Sunscreen and sun care in Sharm El Sheikh

Apteka Sharm sells sunscreen and after-sun care in Sharm El Sheikh. Choose SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection, apply plenty, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian, and can help you choose.

The NHS advises extra care in hot countries where the sun is particularly intense.

What we carry

• Disaar SPF 50+ PA+++, a tinted face sunscreen with foundation coverage. The pack says it is oil-free and protects against UVA and UVB.
• Hepta Panthenol cream and light body lotion, moisturisers with panthenol for dry, sun-exposed skin.
• CeraVe Moisturising Cream, a fragrance-free cream for dry skin.

For body, water-resistant or children’s sunscreen, after-sun gel and SPF lip balm, ask us what is in stock today.

Our Lotus natural oils are cosmetics, not sunscreens.

How to choose quickly

Check four things on the label:

• SPF 30 or higher. SPF mainly measures protection from UVB, the rays behind sunburn. The scale runs from 2 to 50+, and 50+ is the strongest.
• UVA protection. Look for 4 or 5 UVA stars, “UVA” in a circle (the EU standard) or “broad spectrum”. Some labels show a PA grade, a Japanese standard from PA+ to PA++++. More plus signs mean more UVA protection.
• Water resistance, if you will swim or sweat.
• Expiry. An open-jar symbol with a number and “M” shows how many months the product lasts once opened.

For a fuller comparison, read our guide on how to choose sunscreen for Egypt.

How much and how often

• Use enough. Adults need about 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover the whole body. A thin layer protects less, and this applies to tinted sunscreen too.
• Apply twice. Put it on 30 minutes before you go out, then again just before you leave.
• Reapply every 2 hours, and straight after swimming, towel drying or sweating.
• Cover the easy-to-miss spots: ears, nose, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet and any exposed scalp.
• Keep the bottle out of the sun, in the shade or wrapped in a towel.

Water resistance

No sunscreen is waterproof. Water washes it off, and the cool sea can hide the fact that you are burning. Water also reflects UV rays.

“Water resistant” means the product was tested in water. US labels, for example, must say whether it lasts 40 or 80 minutes. Reapply straight after swimming anyway.

Children and babies

Keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight. The US FDA advises asking a doctor before using sunscreen on a baby this young.

For older children, the NHS advises clothing, shade and at least SPF 30. Put sunscreen on skin that clothes do not cover, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of the hands. Ask our pharmacist which sunscreen suits your child’s age and skin.

After-sun care

If your skin feels hot or sore after a day outdoors, cool it with a cool shower. Then apply an after-sun cream or spray, such as aloe vera, or an unperfumed moisturiser. Drink plenty of water. Our sunburn guide explains what to do next.

Lips and eyes

• Lips burn too. Use a lip balm with SPF.
• Eyes can burn on a beach day without protection, much like skin. Sunlight reflected from sand and water is particularly risky. Wear sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms and the CE mark, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Need help in Sharm?

Send a photo of the sunscreen you use at home to our WhatsApp, or call +20 120 344 2201. We will tell you what we have today. We offer free hotel delivery on orders from $30.