Our sun protection tips
Sun care: a must for sun protection
The temptation to expose yourself to the sun to benefit from its mood-enhancing properties and its natural source of vitamin D is great. Unfortunately, the sun's effect on the skin can be harmful much more quickly than you think. That's why Eau Thermale Avène has designed sun protection ranges to suit all skin types, as well as the different areas of the body and face.
For daily protection, even in the city, opt for a day cream with SPF protection (Sun Protection Factor): ideal for protecting your face from external aggressions while offering high daily protection against UVB, UVA and HEV blue light to prevent photo-ageing and protect against the acceleration of skin ageing. Avène suncare products provide a light texture for a sensation of bare skin after application.
Our high-tolerance, fragrance-free and water-resistant formulas have been developed for sensitive skin.
Applying your sun protection
To preserve the health and youthfulness of your skin, make sure you apply your sun protection :
- In sufficient quantity. Spread your sun protection over the skin and make sure it penetrates well.
- On all parts of your body and face that are not protected by your clothes. Don't forget your ears, the tops of your feet, your hands, and your temples.
- Every 2 hours and after every swim, even if the sun cream is water-resistant.
When the sky is cloudy, because the sun's UV rays pass through.
Even with these precautions, prolonged and too frequent exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, premature skin ageing, and even skin cancer (melanoma). To protect yourself as effectively as possible, in addition to sun care, we recommend that you :
- Limit exposure as much as possible, between 11am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
- Wear CE-marked 100% UV sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Wear covering clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
The sun care routine for tanning without sunburn?
- Apply sun protection regularly. For the first few exposures, start with SPF 50, then adjust the SPF according to your tan. If you have fragile skin, keep to SPF 50 at all times. But never forget to use sun cream, even after you've tanned. Tanning doesn't provide more than the equivalent of SPF 6, so it doesn't act as a sun ‘filter’.
- Expose yourself gradually, in short intervals, giving your skin time to rest.
- Protect your hair with hair sunscreen. The sun can dry out and damage your hair, especially if you go swimming a lot. Use a hair sun spray to keep your hair soft and shiny.
- Avoid exposure at the hottest times of the day and beware of the mirror effects of water.
- Moisturise your skin daily, a tan lasts longer on well-moisturised skin.
- A good evening routine is to take a cool shower with a gentle soap-free product, soothe your skin with a spray of Eau Thermale Spray and then apply an after-sun moisturiser.
The differences between UVA and UVB rays
UV rays, although invisible, are divided into two main types that affect the skin differently. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to the deterioration of skin cells, while UVB rays affect the superficial layers of the epidermis and are responsible for sunburn. Protecting yourself against UVA and UVB rays is therefore essential if you are to offer your skin complete defence during exposure to the sun.
The benefits of natural ingredients in suncare
Suncare products based on natural ingredients offer much more than just a barrier against UV rays: they provide genuine well-being for the skin. Thanks to their soothing and anti-irritant properties, these products help to prevent redness and calm sensitivities, even after long exposure to the sun. By focusing on nature, these formulas provide gentle, effective protection for even the most delicate skin. Experience photoprotection that respects and nourishes even the most sensitive skin, so you can enjoy the sun with complete peace of mind.
How to prepare your skin for sun exposure ?
To make sure your skin enjoys the sun without suffering any harmful effects, a little preparation is essential ! A few weeks before the first rays of sunshine, start with a gentle exfoliation, without overly aggressive grains, to remove dead cells from the skin's surface. This will ensure an even tan and optimise the absorption of suncare products, making it easier to apply sun cream for better adhesion and effectiveness.
Next, adopt a moisturising routine to strengthen your skin barrier and keep your skin supple and resistant. As a complement, add antioxidant-rich foods to your diet - think carrots, tomatoes, apricots... anything that helps your skin resist UV rays. On the day of exposure, apply your Avène suncare generously and regularly: it's the essential step for protected skin and a radiant complexion, without compromise.
How to choose a sun care product for children ?
Children's skin is particularly sensitive to UV rays. To guarantee optimum protection, opt for suncare formulated to respect the sensitive skin of the very young. Choose a high protection factor (SPF 50+), which provides a suitable barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Opt for an easy-to-apply texture, such as a spray, stick, or sun lotion, to protect the whole family without irritation. Before exposure to the sun, apply generously to the face and/or body (for example, 3 to 4 sprays on the forearm). Reapply frequently to maintain protection, especially after perspiring, swimming or toweling off.
With dedicated suncare products, you can let your children play safely, while helping them adopt good sun protection habits.
You should also limit sun exposure during peak hours, generally between 11am and 4pm, when UV rays are at their most intense. Encourage playing in the shade or indoor activities during these hours to avoid sunburn. As well as using sun cream, equip your children with protective clothing: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection and covering swimwear.
Sun care recommended for sensitive areas of the face
Certain parts of the face, such as the nose, cheekbones, eye area and lips, are particularly sensitive to the sun and require special protection. For these delicate areas, choose a high-protection facial sun cream with a gentle, specially adapted formula. Easy to apply, our invisible ultra-fluid SPF 50+ provides an effective barrier against UVA and UVB rays, while respecting the balance of even the most reactive skin.
To meet the needs of your skin and the type of use, we offer a wide choice of suncare products:
- A specific range for the particular needs of the area most exposed to the sun: the face. Choose a sun cream if you have dry skin or a sun fluid if your skin is combination to oily.
- A spray, fluid, mist or sun lotion for the body. Their more fluid textures are easy to apply over a wide area.
