In addition to sunbathing on the beach in the summer, our skin also needs to be protected from the sun in urban or rural environments in all seasons. Dermatologists enlighten us.
62% of French people only use sunscreen in the summer or
when they are on vacation (1). However, experts agree. “The sun’s UV rays aren’t just at the beach when you’re lying on your towel. Whenever we are exposed to them, they attack the parts of our body that are not covered,” warns Dr. Sylvie Perez, dermatologist and co-founder of cosmetics brand Alaena. Indeed, if the sun brings benefits to the body, in large doses, it is no longer a friend. 15 minutes a day, exposing only the forearms, is enough to synthesize vitamin D. Beyond that, its effects on skin health and beauty become irreversible. “Not only are UVA and UVB carcinogenic, but they also cause oxidizing factors that damage our skin and accelerate skin aging,” recalls the specialist.
UV rays don’t just appear at the beach when you’re lying on your towel
Dr. Sylvie Perez, dermatologist and co-founder of Alaena
Protect yourself all year round
Don’t throw away your tube of cream too soon. Even after the summer holidays, the risks are the same for everyone, whether you live in Paris, the Cote d’Azur or Brittany. “The sun reaches us in the same way, whether we are in the city, in the village, on the beach or in the mountains. Since it rises every day of the year, its shine does not stop at the end of the holidays,” confirms dermatologist Dermato Drey, the author of the book. Make peace with your skin: pimples, acne, scars… all good solutions (ed. Larousse). Therefore, it is necessary to apply sunscreen also in the fall, spring, and maybe even winter, depending on the region. “It’s not just a matter of geographic location, but a combination of several other factors: your phototype, expected duration of exposure, and the UV index of the day,” he explains.
Sensitive areas
Cloudy skies, a cool breeze, or a slight feeling of heat can deter some people from wearing sunscreen, deeming the action futile in the absence of light. “Of course, the brightness is less visible to the naked eye, but we still get the same amount of UV rays. That’s why you can get a tan even when you’re not at the beach in mid-August,” warns Dermato Dray.
Therefore, some parts of the body require special attention. “Apply very heavily to sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, décolleté and hands. It is also the best anti-wrinkle,” assures Dr. Sylvie Perez, reminding that “photoaging caused by ultraviolet radiation, in addition to wrinkles, causes the skin to lose its shine. This is due to dilated vessels and an infinite amount of pigment microdots, which create a blurred tone.
In the city, in the countryside, on the beach or in the mountains, the sun reaches us in the same way
“Dermato Drey”, Dermatologist Dr
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Innovative formulas
This does not mean that we should give up walks in the sun and other lunches on the terrace. You just need to add an extra step to your beauty routine or customize it. The advantage is that they avoid interactions and overlaps between products that each contain different preservatives. This limits the risk of intolerance,” suggests Dermato Drey. “SPF cream can also be applied after or instead of day cream if it contains moisturizing and antioxidant active ingredients. You have to be careful to reapply every two hours if the sun exposure lasts,” says Dr. Perez. However, for those who don’t want to give up their day cream, you should always apply it first, followed by sunscreen.
Those who fear sticky tissues and the consequences of unwanted “white marks” can rest assured. In recent years, the cosmetics industry has launched innovative formulas on the market, easier to apply, more comfortable, even with almost imperceptible dosages. Today, pharmacies have SPF creams that are suitable for all skin types and, in particular, products specially developed for the urban lifestyle. Liquid and matte texture for oily skin, more moisturizing for dry skin, with active ingredients against wrinkles, pollution, redness or imperfections, compatible with make-up… These hybrid procedures adapt to all needs. They even come in a pocket format and practical wands to take anywhere.
(1) Appinio study, July 2024.
Source: Le Figaro
