How to protect your skin from the sun
The rules to follow when exposing yourself to the sun
At certain times of the day, the sun's rays are very intense, and therefore more dangerous for the skin. This is the case between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. , when it is hottest. It is therefore best not to expose yourself during these hours .
Exposure to the sun should be done gradually : at the end of winter, the skin has not yet had time to get used to the sun. It is therefore more sensitive and reactive , which can cause sunburn.
Beware of reverberation : at the seaside or in the mountains, the effect of UV rays can be accentuated by 50 to 80% on snow, 20% on the sea, and 5 to 20% on sand.
It's very important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. You can also wear a hat to protect your face, and a T-shirt when the rays are particularly strong.Before sun exposure: prepare your skin
The sun tends to dry out the skin and make it more fragile . Before summer and throughout the year, moisturize it daily to avoid tightness and discomfort. Don't forget to also hydrate yourself from the inside by drinking plenty of water .To maintain your tan longer and have radiant skin, exfoliate once or twice a week . This stimulates cell renewal and rids the skin of dead cells and impurities.
Throughout the summer, focus on a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and beta-carotene . These microelements, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, prepare your skin for the sun and guarantee a beautiful golden tan. Also consider iced white tea , which will keep you hydrated and full of antioxidants!
During sun exposure: protect your skin
To choose the right sunscreen, there are a few criteria to consider. The first is phototype : it characterizes the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Light skin will be more sensitive to UV rays, while dark skin will be more resistant. Be careful, however, even tanned, matte, or black skin needs suitable sunscreen! The other criteria concern the sun conditions and the duration of exposure . When the UV index is higher than 3, it is necessary to protect yourself. Once these criteria are taken into account, you will find creams with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) between 10 and 50+ . Choose the maximum protection index at the beginning of summer , then gradually lower it as you go.
Every summer, remember to renew your sunscreen . On average, the PAO (Period After Opening) of sunscreens is between 6 and 12 months . Once this period has passed, the protection provided by UV filters is no longer guaranteed.For it to be effective, your sunscreen must be applied generously and evenly to all exposed areas. The correct dose is one teaspoon for the face , and 2 to 3 tablespoons for the whole body . Every 2 hours, but also after sweating or swimming, it is necessary to reapply , even if the product is said to be waterproof .
Traditional sunscreens contain synthetic protective filters derived from petrochemicals and responsible for killing the microalgae present in the coral tissue of the oceans. Organic sunscreens , on the other hand, contain natural mineral filters that do not affect the environment or our health. To protect the oceans and your health, mineral sunscreens are preferred.After sun exposure: soothe your skin
In addition to your daily moisturizer, rehydrate your skin after each exposure with an after-sun treatment . Enriched with soothing active ingredients , this calms any feelings of overheating or tightness. Repaired and moisturized skin will keep its tan longer .
