For Egypt, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and good UVA protection, and use plenty of it. For the sea and the pool, pick a water-resistant formula and reapply it every 2 hours and after every swim.
If you are buying sunscreen for a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, this guide explains the numbers and symbols on the pack.
SPF: protection against sunburn
SPF means sun protection factor. It shows how well a sunscreen protects against sunburn, which mainly reflects protection from UVB rays. It is measured in a laboratory, by comparing how much UV it takes to burn skin with and without sunscreen.
SPF is not a timer. SPF 30 does not mean you can stay in the sun 30 times longer. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that SPF relates to the amount of sun, not the time. The sun is also stronger at midday and closer to the equator.
SPF numbers go up to 50+, which gives the strongest UVB protection. The NHS recommends at least SPF 30.
UVA: the rating many people miss
SPF mainly reflects UVB protection, so check the UVA rating as well. On US products, “broad spectrum” means protection against both UVA and UVB. Without it, US labels must carry a warning. It says the product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin ageing.
UK: the star rating
UK sunscreens can show up to 5 UVA stars. More stars mean better UVA protection, and the NHS advises at least 4.
EU: “UVA” in a circle
“UVA” printed inside a circle means the product meets the EU standard. Under the EU recommendation, UVA protection should be at least one third of the SPF.
Asia: PA+ to PA++++
Many sunscreens from Japan and Korea show a PA grade, short for “protection grade of UVA”. The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association sets four grades. Each is based on a UVA protection factor measured in a standard test (ISO 24442).
| PA grade | UVA protection factor |
|---|---|
| PA+ | 2 to under 4 |
| PA++ | 4 to under 8 |
| PA+++ | 8 to under 16 |
| PA++++ | 16 or more |
More plus signs mean more UVA protection. Korean labels also show SPF for UVB and PA for UVA. For example, the Disaar SPF 50+ sunscreen we stock shows “PA+++” next to its SPF.
How much to apply, and how often
Most people do not apply enough sunscreen, and a thin layer gives less protection. Studies show that people often apply only about a quarter of the amount used in SPF tests.
As a guide, the NHS suggests around 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover an adult’s whole body. The FDA compares it to a full shot glass.
- Apply it twice: about 30 minutes before you go out, and again just before.
- Reapply every 2 hours, because the sun can dry it off your skin.
- Reapply straight after swimming, towel drying or sweating.
- Remember your ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, tops of the feet and hairline.
- Keep sunscreen away from your eyes, and never spray it directly onto your face.
Sunscreen is only one layer of protection. Add shade, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved top. Do not stay in the sun longer just because you are wearing it.
What “water resistant” really means
No sunscreen is waterproof. The FDA says all sunscreens eventually wash off.
“Water resistant” means the product passed a standard test in water. In the US, the label must say whether it stays effective for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
The Japanese industry standard is more specific. A water-resistant sunscreen must keep at least half of its SPF after 40 or 80 minutes in water. The test covers water, not sweat.
So reapply after every swim, as the NHS advises, even with a water-resistant product.
Mineral or chemical filters?
Sunscreens use two main types of UV filter. Both protect your skin when you apply enough and reapply.
| Mineral filters | Chemical filters | |
|---|---|---|
| On the label | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate |
| How they work | Sit on the skin and reflect and scatter UV | Absorb UV and release it as heat |
| Texture | Thicker; can leave a white cast, especially on darker skin | Lighter and usually invisible |
| Good to know | Work at once; often suit sensitive skin | Need about 20 minutes to start working; often more water resistant; can burn if they get into the eyes |
A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist’s advice is simple: choose a sunscreen you are willing to use.
Some chemical filters are absorbed into the body. In a 2019 JAMA trial, people used sunscreen heavily for four days. Blood levels of the filters rose above the point where the FDA asks for more safety studies. The authors called for more research, but said the results do not mean people should stop using sunscreen.
“Reef safe”: what the label does not tell you
NOAA, the US ocean agency, says some sunscreen chemicals can harm corals and other sea life. Its list includes oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, and also nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. NOAA considers mineral sunscreen a better option and recommends UV-protective clothing.
However, “reef safe” is not a regulated term. A 2019 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology checked 52 popular sunscreens labelled “reef safe”. It found that 48% did not meet NOAA’s criteria. Many labels did not state the particle size of their mineral filters, so the authors counted those as nano-sized.
The same authors noted that laboratory studies on coral have been criticised for using unrealistically high concentrations. They called for more research under real reef conditions.
