Bathing in the sea, UV rays and the wind alter the barrier function of the epidermis. Using an after-sun product after exposure is essential to rehydrate the skin, soothe the sun’s heat and improve the quality of your tan, day after day. Small review of knowledge on after-sun products.
Rehydrating your skin is essential
TRUE. Because under the effect of heat, water from the skin evaporates. It is therefore necessary to restore a good quality skin barrier and rehydrate the epidermis by providing it with water and nutrients. Furthermore, UV exposure causes the release of free radicals in the dermis, which damage cells. After-sun care will help limit this damage every day.
After-suns are made for that
TRUE. Because, in addition, it contains restorative and soothing active ingredients such as aloe vera, bisabolol, allantoin, calendula or chamomile. We can also find panthenol (or Vitamin B5) which will stimulate cell proliferation of the skin, calm irritation, burns and itching and maintain softness and elasticity. Not to mention antioxidant active ingredients such as vitamins A, E and C … Some even provide a feeling of freshness on application, very pleasant to soothe overheating, thanks to a menthol derivative.
Moisturizing milk would also do the trick
FAUX. The after-sun product is specifically formulated to repair sun damage and not just to hydrate and nourish, which is the role of glycerin, sometimes hyaluronic acid and butters or oils (shea, mango, coconut, etc.).
After sunburn, an after-sun is enough
FAUX. If we have a real sunburn with redness and overheating, a simple moisturizer and repairer will not be enough, because it is then necessary to soothe and repair a real burn. In this case, it is better to use real healing agents, such as Biafine, Epithelial AH from Aderma or Neocica from Filorga.
Some after-suns prolong the tan
TRUE. They allow you to stay tanned longer. Their formula may contain a small dose ofspray tan, DHA or erythrulose type, ie precursors of melanin skin pigment: tyrosine derivatives, peptides, carob, chromone, licorice extract … Compounds which will help the real tan to “rise” more quickly during the next exposure.
You can use the same treatment on the face and body
True and false. A priori, no problem. Unless your body sunscreen contains menthol or pearlescent agents (optical agents), which are not very pleasant on the face. When returning from the beach, if you prefer to put only one treatment on the face, opt for a special face after-sun which contains specific active ingredients. anti-aging (vitamin E, co-enzyme Q10 …) to promote regeneration and eliminate free radicals, generated during sun exposure. Apply it after you shower, and if necessary, again before going to bed.
Oil, mist or milk, it’s the same
True and false. Certainly, all of them contain soothing and restorative active ingredients. But depending on your skin type, it is better to choose the most suitable texture. If you have very dry skin, prefer textures rich in oils and butters, therefore thicker. If you mostly need hydration because you have normal skin the rest of the year, mists and milks will surely suffice. The choice is also made according to your taste, even if the milk in large format for the whole family remains the most practical and economical option …
Children don’t need after-sun
FAUX. This is essential ! Because the skin of children becomes dehydrated as much or more than that of adults. If it is necessary to make them drink water regularly throughout the day, it is also necessary to rehydrate their skin when they return home, after the shower, preferably with products for sensitive skin.
