La Roche Posay. Anthelios. Age Correct.

Even if it is winter or cloudy, our skin is exposed daily to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and UV rays are very harmful to the skin. They are the main culprits of the appearance of signs of aging: wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin. And, what is even more worrying, they are responsible for the majority of cases of skin cancer.

The heat and light of the sun are the source of all life. However, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful. UVB radiation causes sunburn, while UVA rays cause skin aging, and even more seriously, both can contribute to the development of skin cancers. Doctors agree that we all need sun protection. Adopt four habits to protect yourself from the sun's rays and minimize risks:

? Choose shade when the sun's radiation is most powerful, between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon;
? Cover yourself with appropriate clothing and wear sunglasses with UV filters and a hat.
? Learn about UVA and UVB sunscreens to choose the right sun protection products.
? Learn how to protect your children from the sun.

AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE SUN, DURING HOURS OF MAXIMUM INTENSITY
HOW TO KNOW WHEN UV RADIATION IS MOST DANGEROUS

Despite the benefits of sunbathing, avoid exposure during peak heat. The sun is most harmful between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, opt for shaded areas during midday. In the park, sit under a tree. On the beach, stand under an umbrella. On the terrace of a cafeteria, enjoy under an awning.

But be careful, ultraviolet radiation does not only come from the sky. The reflection of the sun's rays intensifies its effects even more. We all know that water reflects sunlight, although so does sand, white paint, concrete and, ultimately, any light or shiny surface. Snow is an extreme reflector, almost doubling exposure to UV rays. It is also useful to know that UV levels increase at high altitudes, such as in the mountains or in areas closer to the equator.

So keep in mind that, even in the shade or on top of a mountain, on a cloudy day or in the middle of winter, UV rays may affect you excessively. If you cannot avoid the sun when its intensity is highest, you and your family should take extra precautions by following the following tips.

GET COVERED. THE BODY
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN WITH CLOTHING, HAT AND SUNGLASSES WITH UV FILTER

When you go outside, clothing is your first line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation. But not all clothes are made equal. These are some of the characteristics that you have to take into account:

The fabric: Firmly woven fabrics constitute a more effective shield against the sun's rays. The less firm the fabric, the more UV rays can penetrate. Silks and chiffon muslins are not very suitable for me and a pretty lace dress will tattoo its design on you with a sunburn! Remember that the more you cover yourself, the more protected you will be. So opt for long sleeves and longer pants and skirts.

Some manufacturers have designed anti-UV clothing with built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). A garment with a UPF of 50 is a very safe sunscreen, allowing only 1 in 50 UV rays to reach the body.

The color : Dark, intense colors such as black, navy blue, red or emerald green provide greater UV protection than pastel and white tones.

Hats : To adequately protect the face and neck from sun exposure, the hat needs to have a wide brim over its entire diameter (at least 7.5 cm) and crown! So, say goodbye to caps and visors.

Sunglasses : It is good to know that sunglasses standards are controlled throughout the EU. For optimal protection against the brightest sunlight, choose sunglasses that are CE marked category III or IV*. Make sure your glasses fit snugly around your head (sunglasses that slide down your nose expose your eyes to UV radiation, while sunglasses that are too tight will give you a headache).

*NB: Category IV CE marked sunglasses are the darkest and are not safe for driving.

HOW SUNSCREEN WORKS
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE AND USE SUNSCREEN FOR OPTIMUM PROTECTION?

With so many different products, ingredients, SPFs, and formulations, choosing and applying sunscreen correctly can seem like a daunting task. These are some of the things you should know:

SUNSCREEN VS. SUNBLOCK, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Technically, sunscreen ingredients absorb UV radiation before it reaches your skin, while sunscreen ingredients create a barrier to block and deflect the sun's rays. Many broad-spectrum sunscreens contain both types of ingredients. For simplicity, we refer to all of our sunscreen lotions and creams as "sunscreens."

