To keep your skin clear, supple and healthy, sunscreen should be applied every day without exception, in summer and winter. But how do you choose the one that will be faithful to you? We take stock.

Why is sunscreen essential?

Sunscreen is important. We are constantly hearing about it, but we still need to understand why.

You are probably aware that our dear sun, the one that provides us with the vitamin D necessary for our morale, the well-being of our body and the pretty complexion of our skin, can also be very harmful. When we have too close a relationship with the sun, our skin suffers and sometimes to the point of no return. Like all good things in life, we must not abuse it and above all, we must know how to protect ourselves from it. This is where sunscreen comes in. Applying protection every day, on the face and all exposed areas, is essential for several reasons. The sun's UV rays, which are particularly harmful to the skin, can cause long-term damage such as premature skin aging, wrinkles, brown spots (pigmentation spots linked to hyperpigmentation ), withered skin, oily skin, unfortunate sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Be careful, even if you don't spend the whole day outside, you are still exposed to UV rays during your daily travels, even through the windows of your house or car. This permanent exposure can also cause damage to the skin, especially for people suffering from extreme sensitivity... In this case, sunscreen is an unstoppable asset that will allow the skin to suffer less from the ravages of the sun. Don't wait to laze around on the beach before applying cream, think of it as an automatic action! Include the gesture in your summer and winter beauty routine , your skin will thank you.

SPF15, 30, 50... Better understand the indices indicated on the protections

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating is simply a measure of a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin from the sun's UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection against UVB rays. The more sensitive the skin, the higher the SPF should be worn.

SPF 15: This index offers protection against 93% of UVB rays. It is suitable for people who do not spend much time outdoors or who have skin that is not very sensitive to the sun (dark skin and olive skin). This is the lowest SPF, it can also do the trick in winter under cloudy weather.

SPF 30: A sunscreen with SPF30 promises protection against 97% of UVB rays. It is recommended for daily use for all skin types, especially if you are often outdoors and for the first exposures in spring.

SPF 50: this is the highest level of protection since it protects against 98% of UVB rays. This index is recommended for fair skin, sensitive skin, children, people with high sensitivity to the sun, and for everyone in the middle of summer! Goodbye to nasty sunburn.

The little extra to know

It is important to note that the SPF index only measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. UVA rays, which cause skin aging, are also harmful to the skin, but are not measured by the SPF index. For better protection, you should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays. In addition, it is recommended to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially if you sweat or swim...

The different types of sun protection

If for a long time we knew the only sticky cream, with chemical filters and much too visible, nowadays the market of the sun product has expanded considerably and offers solutions as healthy as discreet and effective to protect the skin without flaw.

Sun oil, the most pleasant

It's like spreading a comforting body oil. Sun oil with a soft and comforting texture spreads easily. In addition to its UVB and UVA protection , it is very often formulated from moisturizing active ingredients for the body (vegetable butters or natural oils) and keeps the skin protected, nourished and very soft. Ideal for dry skin. On the aesthetic side, it leaves a nice shiny finish on the skin that really makes an impact in summer with the tan! Sun oil is generally found in spray format, which makes it one of the most practical protections to apply.

It is important to choose a sunscreen oil formulated for your skin type and test it on a small area before regular use.

Sunscreen, the original

With its creamy, fluid and penetrating texture, sunscreen is probably the top 1 of the most used sunscreens. If it was underestimated for a long time because it was once difficult to spread and not very pleasant on the skin, today it is in this form that we prefer it for optimal protection. Moreover, it is sunscreen that prevails to protect the skin of the face. Brands have understood this and offer more and more special facial care sunscreens, intended to take care of the skin containing anti-aging, ultra-hydrating, anti-imperfection, nourishing, anti-spot active ingredients, etc. To find the one that suits you best, do not hesitate to ask for samples to test the formula before falling for the large format.

Note that the special facial sunscreen is applied as the last step of the skincare routine. In order, apply: your facial serum, your eye contour serum , your facial cream and finally your sunscreen.

The most refreshing sun gel

Easy to apply, suitable for all skin types, ultra fresh, easily absorbed by the skin and light texture... sunscreen gel has it all. It is the ideal option for those who like to spread creams or oils on their body. With its neutral and non-sticky finish, sunscreen gel is almost imperceptible. The real +? Its water-resistant formula (very often stronger than that of creams) which makes it doubly more effective protection against ultraviolet rays, even in case of sweat or contact with water. With it, fewer touch-ups during the day and more peace of mind to enjoy your activities.

Solar water, the most trendy

Solar water dethrones sun milk and arrives in our vanities to take care of our skin. Tested and approved by the editorial team under the scorching sun of Portugal, solar water is devilishly practical! It is generally found in the form of a spray, a few spritzes here and there are enough to offer the skin an effective protective barrier against UVB and UVA. Touch-ups are obviously necessary, especially if you go into the water, but overall this form of protection holds up, while allowing the skin to tan properly. Solar water is easy to apply, even on hard-to-reach areas, like the back and shoulders. It can be sprayed on the skin and does not require rubbing or spreading, which makes it practical for use on the go or at the beach.

Do you really need to use sunscreen on your hair?

If you still doubted it, sun protection is indeed necessary to keep beautiful hair but also a healthy scalp. Unlike the skin, it does not need to be applied 24/7 in summer and winter, but should not be neglected during the summer season. Black hair, blond hair, white hair, red hair or others, applying sun protection to our mane is important for several reasons:

Protection against UV rays.

This is, of course, reason number 1. The sun’s UV rays can cause damage to hair, such as fading, dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Color-treated and chemically treated hair is even more vulnerable to sun damage. Using a hair sunscreen can help minimize this abuse.

Maximum hydration

Prolonged exposure to the sun can dry out hair and make it more fragile and brittle than it already is. Sunscreen products for hair often contain moisturizing agents, such as plant oils, herbal extracts, and vitamins, which help maintain hair moisture and prevent dryness.

Good protection against external aggressions

Hair sunscreens can also help protect hair from outdoor elements, such as wind, heat, and humidity, which can also cause serious damage to our manes.

Prevention against frizz

Sunscreen hair care products help prevent frizz caused by humidity and the sun. They can also help maintain your hair's natural texture, while protecting it from the elements, as seen above.

Be careful when choosing your sunscreen product. While there are fewer and fewer sunscreens that are harmful to health and the environment, you should still be careful about the composition of your sunscreen. Check that there are no endocrine disruptors, choose a sunscreen range that is suited to your skin type, avoid chemical filters and opt for protections that are respectful of the environment and the Oceans. These products carry the Ocean Friendly label.