Summer in Oman falls during June to September months. So yes, it is still summer days here in Oman. If you haven’t experienced hot summer in Oman, you are in for a shock. I know I did and to think I had lived in Saudi Arabia when I was younger. But somehow, I felt Oman sun was way more hotter, way more imposing, way more acrimonious. The temperature can reached to more than 40 degrees Celsius even up to 50 degrees sometimes. The heat would seep through your clothes, feeling like you are in a big wide sauna and your face would tighten from the blaze of the Oman sun.
I am always exposed to the sun here. I would often walk to work with my almost-retiring umbrella and of course, sunscreen to protect me from the sun. It is essential to use sunscreen daily here and any part of the world, I might say, to avoid the following:
- the premature signs of ageing
- sun damage to skin like uneven complexion, etc
- risks of skin cancer
- sunburn
- reduce appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness
Before, I hated wearing sunscreen because it can cause a white cast on the face and when I apply it along with my cosmetics, it doesn’t blend well as I like it. But good thing, I found 3 sunscreen that I highly recommend to people who hates using sunscreens. I also added 2 extra bonus ones. However , one can only be found in the Philippine and the other has been discontinued, unfortunately.
- Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50PA ++++
Credit: Kiehl’s
I love that this feels very light on the skin. It doesn’t make you look like a Kabuki makeup. It has an advanced UVA/UVB technology and pollution protection which helps defend against UV rays and pollution. It provides all-day hydration and absorbs quickly into the skin. It comes in a 30 ml and 60 ml easy to squeeze container. This can be purchased in their store at Muscat City Center Seeb, Ground Floor.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50 Ultra Light Fluid
Credit: Amazon
I am currently using this one. You can find this in most Muscat Pharmacy branches around Oman. I love the consistency of this sunscreen. It acts like perfect primer to my face. It absorbs well like a moisturiser and is not sticky. It is ultra-light and perfume-free so it is a great sunscreen for sensitive skin like me. It is provides high protection from the sun with spf 50. It comes in 50 ml unique-looking shape container.
3. The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Super Perfect Sun Water SPF50+ PA+++
Credit: Amazon
When my Body Shop sunscreen run out here in Oman and I was still discovering what are the shops where I can find a good sunscreen or skincare products here, I decided to try out the sunscreen in the only Korean store I found in malls here. They have store in City Center Seeb and Oman Avenue Malls. I always love Korean products. They tend to me more gentle to the skin and I often gravitate to their skincare products. I tried out this sunscreen and it worked well for me. I am happy as long as it is not thick and doesn’t give you a white cast on the skin so this fits the bill. It can be a little runny and too-watery for me than the Kiehl’s and La Roche-Posay which are more in the creamier side. But it I love that it came in a 80 ml plastic bottle which last for months. Though I didn’t like the container which is made of thick plastic. I prefer Kiehl’s container which is similar to my Body Shop sunscreen container.
The 2 other contender for my favourite sunscreens are:
- The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++
The texture, the container and its effects are very similar to Kiehl’s. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it here in Oman. They have a spray version of this one but I prefer mine to be slathered on my face rather than sprayed on. I don’t trust that spray can protect me enough from the harmful rays of the sun.
- VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 30 and 45
This is the first sunscreen that I really love. It wasn’t sticky or thick at all. I like that it is hypoallergenic so it is great for sensitive skin. I only got to purchase this in the Philippines. I haven’t used this sunscreen for years. I will love to try this sunscreen again once I get a hold of it.
The important things you need to look for in choosing a sunscreen are:
- high spf of at least 30
- broad spectrum that protects from Ultra Violet A (UVA) and Ultra Violet B (UVB)
- formula that you prefer (gels, cream, spray, etc.)
So layer on that sunscreen and beat that summer sun with a smile. Remember when in doubt, just know that too much sun protection is never a bad thing.
If you have other sunscreen suggestion, do share with us too. It will be highly appreciated.