LIVING in Islamabad, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant urban life, means that we often find ourselves outdoors, exposed to the sun’s rays. While soaking up the sun can feel refreshing, especially in Islamabad’s moderate climate, it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. Sunscreen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, preventing prematusre aging, and reducing the risk of pigmentation and skin cancer.
Islamabad experiences long sunny days for much of the year, making sunscreen more than just an accessory it’s a necessity. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the leading causes of skin damage. Without sunscreen, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can lead to sunburns, dark spots, and wrinkles. Even during Islamabad’s cooler months, UV rays can penetrate the clouds, causing harm.
Exposure to UV rays without protection accelerates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look older than it is. Sunscreen helps prevent photoaging, keeping your skin youthful and vibrant. Islamabad’s diverse weather conditions can trigger hyperpigmentation issues, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Sunscreen prevents these dark patches caused by sun exposure. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can be triggered by excessive UV exposure. Daily sunscreen reduces this risk by acting as a shield between your skin and harmful radiation. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and it’s essential to choose one that suits your skin type to ensure maximum protection. Some people have their natural skin oily or acne-prone. Oily skin can become more pronounced in a city like Islamabad, where the humidity levels fluctuate, especially during the monsoon season. They should use Sebum Control sunscreen which is gel-based or water-based. These are lightweight, non-greasy, and won’t clog pores. Look for Non-Comedogenic sunscreen that won’t causes breakouts. A broad-spectrum SPF 40 or higher is good enough for protecting against both UVA and UVB rays for oily skin people using sebum control sunscreen.
Some people have their natural skin dry which becomes drier during Islamabad’s colder months. If your skin feels tight and flaky, choose a Moisturizing Sunscreen. Look for products that have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine or aloe Vera. Opt for Cream-Based Formulas, these tend to provide extra hydration and are better for dry skin. SPF recommendation is 60 and above is ideal, especially during sunny winter days.
If your skin easily reacts to products or gets irritated under the sun, pick a physical (mineral) sunscreen, these contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Go for sunscreens, labelled fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. SPF Recommendation is at least 60 or above is sufficient for daily protection.
Combination skin requires a balanced sunscreen, as it can be oily in some areas and dry in others. For Islamabad’s fluctuating weather, opt for a lightweight, lotion-based sunscreen with a matte finish to keep skin shine-free. SPF 60 or higher is recommended for effective protection. Common myths, such as sunscreen being unnecessary for darker skin tones or during non-summer months, are misleading. Islamabad’s year-round sun exposure makes daily sunscreen essential for all skin tones to prevent damage, premature aging, and pigmentation. Even waterproof sunscreen needs reapplication every 2-3 hours. Ultimately, choosing a sunscreen suited to your skin type is vital for shielding against UV rays and maintaining healthy skin.
—The writer is Dermatologist, PIMS, Islamabad.
