Is it beneficial to apply after-sun care following each sun exposure?

Similar to the synthesis of vitamin D, the sun provides numerous benefits for the human body. However, it should not be overused as the ultraviolet rays it emits can lead to irreversible damage to the skin and eyes, promoting brown spots, skin sagging, erythema, as well as the development of melanomas. That's why it's essential to always use a sunscreen before exposing yourself to the sun and to reapply every two hours in case of prolonged exposure. However, this measure is not always enough to adequately protect the skin from UV rays that can cause sunburn. Can after-sun then soothe it?

• In the event of sunburn.

  When UVB rays penetrate the cells of the epidermis, they cause the deterioration of microRNAs. An inflammatory process involving the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the vasodilation of blood vessels then takes place, resulting at the macroscopic level in redness and swelling: this is commonly referred to as sunburn, or actinic erythema.

  When the skin is compromised, it requires the comfort and soothing that an after-sun product can provide. Its fresh texture, combined with its richness in lipid-replenishing, healing and anti-inflammatory active ingredients, makes it an essential in case of sunburn.The immediate application of an after-sun product thus helps to restore the skin's water balance, weakened following a sunburn, while promoting the skin regeneration process.

  Note : The application of an after-sun lotion will not be sufficient in the case of a significant burn and should be combined with a topical medication such as a dermocorticoid.

• Without sunburn.

  Even without sunburn, it is highly recommended to apply an after-sun product. Indeed, the damage caused by the sun is not only visible but also manifests itself through the weakening of the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface. Applying an after-sun product immediately after exposure helps to compensate for water loss and aids the skin in recovering more quickly. Moreover, this prevents the accumulation of damage, thereby reducing the risk of long-term problems. This holds true for both long exposures and those lasting one to two hours, as UV rays immediately affect the skin.

Applying an after-sun care product after each exposure is more than just a comfort step: it's a measure to protect, hydrate and repair your skin.

At Typology, to enable you to care for your face and body after sun exposure, we have developed two after-sun products whose thermoregulatory texture provides an immediate soothing effect.

• The after-sun serum : To be used on the entire face, this pale pink serum is enriched with panthenol and vitamin B12 to promote cellular regeneration after sun exposure. Moreover, the carob extract it contains stimulates and prolongs the tan.

• The after-sun body emulsion : Formulated with 98% natural origin ingredients, this emulsion promotes the repair of the skin barrier after UV exposure due to its richness in inulin, a prebiotic that rebalances the microbiota, and aloe vera, a hydrating and soothing ingredient.

• MOAN J. & al. Sun and sun beds: inducers of vitamin D and skin cancer. Anticancer research (2009).

• PIOT B. & al. Impact of sunlight on observable clinical signs of ageing in Caucasian skin. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology (2013).

• BJÖRKLUND S. & al. The Impact of UVB Irradiation and Oxidative Stress on the Skin Barrier—A Novel Approach to Assess Sun Protection Factor Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. Sensors (2019).