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Frequently Asked Questions Expert advice
 


STAYING SAFE IN THE SUN


1. Tanning: a skin’s natural defence mechanism
2. The different skin types
3. Complementary precautionary measures

Tanning is one of the skin’s natural defence mechanisms against the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays.

There are 3 types of UV rays (A, B & C), differentiated by their intensity and wavelength.
Only UVA and UVB rays reach us. Their radiation is biologically very active and penetrates the skin relatively deeply. Understanding their effects is the key to staying safe in the sun.

UVA rays represents around 95% of UV light that reaches the Earth’s surface. It traverses windows and to some extent water. It accelerates skin ageing and aggravates the effects of UVB rays.

UVB rays represents around 5% of UV light that reaches the Earth’s surface. It is partially absorbed by the ozone and can traverse water but not windows. In the short term, it causes the skin to tan, but also to burn.

Upon contact with UVB rays, cells called melanocytes produce pigments ("melanins") responsible for tanning. This reaction represents the skin’s primary defence mechanism against UV light.
In effect, melanin protects the cells’ nucleus and consequently also preserves their DNA. As for the epidermis, it thickens in order to create a complementary, natural protection.

Several hours after sun exposure, a light pigmentation appears. It is mainly induced by UVA rays.

UV light also has very positive effects: it contributes to vitamin D synthesis that helps calcium attach to the bones and also prevents rickets and osteoporosis. In addition, the sun positively affects one’s attitude (prevention of seasonal depressions).

Natural photo-protection depends, among other things, on each individual’s ability to tan. This ability is determined by genetic factors like skin and hair colour.


There exists several skin types*:
  • Skin that is extremely sun sensitive: people with milky-white skin, freckles and red hair; people that always burn when exposed to the sun and / or with a history of skin cancers.
  • Skin that is sun sensitive: people with fair skin, often with several freckles and / or strawberry blonde or auburn hair; people that often burn when exposed to the sun, but can still tan.
  • Intermediate skin: people with fair skin that tans rather easily and does not burn except when very intensely exposed to the sun.
  • Rather resistant skin: people with olive skin that tans easily without ever burning.

It is important to effectively protect against “sunburn” inducing UVB rays. We also know today that it is just as important to protect yourself against UVA rays. It penetrates skin more deeply and causes cellular alteration, which accelerates cutaneous ageing and, in certain cases, can prove to be dangerous (skin cancer).

Effective sun protection must take into account each individual’s skin type.


Choose the right sunscreen product by simply referring to the table below (source: Afssaps):

Moderate Exposure Significant Exposure Extreme Exposure
Extremely Sun Sensitive Skin High Protection Very High Protection Very High Protection
Sun Sensitive Skin Medium Protection High Protection Very High Protection
Intermediate Skin Low Protection Medium Protection High Protection
Rather Resistant Skin Low Protection Low Protection Medium Protection


While a tan partially protects skin from burning, it is highly insufficient against the effects of UVA rays. For skin to be well protected, even if tanned, it must continue to be protected in the normal manner.

Sun care products are very useful for protecting oneself from the sun, but must always be combined with complementary precautionary measures:

1 - Use sunscreens suitable for your skin type and your environment. (High sun exposure: at the beach, snow; or during extreme sun exposure: glaciers, the tropics, etc…)
See the table above.

2 – Apply the product every two hours:
No matter the chosen SPF (low, medium, high or very high), it is very important to systematically re-apply the sunscreen every 2 hours and every time after you have been in the water to guarantee continuous protection.
In fact, from the moment a sunscreen is applied to skin, little by little the anti-UV filters contained in the formula are modified (exposure to the sun, sweat, air, etc...). After 2 hours, sunscreens no longer guarantee the full extent of their protection.

3 – Apply sunscreen 1/2 hour before going out in the sun:
This encourages the action of filters, namely the creation of an even film on the skin’s surface.

4 – Limit the duration of sun exposure, especially during your first days in the sun.
There a very few people who can claim to be able to run a marathon without having undertaken progressive and regular training beforehand!
The same goes for your skin when it comes to exposure to the sun’s rays: it is best to expose skin progressively to the sun and to avoid exposure during the time of day when the sun is at its strongest (between midday and 4 p.m. If this is not possible, in addition to your sunscreen, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.)

5 – Never expose infants and young children directly to the sun.
The pigmentary and immune systems in infants and young children are immature (insufficiently developed and consequently less effective) and because of this their sun sensitivity is a lot greater than that of adults.
  • They should be kept in the shade,
  • dressed in protective clothing (hat, T-shirt, sunglasses etc.),
  • and you should apply a sunscreen every 2 hours to the exposed areas of their skin.
Special attention should be given to children, who naturally do not have the same reflections regarding sun protection. This implies:
  • Applying a sunscreen to their skin that offers very high protection,
  • Making sure they keep their hat and sunglasses on correctly,
  • Always re-applying sunscreen every 2 hours or after they have been in the water.
  • Never leaving them in the sun between midday and 4 p.m.

SECRETS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

A golden rule: It is important to always use products that are suitable for your skin type.

There are three essential steps to achieve and preserve beautiful skin.


1: Cleanse
skin in the morning and evening to remove all impurities and prepare it for the application of a daily moisturiser.

In the morning, awaken your complexion!
1 - First use a cleansing milk or a cleanser that rinses off with water.
2 - Then a toner to effectively remove impurities accumulated on your skin overnight.

In the evening, pamper your skin!
1 - Use a skin care product specifically designed for the fragile eye contour area to effectively remove all traces of makeup.
2 - Use a cleansing milk or a cleanser that rinses off with water to remove makeup impurities (pollution, etc…).
3 - Lastly, apply the toner suitable for your skin type

2 : Hydrate
Once or twice a day, no matter your skin type, help your skin maintain its natural suppleness and radiance.

1 - Use a moisturiser from as early as possible. utilisez un soin hydratant aussi jeune que possible.
2 - Thereafter, substitute the moisturiser with a balancing or anti-ageing treatment depending on your skin’s needs.

3: Protect
Every day, the skin is exposed to numerous factors that accelerate the natural ageing process: pollution, stress, food, etc… and above all, the sun. For skin that’s younger-looking, for longer:

1 - Systematically use an anti-UVA and UVB protection when exposed to the sun.
2 - All year long, apply a specific "shielding" sun care product that will help your skin combat daily aggressions.
  Staying safe in the sun
  Secrets for beautiful skin