Sun & Fun:Protect Your Skin in the Mediterranean Sun

Living Under the Malta Sun

Malta enjoys 300+ days of sunshine. Protect your skin year-round. Daily sun protection is the most effective way to prevent premature aging, blistering sunburns and skin cancer. We like to recommend SPF50+ especially in a summer like this where the sunshine is relentless. And even if there are clouds, the UV still penetrates, bounces off concrete and easily passes through glass windows.

One typical scenario in the pharmacy is a client with a lobster colored skin complaining that the sunblock did not work leading to sunburn. Most people disregard the sign on their sun screen indicating it lasts for 6months or 12 months from opening, and on rushing out to the beach, tend to grab their sunblock from the previous year without realizing it should be replaced.

Reading the instructions on your sunblock is always a good idea. You do not only get to know the SPF or the expiring date, but you can find information on how often it should be applied etc. Many sunblocks have to be reapplied every 2 to 6 hours, but there are brands which require a once a day application. Thus it is always good to know your sunblock and be confident you are protecting your skin.

* In the summer months, however, no amount of sunblock will guarantee total protection and thus one should always seek shade between 11am and 3pm when the UV rays peak. Wide-brimmed hats, light coloured umbrellas, UV-rated sunglasses are all a great help, but keeping indoors in those hours especially when temperatures are extreme, is the healthiest decision.

Needless to say, the pharmacist will always remind you on how to apply your sunblock on face and body. If you want optimal protection for your skin, the pharmacist can help you tailor your texture selection to your specific skin profile. There are specific formulations for oily or acne prone skin, dry or dehydrated skin and sensitive skin. Customize your daily routine so as to protect your skin, preserve your youthful glow and enjoy the outdoors without fear!