With the rise in temperatures during the summer season, many people's interest in using sunscreen as a means to protect the skin from the sun's rays and its complications increases, yet the level of awareness regarding the correct method of use and choosing the appropriate type remains uneven among individuals.

During a survey of a number of citizens, some participants confirmed that they started using sunscreen after suffering from dryness or skin sensitivity due to direct sun exposure, noting that adhering to moisturizing and drinking sufficient amounts of water in addition to using sunscreen contributed to improving skin health and reducing skin problems.

The most common mistakes: People rely on recommendations from friends or relatives without consultation.

In contrast, others stated that they do not use sunscreen regularly despite being convinced of its benefits, attributing that to being busy or forgetting to apply it before going out, while some participants pointed to the difficulty of choosing the right product due to the many available options and many people relying on others' experiences or social media recommendations.

From the medical side, Dr. Ghada Al-Otaibi, dermatology consultant at Imam Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Hospital, confirmed that the importance of sunscreen is not limited to preventing burns and redness resulting from sun exposure, but extends to reducing skin pigmentation and delaying signs of aging such as wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

She explained that the choice of sunscreen should depend on the skin's needs and the nature of the problems the person suffers from, stating that people with fair skin need products that provide high protection from ultraviolet rays with a protection factor of at least SPF 50, while people with dark or medium skin need types that also provide protection from visible light to reduce pigmentation and melasma.

She added that one of the most common mistakes is people relying on recommendations from friends or relatives without consulting a specialist, emphasizing that skin type plays an essential role in choosing the right product, as oily skin needs oil-free sunscreens, while dry skin benefits from types with moisturizing ingredients.

Regarding the method of use, Al-Otaibi indicated that sunscreen should preferably be applied about 15 to 20 minutes before going out, with reapplication every two hours during continuous sun exposure, noting that its effectiveness gradually decreases with continued exposure to rays.

She stressed that sunscreen does not provide 100% complete protection, and that the best preventive measures remain reducing direct sun exposure especially during peak hours, along with using umbrellas, hats, and protective clothing when needed.

The opinions of users and the recommendations of specialists confirm that the real benefit of sunscreen is not achieved simply by using it, but rather depends on choosing the right type for the skin and adhering to the correct application method, which contributes to maintaining skin health and preventing the long-term damage of sun rays.