Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
After spending several hours in the sun unprotected, Abdullah Humaid developed severe sunburn that left his skin red, sensitive and painful. The discomfort was so intense that it affected his sleep, while the recovery process lasted more than a week and included a lot of skin peeling.
"I've learned to always wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day," he said. "This experience taught me that sun protection is important and can prevent a lot of pain and skin damage."
As temperatures rise and beach days become more frequent across the UAE, many people continue to seek a summer tan without fully considering the possible long-term effects of excessive sun exposure.
'A Sign of Skin Injury'
According to Dr Malaz Eldirdiry, Specialist Dermatology at Burjeel Medical Centre in Al Shamkha, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause damage that extends far beyond temporary redness or peeling skin.
"Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and breaks down collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity," she explained. "Over time, this can lead to premature ageing, fine lines and uneven pigmentation."
In a country where sunshine is present for most of the year, Dr Eldirdiry noted that even short periods of unprotected exposure can contribute to cumulative skin damage, particularly among younger individuals who may underestimate the long-term consequences of tanning.
She also warned that repeated UV exposure remains one of the leading risk factors of skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Early signs may include persistent pigmentation, freckles that darken or spread, or skin lesions that fail to heal properly." It's important to view tanning not as a cosmetic preference, but as a sign of skin injury," she said.
Monitoring UV Index
Understanding when the sun is strongest is equally important, according to Dr Gargi Maheshwari, Specialist Dermatologist at LLH Hospital Musaffah.
She highlighted the importance of monitoring the UV Index, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. While lower UV levels carry minimal risk, moderate to high levels can result in skin damage within a relatively short period of time.
"At high to very high UV levels, unprotected skin may burn within 10 to 30 minutes," Dr. Maheshwari said.
She added that sun protection involves more than simply applying sunscreen. Staying hydrated, wearing protective clothing, and choosing garments with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can significantly reduce exposure to harmful rays.
"Clothing with a UPF rating of 40 to 50+ provides excellent protection by blocking more than 97.5%of UV radiation," she explained.
Dr Maheshwari also noted that skin type influences how individuals respond to sun exposure. While people with fairer skin tend to burn more easily and face a higher risk of skin cancer, darker skin tones are not immune to sun damage and still require adequate protection.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors or wish to achieve a natural tan, experts stress that protection should remain a priority.
Dermatologists recommend avoiding prolonged exposure during peak sunlight hours, generally between 11am and 4pm, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, wearing hats and protective clothing, and taking breaks in shaded areas whenever possible.
