We all love coming home from holidays with bronzed skin, but tanning can be dangerous. UV is harmful to the skin as it is totally invisible to the naked eye and does not make you feel hot; we are exposed without realising it. Sunburn is caused by UVB rays that go through the epidermis and UVA rays that penetrate all the way down into the upper dermis. The sun is a main cause of skin cancer, but it doesn't stop there. It also accelerates skin aging as UVA rays destroy collagen and elastin fibres, the skin's source of youth. This is not obvious immediately; around 10 to 20 years later, lines, wrinkles and dark spots appear.
- Avoid sun exposure between 12 and 4pm, when the sun is at its highest and UV rays are at their most dangerous.
- Cover up to limit sunburn: T shirt, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are the safest and simplest combination to combat UV rays.
- Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration, dry skin and heatstroke.
- Make sure you protect children and teenagers who, with their fragile skin and eyes, are more vulnerable to sun damage.
To ensure safe tanning, sun cream with sufficient SPF is the best way to limit skin damage. It must be applied every two hours and after swimming, and make sure you choose the right product for your skin type. The lighter the skin, the higher the sun protection factor (SPF) required. Those with sensitive skin should choose an SPF between 30 and 50, slightly sensitive skin between 15 and 30. Leave SPFs below 15 for those with olive complexion. Sun protection must also be adapted to each part of the body and face: creams for the face, milks, gels and sprays for the body, and sticks for the lips and the nose.