BEAUTY

Should You Apply Sunscreen on a Daily Basis?

Best anti-wrinkle product

Victoria Hidoussi - Madame Figaro

19-May-2022

Should You Apply Sunscreen on a Daily Basis?

Are we supposed to apply sunscreen even when we’re not at the beach in the summer? One thing you might not know is that our skin is exposed to sun all-day long, and the UV rays can affect it negatively. What do the experts think?

"UV rays don't just appear at the beach, when you're lying on your towel! Every time there is light, the uncovered parts of our body are attacked by UV rays," mentioned Dr. Sylvie Peres, dermatologist and co-founder of the cosmetics brand Alaena, "not only are UVA and UVB rays carcinogenic, but they also generate oxidizing factors that damage our skin and accelerate skin aging."

The harmful effects on the skin are the same for everyone. "In the city, in the countryside, at the beach or in the mountains, the sun affects us in the same way," also reminded the dermatologist Dermato Drey. As for the SPF protection factor to choose, "it's not just a question of geographical location, but a combination of several other factors: your phototype, the expected duration of exposure and the UV index of the day," said the specialist. Since the sun rises every day of the year, its radiation does not stop at the end of the vacations. Hence the need to wear sun protection in autumn, spring and perhaps even in winter.

The "best anti-wrinkle"

When the sky is cloudy, you might actually think there's less sun. "Sure, the brightness is less noticeable to the naked eye, but we still get just as much UV radiation. That's why you can still get a sunburn," warned Dermato Drey.

To avoid it, the simplest solution is to opt for "a very strict sun protection on the areas exposed to the sun on a daily basis, such as the face, neck, décolleté and hands. It is the best anti-wrinkle", assured Dr. Sylvie Peres, reminding that "photoaging caused by UV, in addition to wrinkles, makes the skin lose its radiance and transparency. This is due to dilated vessels and an infinite number of pigmented micro stains that give a blurred complexion."

Innovative formulas

Contrary to popular belief, not all sun creams are greasy, thick and leave white marks on the skin. Today, in pharmacies, there are SPF creams adapted to all skin types, including products specially designed for the urban lifestyle. Fluid and matte texture for oily skin, richer and more moisturizing for dry skin, with anti-wrinkle, anti-pollution, anti-redness or anti-imperfection active ingredients... These hybrid skin care products adapt to all needs. They are even available in pocket size and in practical sticks to take everywhere.

Give up face cream?

Experts agree that an SPF cream is sufficient, under certain conditions. "The SPF cream can be applied after the day cream or in its place if it contains moisturizing and antioxidant ingredients. It is important to renew the application every two hours if the sun exposure lasts", pointed out Dr. Peres.

Dermato Drey suggested another simplified beauty routine: "There are 3-in-1 skin care products, tinted, moisturizing and sun protection. The advantage is that they avoid interactions and overlaps between products that each contain different preservatives. This limits the risk of intolerance," she said. However, for those who do not want to give up their day cream, it is better to apply it first, followed by its sun protection.