As temperatures rise across the GCC this summer, most people think about heat exhaustion and hydration. Yet one of the season’s greatest health risks is completely invisible. The UAE regularly records UV Index levels between 11 and 13+, which the World Health Organization classifies as ‘Extreme.’
At these levels, unprotected skin can sustain damage within minutes. Reflective surfaces across the region, sand, water, concrete, and glass buildings, bounce radiation back onto the skin from below.
The WHO links excessive UV exposure to skin cancer, cataracts and immune system damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified solar UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Dr. Paula Fakhre, Cosmetic Dermatologist and St. George’s University graduate, said: “People think sun protection is for the beach, but UV exposure is something we live with every single day. Whether you’re driving to work, walking between buildings, or sitting near a window, these short periods add up. UVA penetrates glass and reaches the deep layers of your skin without causing any immediate pain. By the time you notice wrinkles or dark spots, the damage has already happened. Choose a broad-spectrum product that suits your skin type. Apply enough of it. Reapply it. These small habits reduce long-term risk significantly.”
Understanding the three types of UV radiation
The sun emits three distinct types. UVC carries the shortest wavelength and highest energy. The ozone layer absorbs nearly all of it before it reaches the Earth’s surface, so UVC poses minimal direct risk.
UVB carries a medium wavelength and penetrates the epidermis. This is the radiation that causes sunburn. UVB directly damages DNA inside skin cells and triggers melanin production.
It plays the strongest role in non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. UVA penetrates far deeper, reaching the dermis where collagen and elastin fibres sit. It generates reactive oxygen species that break down collagen over time, accelerating wrinkling and causing photoaging.
UVA also suppresses immune function and contributes significantly to melanoma development. Unlike UVB, UVA passes through window glass. Drivers and office workers sitting near windows accumulate exposure without ever feeling the burn. UVA accounts for roughly 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface.
Sunscreen versus sunblock
The terms describe two fundamentally different mechanisms. Sunscreen refers to chemical filters containing organic compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. The molecules absorb UV radiation, convert it into heat, and release that heat from the skin. They feel lighter and blend invisibly, which is why they’re popular for daily use.
Avobenzone covers UVA well, though it degrades quickly in sunlight unless it is stabilised. Oxybenzone has raised environmental concerns regarding coral reef damage.
Sunblock refers to physical or mineral filters containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and reflect and scatter UV radiation away from the surface. Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB across the entire spectrum.
Titanium dioxide protects well against UVB and short UVA, but offers less coverage against long UVA. Mineral sunblocks begin working immediately. Chemical sunscreens require roughly 15 to 30 minutes to bind to the skin. Mineral formulas can leave a white cast, though micronised versions have reduced this.
They’re generally better tolerated by people with rosacea, eczema or acne-prone skin because they don’t penetrate the barrier. More dermatologists now recommend hybrid formulations that combine chemical and mineral filters.
What SPF actually means
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how much UVB radiation is required to produce sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin.
An SPF 30 product blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. An SPF 50 blocks roughly 98%. The jump is marginal in absolute terms, though it matters for fair skin or a history of skin cancer. SPF does not measure UVA protection at all.
In the United States, there is no standardised numerical rating for UVA defence. In Europe and Asia, the PA system uses plus signs, PA+ to PA++++, to indicate UVA strength.
The GCC market carries products from multiple regulatory systems, so consumers should look for ‘broad spectrum’ on the label and check for a UVA seal or a PA rating. The SPF number assumes application at 2 milligrams per square centimetre of skin.
Most people apply roughly half that amount, so they receive far less protection than the label suggests. For the face and neck, the two-finger method provides the recommended amount. For the entire body, approximately 30-35 millilitres are needed.
Reapplication matters because chemical filters break down through photodegradation, and physical filters can be rubbed off by clothing, sweat, or towel drying. No sunscreen is truly waterproof.
As UV Awareness Month highlights the importance of sun safety, St. George’s University encourages residents across the GCC to look beyond the temperature and recognise the invisible impact of ultraviolet radiation.
By making informed protection part of everyday life, individuals can reduce their risk of preventable skin and eye conditions while enjoying the outdoors safely throughout the summer.
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