What does it mean to have DP(+) skin?

The letter (D) indicates the emergence of the first visible signs of ageing when the skin is in motion . Fine lines are the first to appear and are the easiest to spot. They are typically located at the outer corner of the eyes. A change in skin texture or a lacklustre complexion may also be observed. These are generally visible around the age of 25. Indeed, from this age, we observe the start of a decline of about 1% each year in the production of collagen, one of the structural components of the skin, leading to a disorganisation of the skin's connective tissue and a change in skin elasticity. A slowdown in the renewal of epidermal cells has also been noted, gradually leading to a thinning of the skin's barrier function. In response to this phenomenon, water evaporates more and more: the skin then loses its luminosity and wrinkles become more pronounced. A decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid by an average of 6% per decade adds to this.

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 an adequate amount of a sunscreen product suited to one's phototype and sun exposure conditions for reasonable exposure while limiting risks.