Skin beauty tips : Sunscreen: essential protection!

Get some safe sun this summer. Choose a sunscreen suited to your skin type to show off your tan while blocking out UV rays.

Sunscreen is indispensable to shield your skin from dangerous UV rays. Whether you have a light or dark complexion, a golden tan or suffered several sunburns in the past, you need to provide your skin with effective protection every time you go out in the sun.

1. Choose your sunscreen

SPF, or sun protection factor, allows you know how much time you can spend in the sun before your protected skin will burn.

Consult the table below to find out which SPF is recommended for your skin type and degree of exposure. For optimal protection, choose the highest recommended SPF.

SPF	Skin type	Exposure
60	Very sensitive to the sun Very light complexion Blond or red hair Pale-coloured eyes Freckles Rare tan (skin burns without protection)	Extreme Outdoor activities or working outside during the day Beach outings Water sports Travelling to tropical regions Etc.
45	Sensitive to the sun Light brown or hazelnut hair Pale-coloured eyes Freckles Light tan possible	Prolonged Day on a terrace Hiking in the woods Gardening Etc.
30	Normal Tans easily in the sun Brown hair Brown eyes Light tan	Limited Outdoor activities for short periods and far from surfaces that reflect sun rays (water, sand, aluminum and white paint)
15	Dark skin Brown or black hair Brown or dark-coloured eyes Rare sunburns	Moderate Outdoor activities for very short periods before 11:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.

Do you need help determining your skin type? Visit your Jean Coutu cosmetics counter and ask for your cosmetician's advice.

2. Determine your specific needs

Sunscreens on the market offer a variety of properties to meet all specific needs:

• For children and babies over 6 months of age
• Hypoallergenic (for delicate skin)
• Water resistant (sunscreen stays on after swimming or heavy sweating)
• Non-comedogenic and non-greasy (for face)
• Scent-free
• Cream (for dry skin)
• Milk or gel (for a light finish, not as rich as a cream)
• Atomizer or spray (for easy and quick application)
• Balm (for lips)
• And much more!

Always look for wide-spectrum protection to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Also favour photostable products as they remain effective even when exposed to intense heat.

3. Apply sunscreen as indicated

Unless applied correctly, even the sunscreen with the highest SPF will not be able to protect you from the sun. Carefully read the instructions on the label to ensure you are properly protected, and follow these simple rules:

• Apply generously and often!
• Apply 15 to 30 minutes before your first exposure to the sun.
• Repeat application every two hours.
• Apply sunscreen again after swimming or heavy sweating (even if the product is water resistant).

Tips

What do you do if in spite of your precautions, you get a sunburn? Apply an after-sun product on reddened skin. This will soothe irritation and restore its suppleness. Make sure to better plan your next outing in the sun: sunglasses, a large brimmed hat and easy-to-use sunscreen.

Have a great summer vacation!