How to protect your skin from sun damage: the complete guide

Sun damage is a year-round risk. Whether it's sunny or rainy, the skin is exposed. So we protect ourselves every day, without exception. And we're very, very careful in summer! Here's our complete guide to protecting your skin from sun damage. 

What are the consequences of sun exposure? 

Sun damage to the skin, and to health in general, has both short-term and long-term consequences. While we all know about the immediate damage caused by sun exposure, such as sunburn, resulting in red skin and slight burns, more serious cases involve blisters, nausea and dizziness.

In the long term, the sun dries out the skin, causing it to lose its stocks of essential fatty acids. The result? Skin looks dry and wrinkled. The sun also slows cell renewal, leading to an accumulation of dead cells that dull the complexion's radiance. L'hyperpigmentation (brown spots) due to sun exposure is one of the most visible and long-lasting signs of sun damage. These brown spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin by the skin. Simply put, if the skin is not protected by a sunscreen, UV rays cause the skin to overproduce melanin, in an attempt to protect itself from the sun's harmful effects. It is this excess melanin that causes stubborn marquess, in very small areas or patches. 

Sun damage can also damage collagen and elastin, responsible for skin's firmness, support and elasticity. The loss of these fibers and proteins leads to premature aging of the skin, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines, which sometimes appear early. 

Finally, even if sun damage is often cosmetic, with spots and premature aging, we mustn't forget that prolonged exposure to UV rays can also lead to skin cancer in its most serious form.

What precautions should I take to avoid sun damage? 

In summer, it's very tempting to lounge around on a beach towel or deckchair. And it's not forbidden - quite the contrary. But with a few precautions! 

• Create shade! With a parasol, of course, but also with a hat or cap to protect your face. Don't expose yourself directly to the sun. Beware of windy places or cloudy climates, which give the impression that the sun isn't so strong because you're not necessarily too hot. UVA and UVB rays are present all the time, and even more so in summer! 
• Stay hydrated! Moisturizing both body and skin is essential. So drink plenty of water, spray yourself with thermal spring water and moisturize your skin (face and body).
• We use a strong sunscreen.

What kind of sun protection should you choose? 

For the face and body, apply an SPF 50 cream, offering maximum protection against UV rays. Apply in the morning, before going out, but also throughout the day, and especially after swimming, for maximum protection. The most common mistakes ? Using very low SPFs in the belief that you'll tan more, or failing to reapply sunscreen correctly. 

My face sun recommendation

Tocobo: Bio Watery Sun Cream For me, it's one of the best on the market, and not for the first time I've recommended it. Tocobo's SPF50+ PA++++: Bio Watery Sun Cream is a real nugget! The texture is very fluid, and the formula contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration and mung bean to soothe the skin. The real plus? No white marks. Suitable for all skin types, including dark skins.

[winamaz single="B09Y112RTC " template="horizontal "]

My recommendation for reapplying your face sunblock 

Granted, it's not always easy to reapply sunscreen during the day, especially if you're wearing make-up. I've got the solution: tried and tested. Abib- Quick Sunstick Protection Bar. Very easy to apply, thanks to its oily texture. Contains acacia peptide and ceramide to reinforce the skin barrier. It also contains natural soothing ingredients such as aloe and cucumber to calm the skin. Its small size makes it a great asset! Slip into a pocket or purse for on-the-go application all day long. 

[winamaz single="B081GP2X7T " template="horizontal "]

My body sun recommendation

ANTHELIOS sunscreen spray SPF50+ - Sun Protection Cream. I like the spray format, which is easy to apply. The texture is fresh and light, with no white marks. The formulation has been tested by the brand in the toughest conditions (hammam, physical exercise, etc....) and every time the protection is optimal. What's more, La Roche Posay claims to have developed a formulation that respects the environment. 

The products mentioned in this article have been purchased and tested personally. They are not the subject of gifts or remuneration from marques. The article may, however, contain affiliate links.