How can I protect my skin effectively from the sun?
Apply your suncare product throughout the day, around every 2 hours and always after swimming. Avoid staying out in the sun between 11am and 4pm.
Protecting yourself appropriately from the sun can be something of a chore, so our aim for Nuxe Sun was to make these moments very pleasurable and pampering experiences.
What is tanning?
When UV rays penetrate the skin, they activate the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the skin’s “brown” pigmentation: melanin.
This is actually a self-defence mechanism for the skin, as melanin is capable of filtering UV rays, and therefore playing a role in sun protection (which explains why a tan makes our skin more resistant to the sun).
However, in summer sunshine, this natural protection is not enough. We need to use a sun protection product and follow the instructions for correct application.
Why do I need to protect my skin?
When the skin is exposed to too many UV rays, it reacts: resulting in sunburn.
However, before this sunburn even occurs, UV rays have time to cause harmful effects on the skin, notably by damaging certain components and thus contributing to the acceleration of premature skin ageing.
Excessive exposure to the sun is dangerous for health. Using appropriate protection, tailored to the sun conditions and your phototype, and following the recommendations for correct behaviour in the sun protects skin from aggressions and sunburn, allowing it to build up a beautiful and lasting luminous tan.
Which SPF factor do I need for my skin? How should you choose sun protection?
To choose the correct level of sun protection, you need to consider your skin type in the sun (called the “phototype”) and the sun conditions.
If you have very fair skin that burns easily, or if you are going to spend time in very sunny places (the tropics, out on a boat, in the mountains), you will need to use protection with a high SPF (30, 50 or 50+).
In normal sun conditions, an SPF of 30 offers excellent protection.
In standard test conditions, an SPF of 30 actually blocks 97% of UV, while a factor 50 blocks 98%.
What is the difference between an SPF30 oil and an SPF30 cream?
There is no difference at all in terms of the quality of protection!
The only distinction between these two textures is their sensory properties.
So it's simply a question of sensation.
Why and how should I prepare my skin for tanning?
Before going on holiday, you can help your skin to tan better.
You can do this by using so-called “sun” food supplements with high levels of anti-oxidants and which help the skin defend itself more effectively from UV.
We also recommend exfoliating your skin one week before you set off, to remove dead skin cells and ensure a more homogeneous and even-looking tan
However, a word of warning, never exfoliate your skin vigorously in the morning before going to the beach! This would remove a protective layer, resulting in the risk of “bare” patches of skin and the possible appearance of dark spots!
Finally, after exposure to the sun, don't forget to moisturise your skin every evening with a hydrating and soothing after-sun care.
How can I make my tan last longer?
Even after returning home from your holiday, there are still steps you can take to make your tan last as long as possible.
Moisturise your skin in the morning and evening with a moisturising and tan-prolonging after-sun lotion, for example, from the Nuxe Sun range. Its pea extract is actually capable of continuing to stimulate melanin production, and we have shown that this extract can prolong a tan by 1 month.
It is also a good idea to exfoliate your skin, but do this just once a week and gently to keep your skin smooth and show off your tan.
Overly vigorous exfoliation will promote the renewal of your epidermis, which means your tan will fade faster.
Tips for summer
1. During high noon: stay in the shade
2. Stay hydrated
3. Always use sun protection, including hair
4. Use a sun protection even if cloudy
5. Apply your sun protection 30 minutes before sun exposure
6. Wear a sun hat and cover up
7. For an even tan, exfoliate before the holidays but don't over exfoliate
8. Make sure to apply an after sun care
9. Pay attention to reflected sunlight
How should I protect my skin in mountain sunshine?
In mountain environments, the sun’s rays are more intense in both summer and winter.
The layer of atmosphere they pass through to reach our skin is thinner at altitude than at sea level. Furthermore, the presence of snow causes high levels of reflection of the UV rays responsible for sunburn.
It is therefore essential to use very high sun protection in these conditions. And don’t forget to drink lots of water because, even in cold weather, we need to keep our body hydrated.
I live in the city, do I need to protect my skin in this urban environment?
The sun can be very intense, even in cities. When you are sitting at a pavement café or out strolling in the sunshine, remember to protect exposed areas (face, arms, shoulders, legs, etc.) with appropriate sun protection for the season and your skin.