Sun capital: how to define it?
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The return of spring makes us want to swap our winter clothes for light clothing and enjoy the first rays of sunshine. But these moments of exposure to the sun can bring risks to our skin. How to define your sun capital? How to preserve it to keep your skin healthy and prevent diseases like skin cancer? Let’s take stock.
What is Capital Soleil?
THE solar capital represents the amount of UV rays your skin can tolerate over your lifetime before it suffers irreversible damage. Once this With the sun capital exhausted , the skin loses its natural ability to repair itself, and the first visible signs appear: brown spots, premature wrinkles or even precancerous lesions.
This capital, which varies greatly between individuals, depends on several factors:
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Skin type (or phototype) : Light skin is more vulnerable to UV rays, while Dark skin , although better protected, is not immune to the effects of the sun.
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Living conditions : Occupational exposure, tanning habits, time spent outdoors.
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Personal and family background : Frequent sunburn, especially during the young age , or predisposition to skin diseases.
Signs of an Exhausted Sun Capital
Brown or white spots after sunburn are signs that your sun capital is exhausted . These skin changes, often visible from adulthood, reflect the cumulative impact of sun exposure. This phenomenon is accentuated by the increase in time spent outdoors, outdoor leisure activities and the popularity of tanning.
To avoid serious consequences, such as a skin cancer , it is essential to take preventive measures from a young age.
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Preserving Your Sun Capital: Best Practices
To protect your skin:
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Reduce exposure during the hottest hours (12h-16h).
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Wear covering clothing, anti-UV , preferably dark, which block more UV than light colors.
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Complete your outfit with a wide-brimmed hat and matching sunglasses.
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Find shelter in the shade, even if an umbrella only blocks 50% of UV rays.
And that's where we come in! Is wearing a cotton T-shirt enough to protect our skin? Well, not really, a cotton T-shirt only filters 20% of harmful rays and loses 50% of its effectiveness once wet. For a top to be effective, you need to check for the UPF (Ultra Violet Protection) label. So, a top with a UPF 50+ rating will filter 95% of UVB and 98% of UVA.
This is why we had the idea of creating UV protection swimwear for optimal manual sun protection! Practical, right?
You can find all of our anti-UV clothing for the whole family and in style: from anti-UV suits for babies to girls' swimsuits , boys' or men's shorts and boxers and finally women's anti-UV bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.
Sunscreen remains essential. Apply one that is suitable for your skin type and weather conditions, with an appropriate SPF index:
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Phototypes I and II: SPF 50+.
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Phototypes III and IV: SPF 30 to 50.
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Phototypes V and VI: SPF 15 to 30.
Reapply every two hours, after swimming, or after intense physical exercise, as sweating reduces the effectiveness of the protection.
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Phototype: A Key to Better Protecting Your Skin
Your skin type determines your phototype, which influences your sensitivity to UV rays and the risk of sunburn. For example, very fair skin (phototype I) burns easily and rarely tans, while dark skin (phototype IV) tans easily and rarely burns.
Alternatives: Self-tanner
For those who want a tan without exposure, self-tanners offer a practical solution. These products color the skin on the surface, without penetrating deep down. However, unless otherwise indicated, they do not protect against UV rays and always require the use of sunscreen during exposure.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
If you notice any skin abnormalities or have a family history of skin cancer , it is crucial to consult a dermatologist . This professional can assess the condition of your skin, detect possible precancerous lesions and advise you on the best practices to preserve your solar capital .
In summary, protecting your skin from the sun, from a young age, is essential to preserve its health and appearance in the long term. Adopt the right habits and take care of your sun capital to enjoy the sun safely.
