Choosing the right sun protection for each member of the family is essential to enjoy the sun all year round and in complete safety. Not forgetting that applying cream does not exempt you from wearing quality clothing, a hat and sunglasses, which are the best ways to protect yourself from the sun.

WHY SHOULD I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN FROM THE SUN?

Exposing yourself to the sun without protection presents immediate and long-term risks. The immediate risks are the development of sunburn, sunstroke, an allergy or retinal damage.

In the long term, sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin (wrinkles, brown spots, etc.), actinic keratoses (potentially precancerous crusted lesions), skin cancers (carcinomas, melanomas, etc.), and retinal damage.

WHEN SHOULD I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN?

At each exposure, regardless of the location (sea, mountains, countryside) and the season (summer, autumn, winter, spring).

The intensity of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) is not linked to the sensation of heat. The presence of clouds or wind does not limit their action.

HOW CAN I ESTIMATE THE INTENSITY OF EXPOSURE?

The UV index ranges from 3 to 9 and above. It is used to estimate the intensity of solar UV radiation and the risk it represents for health. The higher the UV index, the more protection must be reinforced.

Its variations are linked to the time of day. Thus, it is recommended not to expose yourself between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., because UV rays are multiplied by approximately 3 during this time slot. In addition, certain factors, such as the reflection of light surfaces (snow, sand or water) or altitude, further increase the intensity of exposure.

Short- and long-term risks depend on the strength of the sun (which depends on the geographical location and the season) and the duration of exposure. The more intense the sunshine, the more it is recommended to protect yourself from the sun. Click here to find out more

In France, the sun's rays are very strong from the beginning of May to the end of August. The UV index generally reaches 7 or 8 during the summer. Protection is essential, because it only takes 20 minutes for sensitive skin to develop sunburn.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY BABY FROM THE SUN?

Under no circumstances should an infant be left in the sun.
Avoid going out during peaks of heat, and in particular between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Keep him in a cool, shaded place.
If going out is necessary, dress him lightly with loose clothing with long sleeves and leggings, in light colours, and don't forget a small hat.
Bring a parasol.

HOW TO PROTECT OLDER CHILDREN?

Give preference to going out outside of sunlight hours.
Let them play in cool or shaded areas.
Let them wear loose, light, light-coloured clothing, covering exposed parts of the skin, with a large hat.
Use plenty of sunscreen (high protection factor) and renew it at least every two hours.
Buy them sunglasses that provide real protection against the rays. Tinted plastic lenses do not provide any protection for their eyes.

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY SUNSCREEN?

The choice of sunscreen depends on the time and place where you are, your skin type and its reaction to the sun. Not all skin reacts in the same way to UVA and UVB rays. The lighter the skin, the more protection from the sun is necessary. Four phototypes (skin sensitivity to the sun) can be defined. The choice of the right cream depends on your phototype.

HOW ARE SUNSCREENS CLASSIFIED?

The products bear the words SPF (sun protection factor) and protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Since 2000, the words “total screen” or “total protection” have been banned on all sun protection products sold in the European Union, because no product can claim to provide complete protection against the sun.

Always choose a sun protection factor higher than 30. Check that the sun cream protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB).

HOW DO I CHOOSE A SUNSCREEN FOR MY CHILD?

For children, very high protection is systematically recommended.

WHAT IS THE COMPOSITION OF SUN PRODUCTS?

A sun product is mainly composed of ultraviolet filters (organic chemical compounds and/or opaque mineral filters) mixed with a base: oil or cream. Other ingredients are involved, such as preservatives, thickeners, moisturizing agents. The product can be enriched with vitamin E or C.

HOW SHOULD I APPLY THE PRODUCT?

Apply your sunscreen generously to all exposed areas, 20 minutes before going out. Repeat every two hours and after each swim (including with waterproof products) and more often if you sweat a lot. Wear a hat, a T-shirt and sunglasses, because sunscreen is not enough to protect you against radiation.

WHAT PACKAGING SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Cream, milk, spray… the packaging doesn’t matter. All that matters is the protection factor indicated on the packaging and compliance with the expiry dates. A sunscreen product that has been started should not be reused the following year.
Sunscreen is essential and if you want to keep it simple, adopt an effective attitude by choosing strong protection for everyone. Use strong protection creams, to be renewed if necessary every 2 hours, wear a T-shirt, a hat, and don’t forget quality sunglasses, even for children.