Sunscreen: It's all year round!

The use of sunscreen throughout the year is a topic of debate. It is true that the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin are universally acknowledged: premature ageing of the epidermis, appearance of pigmentation spots and wrinkles, increased risk of skin cancer, skin burns, etc. However, many people believe that skin protection against ultraviolet rays is only necessary in cases of prolonged sun exposure (sunbathing on the beach, water activities, etc...) and only during the summer seasons. Indeed, some are still hesitant to apply sunscreens regularly.

To justify this, some believe that sunscreen should only be applied during sunny days and that it is unnecessary to apply it when it's cloudy since the sun is hidden, or even indoors because supposedly UV rays do not penetrate windows. Others point out the chemical ingredients that make up sunscreens. Indeed, some skin types may react poorly to certain substances found in some sunscreens. Moreover, the risks associated with the presence of endocrine disruptors in some sun protection products are a hot topic and deter some people. For these reasons, consumers prefer to limit their use to summer afternoons.

Contrary to popular belief, UV rays can penetrate clouds and even windows (particularly UVA rays). These rays are the number one enemy of the epidermis because:

• They accelerate skin ageing(thickening of the epidermis, skin dryness, loss of elasticity, appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and brown spots, loss of radiance, dilation of blood vessels, etc...);

• They are the cause of sunburn ;

• They can cause a skin cancer ;

Indeed, applying a sunscreen will create a protective shield against UV rays. It thus prevents UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.

If you're still not convinced about the harmful effects of the sun on the skin, take a look at this photograph. It's a portrait of a 69-year-old milkman who spent 28 years behind the wheel. The left side of his face has aged rapidly due to sun exposure (photo-ageing). Indeed, this part of his face was regularly exposed to UV rays through the window of his truck. While his right profile appears much less marked, smoother and healthier, his left face is more damaged, wrinkled, the skin is thicker and sagging, and the grooves are more pronounced. These marks were caused by UVA rays, which can penetrate deeply into the skin beyond the epidermis where they are capable of destroying elastin and collagen fibres, and altering DNA.

This is why it is important toapply sunscreen every day and to renew it regularly (every two hours) for optimal skin protection against the harmful rays of the sun, particularly when the sun is at its zenith, that is between 11am and 3pm. This is the time when the rays are most dangerous, especially if you are outdoors. Moreover, do not neglect any part of the body that can be directly exposed.