Summer is the time to tan. But it might come at a price without the right prevention. Here are 5 good reasons not to skip the sunscreen.
If you haven’t been on vacation yet, you may have experienced a lot of sad, gloomy weather with little sun. But even without being on holiday, you should protect your skin, even if it’s only a for few hours. Yes, really. Here are 5 good reasons to do so.
It’s essential for skin health
For many, sunscreen doesn't feel like an automatic habit yet. And there are many excuses to forgo it: "it’s too sticky", "I don't need it" or "I don't have time, I’m only tanning for a few minutes". But the sun's UVA and UVB rays burn deeply and insidiously. When you start to feel overheated, it's too late, your skin tissues are already affected. Between 1980 and 2018, the number of new cases of skin cancer have more than tripled, according to a recent study by the Ministry of Health. The reason? Our habits have changed and we expose ourselves much more than before for the sake of a glorified tan. Only, in addition to cancer, other problems systematically arise when you don’t armour up with an appropriate sunscreen.
It prevents skin ageing
The appearance of spots, accentuation of wrinkles, and worsening of acne are all consequences of sun exposure without protection. Applying sunscreen that’s reapplied every two hours and after each swim is the best way to prevent premature ageing. And that goes for all skin tones! The sun's rays attack our cells and the protective barrier of the epidermis, which all end up giving way to visible consequences in the long term. Similarly, legend has it that the sun has a positive effect on acne and other skin problems. Using strong protection - and especially not a tanning oil without SPF - is what’s best for skin health in the long term.
It doesn’t prevent tanning
The other misconceived idea of SPF50 in particular is that it can prevent tanning. Again, this is false. The filters block the bad rays for a given time but in no way prevent melanin, the pigment responsible in particular for colouring the skin, from activating. Your tan will arrive more or less quickly depending on your skin tone and genetics, but it will be there.
It helps you have a longer-lasting tan
In addition to taking care of your skin before, during, and after exposure and avoiding sunburns, wearing SPF also means betting on a tan that lasts over time. Since your skin is less attacked by the sun’s free radicals, it oxidises much less and the cells are stronger to renew themselves. If you combine good hydration with the Nourishing Body Lotion and Exfoliating Soap Bar after each sun exposure, you’ll have a perfect tan last for several weeks.
Safe options for the environment
Finally, good news: the formulations of sunscreens have experienced a real revolution in recent years. Those with the “ocean safe” labels offer clean formulas that respect the reefs. Scientists are warning about the harmful impact of sunscreens with chemical ingredients on coral reefs in particular. New generation SPF skincare from Horace, Biotherm, and Vichy, are conscious of preserving the marine ecosystem as much as your skin.