SKIN NEEDS SUNCARE
RESPONSIBLE
DERMOCOSMETICS
YOUR SKIN NEEDS
Being in the sun has a lot of benefits however, excessive sun
exposure can lead to many harmful consequences for the
overall health
WHY USE SUNSCREEN?
If left unprotected, the sun’s rays can have destructive effects on your skin. In fact, short-term consequences of sun exposure are heat stroke, photosensitization, while long-term consequences of sun exposure are skin cancers and skin aging. UVA and UVB rays are responsible for skin cancers because they weaken the skin’s immune defenses. Hence the need to use sunscreens to shield the skin from these aggressions.
HOW DO SUNSCREENS PROTECT AGAINST THESE RAYS?
Photoprotective products filter both UVA and UVB rays. Their filtering power is defined by the SPF (Sun Protection Factor). This SPF must be chosen according to the phototype and the intensity of the sun’s rays. The most common SPFs available on the market are:
- SPF 30 = high protection
- SPF 50+ = very high protection
Chemical vs mineral filters:
There are two types of filters that block UV rays: chemical filters and mineral sunscreens.
- Chemical filters are chemical molecules that absorb UV rays to prevent the skin from absorbing them. They offer a very effective protection.
- Mineral filters remain on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays like a mirror. They are also called physical sunscreens. Mineral filters have a powdery texture. They are also suitable for reactive skin, as they are better tolerated by very sensitive skin or skin prone to allergies. Two factors come into play when choosing the right protection against the sun’s rays: your skin type and the intensity of the rays.
Sun protection is essential no matter the skin type
Not all skins react in the same way to sunlight because each individual has his own photosensitivity, characterized by his phototype. The phototype is the skin’s reaction to the exposure to the sun’s rays. The Fitzpatrick scale characterized 6 phototypes according to the skin tone and the reaction of the skin following sun exposure.
CHOOSING A SUNSCREEN BY PHOTOTYPE
1
Phototype I, the most sensitive to sun exposure
People who have phototype I skin do not tan or tan very little. With each sun exposure, there is a high risk of sunburn. They should apply a very high SPF index sunscreen (SPF 50+) during the entire day
2
Phototype II, sensitive
People who have phototype II skin manage to tan slightly but they are at a very high risk of sunburn and should still use a sunscreen of SPF 50 at the beginning of summer till the end of summer
2
3
Phototype III, needs protection
People who have this phototype have fair or darker skin, capable of tanning, but are still at risk of sunburn in the first few days. They should start with a sunscreen of SPF 50 during this period and then switch to an SPF 30 once the tan is established
4
Phototype IV, easy tanning
People who have phototype IV have dark skin, brown hair and rarely get sunburned. The skin tans easily and quickly however, they should be careful about the first exposure the first few days with a SPF 50 sunscreen, then
switch to SPF 30 when the tan sets in
4
5
Phototype V and VI, good sun protection
People who have these phototypes have a very dark skin type or even black skin, which is naturally very rich in melanin. Sunburns are rare but not impossible. Applying an SPF 50 sun cream for the first couple of days, then switch to SPF 30. Always take care of sensitive areas, such as the nose or ears
CHOOSING A SUNSCREEN BY SKIN TYPE
For Sensitive skin: choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight and comfortable to wear.
For dry skin: choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.
For normal and combination skin: choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that is comfortable for daily wear.
For Oily and acne-prone skin: choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog your pores. It should also be a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed.
For dry skin: choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, lightweight with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.
For normal and combination skin: choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that is comfortable for daily wear.
For Oily and acne-prone skin: choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog your pores. It should also be a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed.
HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN
1
Apply a sunscreen preferably 20 minutes before exposure so that the skin can absorb the product and to have the maximum protection possible.
2
Reapply the sunscreen at least every 2 hours and systematically after each shower and swim. The sunscreen’s effectiveness will diminish with perspiration and contact with water even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
3
Keep your skin hydrated during sun exposure while using a sunscreen and moisturize your skin for the coming days after sun exposure.
TAKE HOME MESSAGES
- Avoid going outside when the sun’s radiation is most intense. The higher the sun is in the sky, the greater the UV radiation.
- Avoid staying at the beach all day. Never expose your skin to the sun when taking certain medications without asking your dermatologist or pharmacist for advice.
- After exposure: clean and moisturize your skin. Take the time to thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove all traces of sunscreen and the day’s impurities.
- Choose a gentle soap-free cleanser that respects the skin’s natural balance. BECLEAN
- Finish by applying a moisturizing cream HYDRAPLUMP rich in nourishing and repairing active ingredients or an after-sun lotion.
