their formulations and avoid them. Suitable from 6 months +, this sunscreen is natural, reef-friendly and water-resistant for 3 hours.

Available from Kibsons.com