When it comes to sun exposure, some misconceptions are still persistent. SPF 50 doesn’t need to be reapplied, creams are more effective than oils, darker skin doesn’t require protection, etc. Who to trust? We’re sharing the best practices to adopt for a worry-free summer.
You’re finally on vacation, and you’re dreaming of one thing: spending your days lounging on the beach or by the pool. But you already know that UV rays are harmful to your skin’s health. Prolonged sun exposure is therefore dangerous, especially if you don’t protect yourself properly! To minimize the damage, it’s essential to follow these golden rules. Take a look.
1 – SPF, IP, FPS: these acronyms mean the same thing.
True. SPF stands for Sunburn Protection Factor. “Facteur de Protection Solaire” (FPS) and “Indice de Protection” (IP) are synonyms in French. These acronyms all refer to an index that measures the level of protection provided by a sunscreen product and indicates how long you can be exposed to the sun before getting sunburned. The higher the index, the greater the photoprotection offered by the product. Values range from 6 (low protection) to 50+ (very high protection). For example, if you get sunburned after 10 minutes without sun protection, a product with an SPF 6 will provide protection for 60 minutes (6 x 10 minutes).
2 – Only UVB rays that cause sunburn are harmful.
False. UVA rays were long considered harmless, but it’s now acknowledged that 75% of them can degrade elastin and collagen, damage DNA, and contribute to the development of skin cancer. UVA rays are also painless, present year-round, and can penetrate the skin deeply. Nowadays, laboratories include anti-UVA filters in sunscreen formulas. A ratio of 1 to 3 between anti-UVB and anti-UVA protection is recommended. For example, a sunscreen with SPF 30 should have an anti-UVA protection factor of 10.
3 – Infrared rays (IR) are cool…
True and false. Infrared radiation is felt as heat, which can serve as a warning signal: “Get out of the sun!” The danger of infrared rays lies in their ability to penetrate the skin deeply, cause DNA damage, accelerate photoaging, and impair cell function. Currently, there’s no molecule capable of absorbing infrared radiation. In the meantime, laboratories include reflectors in their formulas to mitigate this radiation, acting as a sort of shield that blocks infrared rays on the skin’s surface.
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4 – Prolonged sun exposure requires repeated application of sunscreen.
True. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, after each swim, when you’ve sweated, or after using a beach towel. The product should be applied to dry skin in sufficient quantities: one teaspoon for the face and 2 to 3 tablespoons for the body, whether you’re lounging under an umbrella or on a cloudy day.
5 – I have very dark skin. I can tan safely using a product with SPF 15.
False. During prolonged sun exposure (beach, pool, hiking, etc.), you should never go below SPF 15 to 25 for dark skin, SPF 30 for brown skin, and SPF 50 to 50+ for fair skin. The index can be lowered as the skin gets used to the sun and gradually tans.
6 – I use a cream with SPF 50+. I can safely nap in the sun after lunch around 1 PM.
False. The most dangerous time in terms of sun intensity is between noon and 4 PM (GMT). It’s important to remember that even with generous sunscreen application, your skin is still at risk of burning in strong sunlight. This risk is even higher for fair skin.
7 – For daily activities in the city, wearing sunscreen with SPF 50+ is necessary.
False. For daily activities where sun exposure is brief (driving in the city, walking short distances, a quick coffee on a terrace, etc.), a day cream or foundation is sufficient if it contains sunscreen (SPF 15).
8 – To protect your face during sun exposure, cream-based products are the most effective.
False. Whether it’s oil, cream, mist, or foundation, the protection is the same. The choice of sunscreen should be based on your phototype (skin’s sensitivity to UV) and skin type. For instance, fair skin (moderately to very oily) should opt for a high-protection fluid texture (SPF 50+) that protects while mattifying. In contrast, dry or dehydrated skin will need a more comfortable texture, such as a cream. The same applies to the body!
9 – I’m a man. I have tough skin. I don’t need to protect my face.
False. Obviously. While men’s skin is thicker, it’s still sensitive to UVA, UVB, and other IR radiation. Sunscreen products are increasingly sophisticated, with an imperceptible finish, making them easier for men to use.
