In the UAE, we have abundant sunshine all year long, but also our skin is always exposed to the sun's rays. Many of us have established good morning routines with high-quality sun protection products which are used by residents every day when going to the beach or work. We usually do a great job of putting sun protection on our cheeks, nose, and shoulders, but that's not the only place the sun shines; he also finds the holes we leave when he shows up. People think they have protected all parts of their skin but many people develop red or peeling skin on unexpected body parts during the weekend.
To put it simply, sunscreen application is similar to painting a room; if you do not apply it to the corners and edges of the wall, the job will not look very good when completed. To help keep the sun from causing further damage in areas that are common to miss during sun protection, we have provided a reference guide about the areas of your body you may commonly miss and how to change your application technique.
1. The Scalp and Your Parting
In the absence of a hat, the scalp would be the highest part of your body and the very first place the sun shines down upon. This area is commonly avoided by many individuals due to their concern for the appearance of "greasy hair," however, nothing is worse than a painful and peeling scalp. It is imperative that a specialized sunscreen be used on the scalp and hairline, particularly if you have a defined part.
Sunkiss Tip: Use a mist or a lightweight lotion and dab it along your part. Your hair provides some shade, but it isn't a substitute for real SPF.
2. The Tops of Your Ears
This is one of the most frequent places people forget to apply sunscreen. Our ears are made of thin skin and are constantly exposed, especially if your hair is tied back. When you are applying your Age-Defying Daily Face Protection SPF 50, make sure you use whatever is left on your fingers to coat the tops and backs of your ears.
3. Your Eyelids and Under-Eye Area
The skin around our eyes shows extreme sensitivity which results in premature aging. Many people skip the lids because they fear the "sting" of traditional creams. However, using a gentle, mineral-based formula from our Sunkiss Face Collection ensures you get protection without the irritation.
4. The Lips (The Forgotten Territory)
The lack of melanin in your lips provides no defense against ultraviolet radiation. Chronic sun exposure causes lips to become thinner while fine lines develop. Instead of using a regular gloss that can actually magnify the sun's heat, look for specialized SPF lip protection for sun damage.
Sunkiss Tip: Keep our Sunkiss Protective Lip Balm SPF 30 in your handbag or car. It’s a treatment and a shield all in one.
5. The Back of the Neck and "The Crease"
We often apply cream to the front of our necks but totally miss the back, especially where the hairline ends. This area is a prime target for sun damage when you are walking or driving. When learning how to apply sunscreen correctly, always use a "downward stroke" from the jawline all the way to the collarbone and then wrap around to the nape of the neck. Our sunscreen for ears and neck advice is simple: if you can feel the sun on it, it needs a layer of Sunkiss protection.
6. The Tops of Your Feet and Toes
Your feet become completely exposed to danger when you wear flip-flops or sandals. This is a common spot for nasty burns because we often apply cream while standing up and stop at the ankles. The ideal sunscreen for your feet and toes should provide fast absorption because this feature prevents you from experiencing difficulties while wearing your shoes. Don't forget the spaces between your toes!
7. The Backs of Your Hands
Driving in the UAE includes extensive use of the steering wheel, exposing back of hands to the sun and to premature aging, especially from age spots caused by sun damage; as such always reapply sunscreen onto your hands (after washing yours) as often as possible as you lose that protective coating. To ensure adequate sun protection while driving long distances around town keep a tube readily available in your glove box for convenience.
8. The Underarms and "Side-Body"
When we tan with our bodies lying on the ground, most of us will keep our arms down by our sides leaving the sides of our bodies and the underside of our arms exposed (this is also true when using Glow Sun Body Oil to achieve that perfect Dubai glow). Make sure to lift your arms up so you do not leave any exposed area when using Glow Sun Body Oil for a dramatic tan. The Sunkiss Tanning Collection provides products which enable users to obtain tanned skin without suffering any skin damage.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly in a Desert Climate
The UAE's heat and humidity levels are extreme. A standard application isn't enough; you need a broad spectrum sunscreen for desert climate conditions that can handle sweat.
Follow these full body sunscreen application tips:
- The Shot Glass Rule: An adult body needs 30ml of sunscreen which equates to one full shot glass. Most people use half that amount.
- The 20-Minute Head Start: Always apply your SPF 20 minutes before you step outside. This gives the "film" time to set on your skin.
- Reapply, Reapply, Reapply: Even the best water-resistant formulas break down. If you are in the pool or sweating, reapply every 80 to 90 minutes.
Why Broad Spectrum Matters
When shopping at Sunkiss, you’ll notice we emphasize "Broad Spectrum." The product provides protection against both UVA rays which cause skin aging and wrinkles and UVB rays which induce sunburn. The desert environment delivers intense sunlight conditions which last throughout the entire day.
Final Perspective
Sun protection functions as a tool that enables you to experience outdoor activities in the UAE while protecting your skin from permanent sun damage. Your skin will remain healthy and hydrated and maintain its youthful appearance when you treat these eight hidden locations.
You need to protect yourself from sun exposure because you will be outside during brunch and desert safari and mall visit. Sunkissed protection requires you to cover all gaps while you protect hidden areas of your skin.
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