How to protect your skin from the harsh Israeli sun

Planning your holiday for Tel Aviv, Eilat or Caesarea this year? You’ll need a skin protection routine to combat the Israeli sun. Follow our tips for help.

By LEO GIOSUÈ

JANUARY 3, 2019 14:26

Sunbathers visit the Mediterranean Sea at Dor Beach, northern Israel August 28, 2018. Picture taken August 28, 2018 (photo credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN) — Sunbathers visit the Mediterranean Sea at Dor Beach, northern Israel August 28, 2018. Picture taken August 28, 2018

(photo credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN)

The best skin protection routine under the Israeli sun

Whether you plan to run for the hills of Caesarea or head for the beaches at Eilat this summer, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to need to protect your skin from the harsh Israeli sun. There are three simple ways you can keep skin visibly youthful, even-toned and hydrated in the hot and humid climate of Tel Aviv as well as the extreme dry heat of Eilat.

1. Include sun protection in your daily skin care routine

Applying sunscreen to cleansed and toned skin before you leave home should be as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. Sunblock forms a shield to prevent UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin and keeps it safe from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Most products do this by absorbing, scattering or reflecting the light. As weather conditions become more extreme across the planet and the ozone layer that protects us from most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays gets thinner, sunscreen has become more important than ever before.

Applying sunscreen all over the body is important, but the face is particularly susceptible to wrinkles and premature aging. No one wants to look older than they are, and sunscreen plays an essential role in anti-aging. Keep in mind that the importance of sunscreen on the face isn’t just cosmetic — it’s essential for good health, too.

A high protection sunscreen like Clarins’ Sunscreen for Face Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 or SPF 50+ is perfect for skin exposed to prolonged sunlight and harmful UVA and UVB rays. This lightweight cream also moisturizes skin, helping to prevent sun-induced skin aging as it promotes an even, long-lasting tan.

2. Use sunscreen the right way

Here’s how to make sure you get maximum protection from your sunscreen by using it properly:

Choose the right sun protection factor.

SPF ratings start at 2 and can reach as high as 70. SPF measures a sunscreen's effect against UVB rays and the amount of time you can be in the sun before burning. If, for example, you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure without any cream, an SPF of 15 will allow you to stay in the sun for up to 15 times longer - in this case, 150 minutes - without burning. SPF 75 would allow you to stay in the sun for 75 times longer without burning, or 750 minutes in this example. Simply put, the higher the SPF, the longer you’ll be able to stay in the sun without risk of burning. Remember, though, skin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure, regardless of whether or not sunburn occurs.

Check the label.

Most sunscreens are marked with an expiration date. After this time, the sunscreen will be less effective.

Give your sunscreen time to sink in.

It’s best to apply sunscreen to cleansed and toned skin 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so the SPF has time to bind to the skin.

Apply generously, and reapply often.

To be sure you’re getting the full coverage the label is advertising, you’ll need to put on a thick layer of sunscreen. Studies show that most of us do not apply nearly as much as we should. Researchers recommend applying an ounce of sunscreen to get the full coverage. Then, it’s essential to reapply every two hours. Re-apply even more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating. It’s also important to note that some SPF sunscreens are water-resistant, and fare better on the beach, while others will wash off on contact with water. Clarins’ sunscreen Care Oil-Free Lotion Spray SPF 15 is a spray lotion that glides on easily and offers moderate protection for sun worshipers who like to play outdoors.

3. Don’t rely on your sunscreen alone

In Israel’s hot summers, it isn’t enough to protect your skin from long-term sun damage using only a sunscreen. There are other ways to increase your skin’s defense against the sun.

Wear protective clothing.

Keep in mind that some light-colored items of clothing have less UV protection than others.

Sit in the shade where possible, and stay out of the sun whenever you can, particularly when it’s at its hottest – from 10h00 to 16h00.

Protect your eyes and hair from sun damage.

Wear a hat and sunglass, and use a product like Clarins’ Sun Care Oil Spray SPF 30 especially formulated with organic Indonesian Nyamplung Oil for body and hair, to protect against the drying effects of sun, salt water and chlorine.

Always stock up on aftersun gel or cream.

If you have overdone it, use a freshening product like Clarins’ After Sun Gel Ultra-Soothing. This gel helps to reduce redness and peeling while taking the sting out of sun-stressed skin with soothing extracts of Watermelon, Sunflower and Mimosa Tenuiflora. Tip: keeping your After Sun Gel in the fridge will give heated skin an extra dose of cool.

For more information about your skin and the sun, read Why an SPF Is So Important: How to Protect Your Skin All Year Long, and give your skin the best defense against the damaging effects of the sun, whether you choose the city, hills or beach this summer.