How to optimize your exposure to the sun?

In this article, Célia Vepori Lucciardi, facialist and founder of the A Perla Rara Institute, reveals how to enjoy the sun safely!

Sun exposure and tanning were popularized in the 1920s by Coco Chanel. But at that time, the consequences of repeated exposure to this warm friend were unknown, as people then carried parasols and wore wide-brimmed hats to maintain the milky complexion of novel heroines.

Today, only the Western world promotes a tanned and matte complexion. In most of the rest of the world, it is the opposite: a fair complexion is a sign of beauty, purity, and social success.

Many solar dietary supplements have appeared in recent years on the market to meet this Western demand.

Sun rays consist of several categories: infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Today we will focus on ultraviolet rays, which are the most harmful radiation on the list. They are classified into three types: UVC, UVB, and UVA. Here are some details.

UVC rays are the most dangerous ultraviolet radiation. Used as germicides in hospitals, they attack biological molecules by targeting DNA, which gives them a very high carcinogenic potential. Fortunately, the ozone layer blocks almost all of their passage by filtering them.

UVB rays are the main cause of "sunburn". They induce cellular degeneration that leads to melanoma, skin cancer. Indeed, they cause molecular disorders which, when repeated, overwhelm the DNA repair system and cause "errors" in the genome of affected cells.

UVA rays cause premature aging called actinic aging (i.e., due to the sun) as well as the acceleration of the development of pigmented spots. Although UVB rays are the main cause of skin cancers, UVA rays can also contribute. They are responsible for the production of free radicals. These molecules initiate chain reactions that damage DNA, proteins, and lipids and generate cancerous cells. Beware, these UV rays pass through glass.

Melanocytes are found in our cells and continuously produce melanin, which are biological pigments that determine our skin, hair, and eye color.

The sun will stimulate this process by producing even more melanin which will be released into the skin cells, coloring it and giving the tan.

UVA  rays initially cause "immediate pigmentation" which gives a quick but short-lived tan. A few days later, a delayed pigmentation appears, which is the tan. This reaches its maximum after 20 days.

During this time the skin thickens. It is a natural reaction aimed at protecting us from the sun. However, be careful, this thickening does not provide sufficient protection.

How to prepare your skin for the summer sun?

Ideal time to tan

To achieve optimal tanning while minimizing risks, it is recommended to expose yourself to the sun outside the hottest hours of the day. Indeed, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., UV rays are the most intense and therefore the most dangerous.

What is the ideal duration for optimal tanning?

The ideal exposure time varies depending on skin type. For fair skin, it is advised not to exceed 15 to 20 minutes of direct exposure per day. For darker skin, this duration can be slightly increased, but it is always crucial not to overdo it to avoid sunburn and long-term damage.

In case of excessive exposure, UVA and UVB rays will damage our skin and create a solar erythema, commonly called a “sunburn.”

This reaches its maximum intensity after about 24 hours. It is not a real burn but a inflammatory reaction of the cells.

Indeed, UVB rays destroy our cells, which results in redness. Then the cells detach and we peel.

Peeling is very risky because these cells have a high potential for cancerous transformation.

Every time the skin is exposed to UV rays and tans or burns, each of its cells is damaged, as well as the DNA. Although the skin can repair superficial lesions like sunburns, the damage to skin cells and DNA remains.

The dangers of overexposure

Overexposure to the sun can lead to serious consequences for the skin. Besides sunburns, it can cause long-term damage such as premature aging, pigmentation spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is therefore essential to protect yourself properly and limit time spent in the sun.

Sun-induced aging is a type of aging that differs from chronological aging. The first difference is that it causes premature aging.

Moreover, sun-induced aging is completely unstructured: wrinkles appear in a totally chaotic way where chronological aging would first intensify expression lines and then those caused by skin sagging.

Wrinkles are deeper and much more numerous, the skin quickly loses its elasticity. Pigmented spots also appear.

The consequences and their causes

Actinic aging is caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, which damage the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. This leads to a loss of firmness and elasticity, as well as the appearance of deep wrinkles and pigmented spots. The free radicals generated by UV also play a key role in this premature aging process.

The sun is also an ally. It allows, among other things, the synthesis of vitamin D, which is often deficient even under favorable latitudes. Vitamin D is actually a hormone and not a vitamin.

It plays a decisive role in many metabolic reactions, particularly in autoimmune diseases. Also, recent studies tend to show that vitamin D supplementation at doses higher than those usually recommended would have beneficial effects on diseases such as vitiligo, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, COVID, and many others. Although the currently recommended dose is 600 to 800 IU per day, it would ultimately be revised upwards.

Today, the new recommendations are close to the results obtained after 20 minutes of daily exposure, with bare arms and legs and without sunscreen, which would correspond to 10,000 IU. Caution, any increase in dosage cannot be done without a doctor's advice.

A. Appropriate time to benefit from it

To maximize vitamin D synthesis, it is recommended to expose yourself to the sun during the hours when UVB rays are most effective, that is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, it is crucial to do so in a moderate and protected manner to avoid the risks of sunburn and skin damage.

1. Recommended duration for optimal synthesis

The necessary exposure time for optimal vitamin D synthesis varies depending on several factors, including skin type, age, and latitude. Generally, an exposure of 10 to 30 minutes, two to three times a week, is sufficient for most individuals. It is important not to use sunscreen during this short period to allow UVB rays to penetrate the skin.

Winter: protect your skin with a minimum protection factor of 25-30 which you should reapply throughout the day. Be careful during your trips in the city/car and protect yourself behind windows.

On rainy or gray days, remember that solar rays pass through clouds which only filter 50% of ultraviolet rays. So be careful on seemingly sunless foggy days.

In spring, prepare your skin for the sun by exfoliating it to regenerate and create a healthy base. Increase the protection factor of your sunscreen to match the new sunny days.

Hydrate your skin as much as possible to ensure perfect health and force yourself to drink. Prepare your skin for the sun by using the D-LAB Active Sun Complex which allows you to tan without sun exposure, while preparing the skin for tanning.

Rich in antioxidants and anti-radicals, this treatment will enhance your skin while providing it with all the necessary elements to increase its resistance and better protect it.

During summer, a SPF 50 with broad-spectrum UVA protection is highly recommended. Make sure to reapply your cream every two hours at most and always favor 100% natural filters for yourself and our environment.

Even with sunscreen, avoid lounging in the sun and wear a wide-brimmed hat during your various outings.

The Duo Eclat-Total combines the Complexe Soleil and the Complexe Peau Apaisée to intensify tanning and provide the skin with total protection against the harmful effects of the sun. 

Notably, the Complexe Peau Apaisée contains a microencapsulated melon extract standardized in SOD. SOD plays an essential role in preventing oxidative stress and also offers very high protection against damage caused by UV rays, making it a key ally in summer. You will then provide better resistance of your skin against ultraviolet rays and sunburn while reducing inflammation caused by UV.

In autumn, it is the time for the outbreak of pimples. Indeed, to protect itself from UV rays, the skin defends against sun damage by thickening. This excess creates a blockage of the sebaceous gland openings and leads to the formation of microcysts and other inflamed comedones.

When it is no longer exposed to the sun, the skin will then thin again to regain its original shape. This is when things go wrong, revealing the buildup. Gentle exfoliation will be necessary, and the Peau-Parfaite Program will allow a complete reset of your skin through its detox and regeneration.