Sunscreen for Fishing in Dubai

24th Jan 2023

“Prevention is better than cure”.

- Desiderius Erasmus

Going fishing in Dubai soon? Excellent! Now that you have planned your Dubai fishing trip, there is one important thing to consider. Fishing is an outdoor activity, mostly done during the daytime (unless your planned fishing trip in Dubai is a night fishing trip). Naturally, whether you are going for deep-sea fishing or shore fishing in Dubai, you are expected to be exposed to high ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun. To protect yourself and your skin from such harmful radiation, health professionals recommend the use of sunscreens.

The benefits of using sunscreen during a fishing trip circulate around three major points:


  • Prevention of sunburns and skin pigmentation
  • Prevention of skin cancer
  • Prevention of premature aging


In this blog, we have consulted Dr. Sawsan Almulla regarding the use of sunscreen during deep-sea fishing trips in Dubai. 

Dr. Sawsan Almulla is a certified Emirati cosmetologist, laser specialist, and dermatologist in Dubai. She has been practicing in the field of skincare since 1994. 

Dr. Sawsan Almulla graduated with a Master’s in dermatology with a degree of Merit from St John’s Institute of Dermatology – King’s College London, and is a well-known public figure in the UAE, giving presentations and lectures on cosmetology and dermatology in Dubai and around the world. 

Dr. Sawsan Almulla is also the founder and managing director of Sawsan Medical Center in Dubai

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Dr. Sawsan Almulla - Dermatologist in Dubai - Founder and Managing Director of Sawsan Medical Center

Important factors to be considered when choosing a sunscreen for fishing


  • Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – In general, the SPF rating for an appropriate sunscreen should not be less than SPF 30 for adults. For individuals with lighter skin tones, it is recommended to use sunscreens with an SPF rating between SPF 50 and SPF 100 when going on a fishing trip.
  • Broad-spectrum – Seek a sunscreen that is explicitly labeled as “broad-spectrum”. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, as the name hints, are sunscreens that protect your skin from both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiations emitted by the sun, hence, ensuring full protection while fishing. 
  • Water-resistant – Particularly for yachting, boating, kayaking, or fishing in Dubai, you want to use a sunscreen that is explicitly labeled as “water-resistant”. As can be concluded from the name, water-resistant sunscreens are more durable against exposure to splashes and drops of water. However, it is important to note that even with water-resistant sunscreens, the general rule is to reapply the sunscreen every two hours, and constantly reapply the sunscreen if sweating, exposed to rain, sprayed with water, or if you decided to take a quick cooling dip!
  • Manufacturer – It is important to only purchase sunscreens manufactured by well-known dermatological brands. Avoid random recommendations or recommendations made by non-experts or non-professionals.
  • Skin type – It is important to choose the sunscreen most suitable and appropriate to your skin type. Different sunscreen products are uniquely designed for people with different types of skin. For example, sunscreens labeled as “cream” are designed to be ideal for dry skin, while sunscreens labeled as “fluid/lotion” are designed to be ideal for combination to oily skin. Always consult a dermatologist if you are not sure which sunscreen is the most suitable for you! 
  • Spray vs. Cream sunscreen –When choosing between a spray or a cream sunscreen, the matter is largely that of personal preference. However, it is noted that spray sunscreen tends to be more economical and easier to apply, especially to large surfaces of skin. If you are using a spray sunscreen, do not spray directly on the face, rather, spray the sunscreen on your palm and then use your fingers to apply the sunscreen to your face.
  • Tint – When it comes to tinted sunscreens, tint is largely a matter of preference, and should not be a significant factor in choosing a sunscreen for your planned trip of fishing in Dubai!


Common misconceptions about sunscreens

A common misconception is that sunscreens rated SPF 100 offer 100% protection from Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiations emitted by the sun, however, this is not true. The highest percentage of UVA and UVB radiations that can be blocked via sunscreen is 98-99%. 

Another widespread misconception is that the cheaper a sunscreen product is, the less effective it is, and vice versa. However, it is important to note that when it comes to sunscreens, "more expensive" does not necessarily mean more protective. Always choose your sunscreen based on the above factors or your consultation with a dermatologist.

Finally, the most common misconception about sunscreens is that sunscreens are not required on cloudy or rainy days. Just because sunlight is not visible does not mean that harmful radiations are not present! Harmful radiations emitted by the sun can penetrate clouds and glass, and can damage your skin year-round.

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Smiles offshore! - IG @melissafreeman.tattoo celebrating her sister's 16th birthday!


Additional tips about sunscreens


  • Unless a more cautious approach is determined by the manufacturer, it is highly recommended that pregnant women only use physical sunscreens rather than chemical sunscreens. When it comes to children, sunscreen use must be limited to physical sunscreens with the SPF recommended by the manufacturer.
  • When applying a spray sunscreen, hold the nozzle within 10-15 centimeters from your skin for the most efficient application.
  • One ounce of sunscreen is all that is needed for most adults to cover the whole body (including the face). In layman’s terms, just about the amount required to fill a shot glass!
  • In Dubai and the UAE, there is no need to apply sunscreen before 8 AM or after 4 PM throughout the year.
  • Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to exposure to the sun to have the most protective effect.
  • Even with the best sunscreens applied, it is important to dress appropriately for full protection against all harmful UV radiations.

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