On snorkelling days, a UV-protective swim shirt leaves less skin to cover, so less sunscreen washes into the sea.
Children and babies
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight. The FDA does not recommend sunscreen for babies this young. They are more likely to get side effects such as a rash. Use shade and protective clothing, and ask a doctor before using any sunscreen.
Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’. For older children, the NHS advises at least SPF 30 on skin that clothes leave uncovered.
Mineral sunscreens are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin, and a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist says they are preferred for children. Ask our pharmacist which product suits your child’s age. Our Egypt with children pharmacy checklist covers the rest of the packing list.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. Check the expiry date, or the open-jar symbol with a number and “M”. It shows how many months the product lasts once opened.
The FDA says a sunscreen with no expiry date should be treated as expired three years after purchase. Heat and sun break sunscreen down faster, so never leave it in a hot car. On the beach, keep it in the shade or wrapped in a towel.
Throw it away if its colour, smell or texture has changed.
Choose in 30 seconds
- SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50+ gives the most UVB protection.
- A UVA mark. Look for 4 or 5 stars, “UVA” in a circle, a PA grade or “broad spectrum”.
- Water resistant if you will swim or sweat.
- A clear expiry date well in the future.
- A big enough tube. One full-body application takes 6 to 8 teaspoons.
- A texture you like, so you use enough of it.
If you do burn, read our guide to sunburn: what to do and what to buy.
See a doctor urgently if:
- sunburnt skin is blistered or swollen
- you have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
- you feel very tired, dizzy or sick, or have a headache or muscle cramps
- a baby or young child has sunburn
Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In an emergency in Egypt, call 123 for an ambulance.
Need help in Sharm?
Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian, and can help you compare sunscreens by SPF, UVA rating and texture. Browse our sun care range, message us on WhatsApp or call +20 120 344 2201. Free hotel delivery is available for orders from $30.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What SPF sunscreen do I need in Egypt?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, as the NHS advises, with good UVA protection such as 4 or 5 stars, the UVA circle or a PA grade. SPF 50+ gives the strongest UVB protection on the label scale. Apply plenty, reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, and use shade, a hat and sunglasses too.
What does PA+++ mean on sunscreen?
PA means 'protection grade of UVA', a rating used on many sunscreens from Japan and Korea. The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association has four grades, from PA+ to PA++++. PA+++ means a UVA protection factor of 8 to under 16 in a standard test, and PA++++ means 16 or more. More plus signs mean more UVA protection.
Is water-resistant sunscreen waterproof?
No. The US FDA says no sunscreen is waterproof and all sunscreens eventually wash off. 'Water resistant' means a product passed a standard test of 40 or 80 minutes in water. Reapply straight after swimming, towel drying or sweating, even if the label says water resistant, and at least every 2 hours.
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
Both can protect your skin well when you apply enough and reapply. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, work at once and often suit sensitive skin, but can leave a white cast. Chemical sunscreens feel lighter but can burn if they get into the eyes. Choose a product you will use generously.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. Check the expiry date, or the open-jar symbol with a number and 'M', which shows how many months it lasts after opening. The US FDA says to treat a sunscreen without an expiry date as expired three years after purchase. Throw it away if its colour, smell or texture has changed.
Can I use sunscreen on my baby?
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight, using shade and protective clothing. The US FDA does not recommend sunscreen for babies this young and advises asking a doctor first. For older children, use at least SPF 30 on skin that clothes do not cover, and ask our pharmacist which product suits your child.
Sources and further reading (12)
- Sunscreen and sun safety — NHS
- Sunburn — NHS
- Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun — US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Sunscreen products (EU recommendation and UVA logo) — European Commission
- Sunscreening agents: a review (Latha et al., 2013) — Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
- JCIA Standards and Related Notifications for SPF, UVA Protection Grade (PA) and Water Resistance — Japan Cosmetic Industry Association
- Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which Is Better? — Cleveland Clinic
- Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients (Matta et al., 2019) — JAMA
- Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs — NOAA National Ocean Service
- Evaluation of 'reef safe' sunscreens: labeling and cost implications for consumers (Tsatalis et al., 2019) — Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
- Yes, Your Sunscreen Can Expire — Cleveland Clinic
- Getting help: Egypt travel advice — GOV.UK (FCDO)
Last updated 8 October 2026. General information, not a diagnosis: always read the leaflet and ask a pharmacist or doctor.
Apteka Sharm
5 pharmacies across Sharm El Sheikh, with pharmacists who speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian. Questions about a product? Ask us on WhatsApp.
