Milk or sunscreen: which texture should you choose for effective protection?

For the face, our dermatologist recommends a sunscreen with an SPF50+ protection factor to be applied in the morning instead of your moisturizer. The formula of our SPF50+ moisturizer is rich in anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging active ingredients to prevent photo-induced skin aging.
Its organic vegetable oils have been meticulously chosen for their nourishing properties and their affinity with normal to dry skin.

Sylvie Peres, dermatologist and co-founder of ALAENA, recommends a sunscreen with an index of 30 for the body, and for the face, only for low exposure (in terms of duration and UV index). To formulate our sunscreen lotion, we worked on a fluid texture that facilitates application to the entire body, as well as a colorless finish with no white marks. For this sun care product, we have maintained our strict formulation charter to respect health and have a low environmental impact by selecting zinc oxide, a non-nano-particulate mineral sunscreen filter.

Discover our advice on integrating an SPF into your beauty ritual.

Lotion, cream, oil, or spray: what are the differences between these types of sun care products?

Choosing a lotion over a sun oil or a sun spray depends on several factors, and it varies according to the individual, their skin type, and their needs (dry skin, sensitive skin with atopic tendencies, acne, etc.).

Here are several reasons why our dermatologist has added the SPF30 Face and Body Sun Lotion to our sun care range.

1. A lightweight texture: The SPF30 Sun Lotion has a fluid and lightweight texture that spreads easily, for uniform application and optimal protection. It applies to the face and body without leaving white marks or a greasy film.

2. Suitable for all skin types: the SPF30 Sun Lotion formula is suitable for all skin types, including fair and sensitive skin. Sun lotions are less likely to cause breakouts or irritation, unlike oils which can be too nourishing for oily or acne-prone skin. A sun oil is not a quality sunscreen because it contains chemical filters that compromise the effectiveness of UV protection and expose the skin to health risks.

3. Sun care for the body and face: We recommend the SPF30 Sun Lotion mainly for the body and on the face only for low exposure (in terms of duration and UV index).

Cream vs. sun lotion: advantages, disadvantages, and when to use them.

The SPF30 Face and body sun lotion has a fluid, lightweight texture that is pleasant to apply and perfectly suited for fair skin. Our dermatologist designed this sun care product with a fluid texture so that its formula could adapt to all skin types, even sensitive skin. The SPF30 Sun Lotion contains targeted active ingredients to counter the harmful effects of the sun as much as possible and thus prevent sunburn. Free from controversial ingredients, its formula respects our strict charter with a non-nano-particulate mineral filter in order to respect health and the environment.

Dr. Sylvie Peres recommends applying the sun lotion in addition to protective clothing for better protection against sunburn and to ensure optimal protection.

For the face and long-duration exposure, in addition to sunglasses, a hat, or a cap, we recommend a sunscreen with an SPF50+ protection factor to be applied in the morning instead of your moisturizer.
The formula of our SPF50+ Sun Cream has a rich texture and its anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging active ingredients prevent photo-induced skin aging. Its organic vegetable oils have been meticulously chosen for their nourishing properties and their affinity with the skin. To avoid sunburn, I therefore recommend an SPF 30 protection factor for the body and for the face, only for low exposure (in terms of duration and UV index), such as outdoor sports activities.

What is an SPF?

The higher the index, the better the protection against sunburn. The protection index or SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is international. It is the ratio between the dose of UV radiation required to get a sunburn with and without sunscreen. It is calculated in a laboratory and the tests are the same for organic or non-organic sunscreens.

A back covered in a cream containing sunscreen filters at a rate of 2 mg per cm² (we never apply it that thickly) is exposed to a UV B radiation source. If a sunburn appears after 10 minutes without protection, an SPF 15 means that it will take 150 minutes (i.e., 15 x 10 minutes or 2.5 hours) to get the same sunburn with this sun care product.

Therefore, the higher the sun protection factor, the better the protection against sunburn.

Also take into account clouds, wind, reflection, and the UV index. Defined by the WHO, it is a scale for measuring solar risk to health. In Europe, it ranges from 1 to 8, which is the maximum risk. It corresponds to the depletion of the ozone layer, and if it is above you, the sun will be much more dangerous.

How often should you reapply?

Our dermatologist recommends reapplying every 2 hours before every sun exposure. She also insists that you need very little sun to get a luminous tan. Remember also to avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Animals, more sensible than us, stay in the shade during these hours, yet they have fur or feathers. Moreover, we are offset by 2 hours from the sun, so if you go out at 4 p.m., it is actually 2 p.m., and at 7 p.m. (5 p.m. in reality), the sun is still strong, so favor the morning.

Dry or sensitive skin: nourishing textures recommended

As always at ALAENA, in addition to sunscreen filters, we have selected targeted active ingredients to address all skin issues.
Our sun care products feature formulas enriched with moisturizing ingredients for hypersensitive skin to neutralize the drying effects of the sun, and a cocktail of antioxidants to trap free radicals produced by UV rays and thus slow down the aging process.

Oily or acne-prone skin: beware of overly rich textures

For acne-prone skin, our dermatologist advises against using sun oils because, in addition to being too rich for oily skin, they contain chemical filters such as octocrylene, avobenzone, oxybenzone, or homosalate, which absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays to prevent them from reaching the skin. Our sun care products are formulated with vegetable oils, natural active ingredients, and mineral filters to allow for great skin affinity. Our dermatologist recommends double cleansing after applying sun care products to effectively remove sunscreen filters and restore healthy skin. Discover the benefits of double cleansing in this article.the benefits of double cleansing.

Discover double cleansing