THE BEST SUN PROTECTION FOR OUR SKIN

DR. LUC BIOUSSE – HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SUN PROTECTION

Unprotected sun exposure is harmful to our skin and our health. But what are the risks associated with a lack of sun? How can you prevent a vitamin D deficiency?

Unprotected sun exposure carries many risks. Just a few minutes are enough to cause sunburn, due to UVB rays.

UVA rays, responsible for premature skin aging, are even more dangerous as they are potentially carcinogenic.

However, daily sun exposure is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D, produced by the skin under the effect of UV rays. The amount of vitamin D varies depending on skin color, region, duration of daily exposure, and season.

In France, exposure is often insufficient to produce the necessary amount. A study has shown that half of the French population suffers from a vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency can lead to an increased risk of fractures, cancers, infections, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis.

In case of deficiency, supplementation is possible, provided overdosing is avoided. Sensible sun exposure remains the most effective way to prevent this deficiency.

What filters should you choose for a cream with a pure composition?

Photoprotective screens work through two different processes, to be absolutely avoided: chemical or organic filters

They absorb UV rays. Some only protect against UVB (responsible for sunburn), while others cover a wider spectrum including partially UVA.

Their action is not immediate: you have to wait 15 to 20 minutes before exposure.

Chemical filters can cause undesirable effects:

• Some are allergenic and irritating (like para-aminobenzoic acid)
• Others, like benzophenone, are suspected endocrine disruptors
• They are not biodegradable and can harm coral reefs

To be preferred: mineral or physical filters

They reflect UV rays and protect against both UVA and UVB.

Their action is immediate and they are not absorbed by the skin. The most common are:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium oxide

Their application can be more delicate, but progress has been made to avoid the white cast.

Precaution: avoid formulas containing nanoparticles, which may be absorbed by the body.

An organic certified cream, composed only of mineral filters without nanoparticles, offers optimal protection.

How to choose the most effective sun protection?

Several criteria must be taken into account:

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

This is the main index (from 5 to 50). It measures the protection capacity against UVB.

The higher it is, the greater the protection. High indices are recommended for initial exposures.

Filters used

Prefer mineral filters such as:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium oxide

Protection spectrum

Good protection must cover both:

• UVB (sunburn)
• UVA (skin aging and carcinogenic risks)

The formula

• Cream: ideal for the face
• Emulsion: more practical for the body
• Stick: suitable for lips

Other ingredients

Avoid irritating substances like:

• Alcohol
• Fragrance

Even if tanned skin is less sensitive to sunburn, it remains exposed to cancer risks. Sun protection is therefore essential.

Preparing your skin for the sun

To prepare the skin for the arrival of sunny days, the supplement
“We want… a sublime tan” helps strengthen skin resistance to the sun and achieve a brighter and longer-lasting tan.

It notably contains Cantaloupe melon SOD from Roussillon, a powerful natural antioxidant that acts as a shield against the effects of UV and helps delay sunburn.

Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene, it also helps optimize tanning.