Sun protection: a dermatologist's guide to long-lasting skin protection

By Dr. Sylvie Peres, dermatologist and founder of Alaena

Sun protection is now recognized as the most effective way to preserve skin quality over time. While the sun is essential for our biological balance, its ultraviolet rays are also the primary cause of premature skin aging.

Every exposure to UV gradually accelerates collagen degradation, promotes the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, and increases the risk of skin cancer. However, protecting your skin is not just about applying sunscreen a few days a year. It's a daily routine that combines photoprotection, clothing, sensible exposure, and appropriate skincare.

In this article, Dr. Sylvie Peres shares the recommendations she has been giving her patients for over twenty years.

Why is sun protection the best anti-aging care?

Skin aging is often associated with the passage of time. In reality, a large part of the visible signs of aging is linked to repeated sun exposure. This phenomenon is called photoaging.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin. They generate oxidative stress that gradually alters collagen and elastin, disrupts fibroblast function, and accelerates the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

UVB rays, meanwhile, are primarily responsible for sunburn and also contribute to cellular damage that can lead to certain skin cancers.

The best anti-aging strategy is first to prevent damage rather than trying to correct it.

In consultations, I regularly use video microscopy to show my patients the effects of the sun. Long before the appearance of wrinkles, we already observe a multitude of micro-pigmented spots and small dilated blood vessels that gradually blur the complexion.

One only needs to observe an infrequently exposed area, such as the skin of the breast, to see how much younger it often appears than the décolletage, which is only a few centimeters away.

This is why I recommend daily protection for the face, neck, décolletage, and hands: the areas most exposed throughout life.

Does the sun also have benefits?

Yes, provided the exposure remains reasonable. Natural light contributes to several essential bodily functions. It notably stimulates vitamin D synthesis, helps release serotonin, which is involved in well-being, and participates in regulating the circadian rhythm, which is essential for restorative sleep. However, these benefits do not require prolonged exposure or sunburn. The goal is not to completely avoid the sun, but to learn how to expose oneself to it intelligently.

How to properly protect your skin from the sun?

The first recommendation is to protect the most exposed areas daily: the face, neck, décolletage, and hands.

The décolletage deserves special attention. Its skin is very thin and its microcirculation particularly fragile. Even when protected by sunscreen, this area ages rapidly with repeated exposure.

Whenever possible, light clothing provides the best protection. For the body as well, shade and clothing remain the most effective ways to limit the effects of UV rays. Light trousers, a linen shirt, or a long-sleeleeved T-shirt offer remarkable protection without compromising comfort.

I also emphasize what I call unconscious sun exposure: that which one receives without thinking, while gardening, walking, on a terrace, or during sports activities. These repeated exposures account for a significant portion of skin aging.

What sun protection should I choose for my face?

For daily exposure, I recommend a broad-spectrum SPF50 protection, capable of effectively protecting against UVA and UVB rays. At Alaena, we developed the Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 with this in mind.

Its formula exclusively combines non-nanoparticle mineral sun filters with organic vegetable oils selected for their strong affinity with the skin, as well as antioxidant active ingredients that help fight against UV-induced oxidative stress. Its fluid texture and tint allow for daily application while naturally unifying the complexion.

How to choose your SPF?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the ability of a sun protection product to delay the appearance of sunburn under standardized laboratory conditions.

The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

In practice, I recommend:

• SPF50 for the face all year round.

• SPF30 for the body during moderate exposures.

• Enhanced protection (clothing, hat, shade) when the UV index is high, in the mountains, at sea, or in the tropics.

It is important to remember that tests are carried out with a much larger amount of cream than is applied in daily life. This is why no sunscreen can indefinitely prolong exposure. The best protection always remains a combination of sunscreen, clothing, and sensible exposure.

Can you tan while protecting your skin?

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, SPF50 does not prevent tanning. It simply allows for a more gradual tan by limiting UV-induced damage.

A few moderate exposures are usually enough to achieve a natural glow. Beyond that, the aesthetic benefits decrease while cellular damage continues to accumulate. Well-protected skin generally retains a more even tan, better hydration, and more radiance.

Why did Alaena choose mineral filters?

When we developed our sun care products, our objective was simple: to offer dermatological protection that complies with our formulation charter. We chose to exclusively use mineral sun filters, authorized by the Ecocert COSMOS Organic standard.

Our main challenge was to achieve an invisible texture despite the use of mineral filters. Thanks to extensive formulation work, the Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 now offers a natural finish without a mask effect while evening out the complexion.

To complete this routine, we developed the SPF30 Sun Milk for face & body, designed for outdoor exposure. Its fluid texture makes it easy to apply to the entire body while providing comfortable daily mineral protection.

How to integrate sun protection into your skincare routine?

Sun protection is the last step in your morning routine. For long-term preserved skin, we recommend:

In the morning

- Cleanse the skin.

- Apply your serum if necessary.

- Hydrate with the Anti-aging moisturizing cream according to skin needs.

- Finish with the Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50.

In the evening, a gentle exfoliating treatment such as the Fruit Acid Peel stimulates cell renewal. Daily photoprotection is then essential to preserve the benefits of this exfoliation.

Finally, skin protection also involves a global approach. The Longevity Complex provides antioxidant and nutritional active ingredients intended to support biological functions involved in skin quality and to fight against oxidative stress. Discover in this article why a single collagen capsule is not enough.

Should I apply sun protection even when it's cloudy?

Yes. UVA rays penetrate clouds and are present all year round. They contribute to skin aging even in the absence of visible sun.

Does sun protection help prevent age spots?

Yes. UV rays stimulate melanin production and promote the appearance of age spots, especially melasma. Daily protection limits their appearance and reduces their worsening. Any new pigmented lesion or change in a mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Are mineral filters suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes. The Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 is formulated with non-nanoparticle zinc oxide, without fragrance, silicone, mineral oil, or acrylic. It is suitable for sensitive skin and its universal tint adapts to a wide variety of skin tones.

Does sunscreen replace clothing?

No. Dermatologists consider clothing, shade, and avoiding hours when the UV index is highest to be the most effective protections. Sunscreen complements these measures but does not replace them.

Preserving skin quality over time

Sun protection is not limited to holidays. It is one of the most effective dermatological actions to preserve skin quality over the years.

Adopting daily photoprotection, favoring sensible sun exposure, and supporting the skin's natural defense mechanisms help to prevent photoaging over time and preserve skin radiance, density, and vitality.