5 crèmes qui entretiendront votre hygiène solaire cet été

© Alique


The 6 most eco-friendly sunscreens of summer 2019

With warmer days on the horizon, sun exposure is a subject on the lips of beauty and health experts worldwide. As some exposure to the sun's rays is vital to our wellbeing, properly protecting the skin and using those rays wisely is top of the agenda.

The 5 most eco-friendly sunscreens of summer 2019

Chronobiological advances

Researchers are gradually waking up to the fact that our biological clock (regulated by the light) is at the heart of our body's functions. Each of our organs has its own internal rhythm, whether the heart, the lungs, liver, veins, cerebellum or frontal lobe..."Almost all our biological functions work according to a fixed rhythm," according to Inserm. It's imperative to the regulation of our mood, memory, cognitive functions, hormone production and sleep pattern. Even cell division works according to an internal pacemaker. So, any instability (by lack of, or overexposure to the sunlight) can have a deep impact on our health, with risk of cardiovascular irregularities, immune-deficiencies, trouble sleeping and problematic cognitive functioning (from mood swings, to anxiety and depression).

Light hygiene

You may have heard the words “light hygiene” bouncing around the beauty sphere. Falling within the same school of thought as “nutritional hygiene”, the idea is that by activating biological mechanisms, light facilitates optimal cognitive functioning during the day. Inserm explains that to have an effect, we must be exposed to levels of light greater than 1,000 lux. Recent studies have demonstrated that a few tens of lux will suffice, and in fact be all the more effective as they are rich in blue light. The infamous blue light from smartphones, computers and televisions is 70 times more impactful on our retinas than the white light that you may get from a lamp. This is in part, why researchers recommend to stop looking at screens at least an hour before you sleep. What’s more, the longer June evenings pose the ideal opportunity to take advantage of abundant natural light, all while resynchronizing the body clock.

Sunscreens: The most effective formulas that harmonize with your skin, to maximize the benefits of the sun, while protecting from harmful rays.

1. The bronze armor

Using active ingredients, this fluid-like sun power combines triple protection (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, DNA) with moisturizing agents and melanin boosters.

Bronz Repair Sunkissed, Esthederm, 68 €.

2. Easy on the eye and easy to apply

This translucent stick acts like a veil on the epidermis, trapping all of the wavelengths on the light spectrum.

Sun Secure Easy Stick SPF50 +, SVR, 9,90 €.

3. The branded hero

Its divine texture is comprized of precious hydrating ingredients and delicate Polynesian flower scent, for the chicest (and safe) sunscreen of the season.

Protection Visage SPF30, Dior Bronze, 35,50 €.

4. Good by nature

This tiny vial packed with potent antioxidants (vitamin C, green tea, fern extract, and hyaluronic acid) acts to neutralize sensitive spots and irritations caused by over-exposure to the sun.

Phytoactive Anti-Oxydative Ampoules, Royal Fern, 160 €.

5. Up the rays

A few drops of this bronzing day cream help to achieve a subtle yet deep tan, thanks to DHA from wheat and beet sugars.

Adaptive Tan, Oskia, 82 € (chez Oh My Cream).

6. Sensitive at heart

Sisley has dedicated a sunstick to the waterbabies, targeting the fragile zones of the face, for a soft and golden surface that stays protected.

Super Stick Solaire Teinté SPF50 +, Sisley, 80 €.

Sunscreens in sync with our oceans’ needs

In July 2018, Hawaii became the first country to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate filters, both of which are highly damaging to marine life. Today, the states of California and Florida are both deliberating the same course of action. While some scientists maintain that the impact of sun filters on corals is minimal in comparison to other sources of pollution and global warming, we can only applaud government initiatives to protect marine life. In the wake of this movement, many beauty brands have created more sustainable alternatives, with Clarins’s leading formula, coupling the best scientific research with natural, plant-based ingredients, to protect the skin and coral. Olivier Courtin-Clarins was even awarded by Prince Albert II of Monaco for his efforts to protect our oceans. At Caudalie, only 4 filters have been kept in the formulas (they used to contain between 7 and 9), for a sunscreen dubbed “Ocean Protect” by the Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Écologie. Ren has reimagined all its formulas, with a line of clean sunscreens, completely free of damaging filters and bottled in sustainable packaging.

Translated by Ashe de Sousa