How to Protect Your Skin from the Effects of the Sun
Photos Alain Delon
Words Nolyne Cerda
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Nous avons besoin du soleil pour notre moral ou encore combler nos carences en vitamine D. Il peut pourtant se montrer trop agressif pour notre peau. Horace vous dit comment bien préparer votre épiderme.
Summary
The benefits and risks of sun exposure
The sun has positive effects on our mood and promotes vitamin D synthesis. However, excessive exposure can be harmful to the skin, accelerating ageing and causing dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Fair and sensitive skin types are particularly vulnerable and require specific preparation before sun exposure. Contrary to popular belief, artificial UV tanning does not prepare the skin and can actually cause more damage. It oxidises melanin and reduces your skin’s natural sun protection over time.
Preparing your skin from within: a balanced diet
A diet rich in seasonal, colourful, and varied fruits and vegetables helps strengthen the skin’s natural protection. These foods are high in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and slows down cellular ageing. Carrots, peppers, parsley, tomatoes, apricots, and mangoes are particularly beneficial. Vitamin C, found in oranges, kiwis, and strawberries, along with vitamin E, present in vegetable oils such as olive oil, also helps combat oxidation.
Effective sun protection
A balanced diet alone is not enough to prevent sunburn. Regular application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Sunscreens typically use two types of filters: mineral and chemical. Mineral filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, work by reflecting UV rays, providing immediate protection that is well tolerated by sensitive skin. Chemical filters absorb UV rays and transform them into heat. They offer effective protection and are often lighter on the skin.
Our Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50+ provides very high protection, absorbing 98–99% of UV rays. It leaves no white cast, is non-greasy, and is easy to apply, even on hairy skin. Remember to reapply every 2 to 3 hours for optimal protection.
Exfoliation & hydration: essential steps
Regular exfoliation, once or twice a week, removes dead skin cells, promotes cell renewal, and makes the skin less reactive to sun exposure. Our Exfoliating Soap Bar is perfect for this.
Proper hydration is also crucial. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient to external aggressions. Our Soothing Aftersun is ideal for calming and moisturising sun-exposed skin. Additionally, drinking plenty of water is essential to maintain skin hydration, especially as the warmer months approach.
By adopting these habits, you’ll effectively protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun while still enjoying its benefits.