By Vanessa Namukwaya
If you have seen and heard about sunscreen but are not sure of what it is, you are like many. Sunscreen is not used as much in Uganda or well known about. It is an active ingredient of creams and lotions intended to protect skin from the sun. So, is it something one should use daily?
Karolyn Kash a skin care influencer who advocates for skin health and beauty, emphasises the importance of incorporating sunscreen into one’s daily routine. “It’s essential for all skin types regardless of your skin tone or type, sun screen is a must use,” she says. Sunscreen protects the skin against ultraviolet which can cause premature aging, dark spots, and worse, skin cancer.
Kash also says that sunscreen hydrates and nourishes which is essential for all skin types. “Many sun screens now come with added benefits like moisturising and antioxidant properties which can help soothe and protect your skin,” she adds.
Petite Kiconco, a student at Uganda Christian University who uses sunscreen, encourages dark-skinned people to embrace the use of sunscreen on a daily basis to change stereotypes. “Most black people don’t know that they need sunscreen; it prevents sunburn,” she says.
Dr Umar from Alma Dermatology Clinic encourages people to use sunscreen that is suited for their skin type: “If you have a dry skin, get something that is creamy and lotion-like so that it moisturises the skin to enhance the radiates but if you have a sensitive skin get sunscreen that is mainly for sensitive skin,” he advises.