- A sun stick for localized sensitive areas (nose, ears, scars).
- A lip stick to protect this specific part of the face. In addition, our white range with mineral filters provides sun protection while eliminating the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive skin (children, pregnant women and reactive skin).
The benefits of self-tanners for a sunless tan
Want a tanned complexion without the risks associated with prolonged exposure?
Self-tanners are the ideal solution for achieving a natural tan while avoiding the harmful effects of UV rays. Formulated to guarantee an even, streak-free result, they are ideal for a golden tan in complete safety. By choosing products enriched with moisturising agents, you can look after your skin while enjoying a healthy glow that lasts. With self-tanners, you can extend your summer, even without the sun, and adopt a gentler routine for your skin.
Choosing the right sun care
Your photoprotection must protect you from UVA and UVB rays, but this is not always specified on the suncare products available in shops and pharmacies. However, this protection is guaranteed by all Eau Thermale Avène suncare products.
What does the protection factor of your sun cream mean?
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the protective effectiveness of a sunscreen against UVB rays. This index is calculated in the laboratory according to the time it takes for the skin to react to the sun with and without a sun cream. However, in practice, many parameters come into play to vary this time. This is why you need to choose the SPF of your sun protection according to the conditions in which you are exposed to the sun (mountains, boat...): protect yourself with a high SPF (sun protection factor) in the event of intense UV rays, and ideally, use SPF 50+ protection.
How to choose your SPF according to your skin type?
Your skin deserves tailor-made protection, adapted to its specific needs. If your skin is fair or sensitive, choose SPF 50+ for maximum defence against UV rays. For slightly darker skin, an SPF 30 can provide adequate protection, preventing the skin from overheating.
Suncare products adapted to the needs of each skin
Because every skin has its own needs, Eau Thermale Avène offers suncare products specially formulated to meet the specific needs of each skin type. From light textures for oily skin to rich formulas for dry skin, each product is designed to offer optimum protection, without compromising on ease of application. You'll also find a range of suncare products dedicated to anti-ageing, formulated to combat the effects of skin ageing while providing effective UV protection. Thanks to specific ingredients and antioxidants, these products target the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and loss of elasticity, caused by UVA rays. They help to preserve the skin's youthful appearance and prevent premature ageing, for a radiant, protected complexion under the sun.
Advantages of sun oils for optimal protection and hydration
Suncare oils combine protective efficacy with the gentleness of continuous hydration. In addition to their sensorial texture, they leave a satiny, non-sticky finish on the skin. Avène offers sun oils formulated to combine high SPF protection with nourishing benefits, ideal for keeping your skin supple under the sun while protecting it.
Benefits of ocean-friendly sun care
It's possible to protect your skin while respecting marine ecosystems! Eau Thermale Avène suncare products are designed to preserve marine biodiversity. Formulated without water-soluble filters, our products limit the impact on coral reefs and underwater life. With our suncare products, you are adopting a responsible and sustainable approach, ideal for protecting your skin and the planet.
What is the role of antioxidants in suncare products ?
Antioxidants are essential in the fight against oxidative stress caused by the sun. They strengthen your skin's natural defences, helping to prevent premature ageing and cell damage. Avène suncare products contain antioxidants that work in synergy with UV filters to provide complete protection. This winning combination helps you enjoy the sun with complete peace of mind, while maintaining your skin's radiance and youthful appearance.
After-sun care and recommendations
Recommended after-sun care to hydrate the skin after exposure
After a day in the sun, your skin needs a moment of comfort to regenerate and regain its balance. Moisturising is an essential step here: apply after-sun care generously to all exposed areas. Formulated to soothe and refresh the skin after exposure, our after-sun care products moisturise deeply and prevent the skin from drying out.
For an ideal routine, start with a gentle shower using a soap-free product to avoid damaging your skin. Then, spray on our Avène Thermal Spring Water to instantly soothe feelings of heat and discomfort. Finally, apply an after-sun care product, enriched with moisturising agents, to help your skin prolong its tan while regaining its natural suppleness and softness.
Recommendations on using after-sun products
After a day in the sun, your skin needs comfort and hydration to restore its balance. After-sun products are specially formulated to soothe, moisturise and refresh the skin after sun exposure. Apply after-sun care generously to all exposed areas, preferably just after showering, to seal in moisture.
These products are enriched with soothing and moisturising agents that reduce the sensation of heat and prevent the skin from drying out. For long-lasting soothing results, apply daily in the days following exposure. With the right after-sun care, you can help your skin regenerate and maintain a radiant, even tan.
Certifications and expertise
Certifications and awards for suncare products
Avène suncare products are distinguished by quality certifications attesting to their effectiveness and respect for the most sensitive skin. Thanks to responsible sourcing and 100% French production, these products have been awarded demanding labels, including the European photoprotection label and dermatological certifications, guaranteeing optimum protection against UVA and UVB rays. With their patented TriAsorB™ filter, which also protects against HEV blue light, Avène suncare products help prevent photo-ageing, a plus for skin health.
Detailed information on ingredients and safety tests
At Avène, each suncare product is formulated with carefully selected ingredients to guarantee optimal protection while respecting the skin's sensitivity. The formulations include high-performance UV filters and are enriched with Avène Thermal Spring Water, renowned for its soothing properties. In addition, the products undergo rigorous dermatological testing to guarantee their safety and tolerance, including for reactive skin. Clinical studies and photoprotection tests are carried out to measure the effectiveness of the filters and the safety of the ingredients, so that each product is safe and effective under the sun.
