What does it mean to be AP(-)?

The letter "A" signifies thatno signs of ageing are visible on the skin. Indeed, three main manifestations can affect the appearance of the face, namely wrinkles, a skin sagging (loss of volume) and loss of density. Generally, the first signs of skin ageing appear around the age of 25, reflecting the changes that occur in the different layers of the skin (slowing of cell renewal, reduction in lipid production, decline in the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, decrease in the size and number of fat cells...). Although ageing is an inevitable process, it is possible to prevent and exert some control over the various factors affecting the speed of ageing, and thus delay the onset of ageing signs.

The letter "P" signifies that the skin is well protected against the sun's UV rays. Beyond these beneficial effects on mood or vitamin D secretion, excessive sun exposure is the main cause of premature skin ageing and the onset of skin cancers. Indeed, UVA rays can cause dermal changes especially in the elastic tissue, and UVB rays lead to epidermal damage. Activation of free radicals, alteration of the cell membrane, DNA modification... UV rays act differently within skin cells to generate damage, which can alter the cell's function, cause its death or provoke DNA mutations leading in the long term to the formation of cancerous cells. Thus, even though the skin has some defences against UV rays (melanogenesis, endogenous antioxidant system...), it is important to regularly apply a sufficient amount of a sunscreen product that is suitable for your skin type and sun exposure conditions, to ensure reasonable exposure while limiting risks.