Sun Care: Protect Your Skin in All Seasons : Your online pharmacy selection

What is sun care and why is it essential?

Sun care covers all practices and products designed to protect the skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. These rays, divided into UVA and UVB, can cause irreversible damage such as premature skin aging, sunburn and even skin cancer. Effective sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin, preventing pigmentation spots and preserving natural collagen.

What's the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, accelerating the aging process and causing wrinkles. UVB rays, on the other hand, mainly affect the surface layer of the skin, causing sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer. This is why a broad-spectrum sun care product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is essential.

How do I choose the right suncare product for my skin?

To choose the right sun care product, take your skin type into account:

• Oily or acne-prone skin: Opt for light, non-comedogenic formulas, such as gels or sprays.
• Dry skin: Choose creams rich in moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
• Sensitive skin: Choose mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Also look for a suitable sun protection factor (SPF). For daily use, SPF 30 is sufficient, but for prolonged exposure, SPF 50 is recommended.

What is SPF and how does it work?

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the level of protection offered by a product against UVB rays. For example, SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. However, no product can guarantee total protection, which is why it's so important to apply sun care products regularly and follow their recommendations for use.

When and how to apply sun care?

For optimum protection :

1. Apply the product 15 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, to give it time to penetrate.
2. Use a generous amount: about a teaspoon for the face and a tablespoon for the body.
3. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or perspiring.

What are the risks of insufficient or incorrect use?

Insufficient or irregular application considerably reduces the effectiveness of the sun care product. This can lead to

• Increased UV exposure, causing burns or redness.
• Accelerated skin ageing, with the appearance of wrinkles and spots.
• Increased risk of melanoma and skin carcinoma.

What are the benefits of daily sun care, even in winter?

UVA rays are present all year round, even on cloudy days and in winter. Apply a daily sun care product:

• Protects skin against invisible but cumulative damage.
• Reduces the risk of discoloration and sun spots.
• Maintains an even, radiant complexion.

What ingredients should I look for in a good sun care product?

An effective sun care product contains :

• Chemical UV filters like avobenzone for invisible protection.
• Mineral filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) for a physical barrier.
• Antioxidants (vitamin C, E) to neutralize free radicals.
• Moisturizing agents (glycerine, hyaluronic acid) to prevent dehydration.

Is it possible to combine sun care and make-up?

Absolutely! There are combination products like BB creams with SPF or compact sun powders, ideal for daytime touch-ups. However, if you're wearing make-up, always start by applying a sun care product as a base, then your make-up on top.

Are suncare products environmentally friendly?

Many traditional sun care products contain chemical filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm marine ecosystems. Choose products that :

• Free of chemical filters that are harmful to corals.
• Certified eco-responsible and biodegradable.
• Recyclable packaging to reduce your ecological footprint.