Sun protection is the real lifesaver for the skin in summer (and all year round, although too many people still only think about it when the heat is on). But which one to take in the suitcase? The one that best suits the planned activities and the destination – and the company if it is going to be shared to save space – would be the first filter to choose; then comes the taste of each one for the different textures, because the best protector is the one that is used daily. That is why it is so important to find one that you want to wear because of its formula, its smell or ease of application.
Do we know everything about the sun? Judging by the red skins that are still seen on the beaches, it is worth remembering some advice and warnings from dermatologists. Avoiding sunbathing between 12 noon and 4 p.m. is first of all protection (the umbrella helps, but it's still better to go before or after). Secondly, it would be remembering to apply the protection on the lips, ears and insteps, the great forgotten... And those who take into account that, in addition to UV rays, infrared light and blue light also cause significant damage to the skin, opt for registration.
What works: broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, having a high SPF 30 or SPF 50 protection factor (there is not a huge difference between them), formulas that adapt to the type of skin and specific objective that you want to achieve together with protection (anti-aging, anti-stains, good color...) and that respect the marine environment. And yes, the amount matters too: the effectiveness of a sunscreen is calculated with the recommended amount of 2mg per cm2 of skin, equivalent to six tablespoons of coffee for the entire body of an average adult, but studies say that we put on less than half.
Reapplying every 2-3 hours is basic, as is opting for waterproof formulas if you are going to be in the water for a long time or practicing water activities such as paddle surfing. Wide-brimmed hats, caps and scarves save many burns on the scalp, which is also skin. Long-sleeved cotton and linen T-shirts and shirts are good shields for sightseeing without leaving the backpack straps marked. Use the protector that was left over from last year? If it is open, there is no need to consider it: a resounding no. If it is unopened, you have to recheck the expiration date of the container.
Protects, hydrates and enhances the natural tan with the benefits of water and oil in the same product: light, fresh and sensory texture, intense nutrition and rapid absorption. A true wild card that optimizes the skin's adaptation mechanisms to the sun and can be applied to the face, body and hair. It is waterproof and can be applied to wet skin.
The much-desired good-looking effect is allied with maximum sun protection. Its ultra-light texture that does not irritate the eyes makes it ideal for daily use and urban tourism, because it works as a perfect makeup base that evens out the tone. Intense hydration, immediate absorption... It is a true all-in-one that makes things much easier and can even be taken to the beach (it can be applied to damp skin). His secret: hit the tone (there are three wide range to choose from)
Clean, practical, easy to use, with concentrated formulas and contained in attractive designs, the facial sun protection sticks are the most practical for touch-ups. They claim their space in urban bags (a plus for security on terraces and beach bars) and beach or boat bags. They are perfect for face, neck and sensitive areas (nose, ears, lips...)
High protection sunscreens that are imperceptible to the eye and to the touch are the favorites of athletes, easers and pragmatists. This serum has a texture twice as light as classic protectors and a formula that reinforces the skin barrier with ceramides.
Bronzing powder with high sun protection to control shine and provide a matte and natural finish. A practical option for touch-ups on the neck and décolleté and even to protect the scalp
A format for face and body that stands out for its freshness, comfort and its dry and invisible finish. It can be applied over makeup, because it does not need to be spread or touched with your hands. You just have to spray it at a certain distance and evenly.
An innovative formula that protects the skin both inside and out, and is capable of stopping harmful rays that accelerate photoaging while letting in beneficial red light that restores its barrier function. The texture is pure luxury.
Yes, the skin with the heat also dehydrates. Changing your wardrobe has its cosmetic equivalent on vacation, especially when you're moving from dry areas like inner cities to humid beach destinations where greasy moisturizers simply mix with sweat and melt away. The beauty routine tends to be relaxed and simplified, but there are steps that must be maintained to boast healthy and beautiful skin.
In humid climates and in full sun, hydration is still essential, even if it calls for fresher and lighter textures. A good moisturizing serum, with a water-gel texture that is absorbed immediately, can replace the usual cream if the chosen sun protection does not neglect hydration. Hyaluronic acid, capable of retaining a thousand times its weight in water, is the king of moisturizing formulas. Its molecular weight is high, so its molecule is large, which makes it difficult for it to penetrate, but science is able to formulate it with smaller, medium and low size particles, to facilitate its passage.
Facial cleansing is the first step in any beauty routine and is essential even if you don't put on makeup (for example, to remove all traces of sunscreen). Bioderma's micellar water never fails backstage on the best catwalks in the world, and that already gives an idea of its effectiveness, but also this year the brand has launched an oil version made to measure for sensitive skin (with extra sensoriality for all). It combines micellar technology, which removes make-up and cleanses by trapping dirt, grease and impurities without friction, with the comfort of an oil.
There are still those who look over their shoulders at aftersun, a product that should be one of the basics of summer, or who directly skip it if they don't return from the beach with a shrimp red. Mistake. If the skin has been exposed to the sun, changing the usual body moisturizer for an aftersun when you get out of the shower (or in the same sand as a previous step), is a good investment in comfort and good skin.
Aftersuns have multiple functions. The most obvious is to soothe the skin, restore its hydration level, repair oxidative damage, and reduce inflammation. In addition, it lowers the skin's temperature in seconds, prevents it from flaking and prolongs the tan. Look for soothing, moisturizing and antioxidant active ingredients in its formulas, such as vitamin E, Aloe Vera, calendula, panthenol, urea or hyaluronic acid. A plus? Store it in the fridge so that it is cooler when applied.
