Stating that sunscreen protects the skin from the sun's harmful rays, Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen, Head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases, said, “It is necessary to use sunscreen every season. Even though its intensity is lower in winter compared to summer, UV radiation caused by sun rays is present. Therefore, it is necessary to apply it in winter and even indoors, as UV rays still pass through windows.”
Emphasizing the importance of choosing sunscreen according to different skin types, Prof. Dr. Özgen stated, "While I recommend non-comedogenic (pore-unclogging), non-greasy, water-based sunscreens for oily and acne-prone skin, I advise preferring mineral-filtered sunscreens more for sensitive skin."
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen, Head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, drew attention to the importance of using sunscreen for skin health on May 27, World Sunscreen Day, and issued warnings against fake sunscreens.
Sunscreen Protects Skin from Sun's Harmful Rays
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that sunscreen protects the skin from the sun's harmful rays, saying, "Sun rays are a significant factor in both skin aging and the formation of skin cancers. Currently, our most effective protective weapon is sunscreens. Therefore, their use is vital."
Sunscreen Use is Necessary Every Season
“It is necessary to use sunscreen every season,” said Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen, adding, “Even though its intensity is lower in winter compared to summer, UV radiation caused by sun rays is present. Therefore, it is necessary to apply it in winter and even indoors, as UV rays still pass through windows.”
“Sunscreen should be applied to the face, neck, and hands in daily life, especially during summer. However, at the seaside or where the body is exposed, it should also be applied to the body. In winter, an SPF 25 found in daily moisturizers may be sufficient, but this protection will not be enough in summer, so sunscreen should be used over moisturizer.”
Babies Younger Than 6 Months Should Be Kept Physically Away from the Sun
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen noted that they do not recommend sunscreen for babies younger than 6 months, stating, “Babies should be physically kept away from the sun. For babies older than 6 months, they should be protected from the sun at the seaside.”
Sensitive Skin Should Use Mineral-Filtered Sunscreens
Emphasizing the importance of choosing sunscreen according to different skin types, Prof. Dr. Özgen stated, "While I recommend non-comedogenic (pore-unclogging), non-greasy, water-based sunscreens for oily and acne-prone skin, I advise preferring mineral-filtered sunscreens more for sensitive skin."
It Is Safer to Purchase Sunscreens from Pharmacies
Prof. Dr. Özgen concluded her words by issuing warnings about harmful substances that should not be in sunscreens and about counterfeit products:
"Care should be taken to ensure that sunscreens do not contain chemical filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, as well as substances like parabens and phthalates. The likelihood of encountering counterfeit products is higher, especially with products sold online. Therefore, it is safer to purchase sunscreens from pharmacies. It can be difficult to distinguish fake products, so shopping from reliable sources is crucial."