SUNSCREEN FOR UVA AND UVB RAYS

The reason we need different types of sunscreen ingredients is because there are different types of ultraviolet radiation. UVB rays provide a visible tan and also cause sunburn. On the other hand, UVA rays constitute an invisible threat. You won't notice its effects immediately, but in the long term, UVA rays cause skin aging. Both UVA and UVB rays are the main suspects in causing many skin cancers. Protect your skin and the skin of your loved ones by opting for "broad spectrum" sunscreens that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays throughout your entire UVA exposure.

WHAT IS FPS?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rates the effectiveness of a sunscreen in blocking UVB rays. For optimal protection against UVB rays, dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF 30+ or an SPF 50+. EU-approved broad-spectrum sunscreens also provide protection against UVA rays and will include the term "UVA" inside a circle on their packaging. Make sure your sunscreen protects you from even the longest UVA rays.

APPLY ENOUGH SUNSCREEN

Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. What is the appropriate amount? Probably older than you think. An average-sized woman needs to apply 36 g of cream to cover her entire body. It's about two tablespoons or a generous golf ball-sized amount.

DON'T SCRIMP ON SUNSCREEN

Apply sunscreen 20 or 30 minutes before going outside. Don't forget the ears, the back of the neck, the feet and ankles, and the backs of the hands. You have finished? No! It's essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours, and even more frequently if you're swimming or sweating a lot (even if you've used a waterproof formula).

CHOOSE DIFFERENT SUN PROTECTION PRODUCTS FOR EACH TYPE OF SITUATION

As a good professional would say, "to do a good job, you need the right tools." If you stock up on a giant bottle of all-purpose sunscreen at the beginning of summer, you could be doing yourself a disservice. Are you going to carry that huge bottle in your bag when you need to reapply your sunscreen? Is this a hydrating sunscreen for the sensitive skin on your face? Will it provide good protection if you have been swimming or playing sports? The answer to all of these questions is probably "no."
If you don't have the right product for every situation, you are much less likely to use your sunscreen as regularly as is recommended. Therefore, it is logical to choose different sun protection formulas that suit the tastes and needs of the entire family.
La Roche-Posay laboratories have developed ANTHELIOS, a range of high and very high protection sunscreens. Our products come in different formats such as cream, gel, fluid, mist, oil and stick that complete your lifestyle and adapt to different skin types: sensitive, oily and prone to acne or pigmentation, for babies , children, etc. You'll find all kinds of products, from tinted sunscreens to daily facial sunscreens, to textures for "wet skin" that can be applied directly from the pool.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF YOUR SUNSCREEN

That old bottle of sunscreen that's been collecting dust in the back of the bathroom cabinet since your last vacation (or did you last use it two years ago?) has probably lost its protective benefits. We give you a tip to calculate the expiration date of your sunscreen: when you open the product, write down the date on the bottle or tube with a permanent marker. After time, you will be able to check the PAO* symbol on the packaging.

*The PAO (shelf life) symbol is included on all cosmetic packaging. It represents a small open jar and indicates how long the product can be kept after opening.

PROTECT YOUNG CHILDREN FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT
LEARN HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM HARMFUL UV RAYS

Children's skin is especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun. For this reason, pediatricians and dermatologists agree that babies and children under 3 years of age should not be exposed directly to the sun. Adopt a few simple habits for life to protect your children from the harmful effects of the sun in the long term:

Avoid peak intensity hours.
Cover yourself with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and anti-UV sunglasses.
Use a broad-spectrum, very high-protection UVA and UVB sunscreen, specifically formulated for babies.
And most importantly, teach your children good practices regarding the sun that they apply throughout their lives.
If sun exposure is unavoidable due to your plans, make sure you always have protective clothing on hand (loose, long-sleeved T-shirts, longer pants, and swim vests). After the bath, dry your little one with a towel and reapply a sunscreen formulated specifically for children. This protector must be resistant to water and sand, and must be visible during its application to ensure that no area is left unprotected.

La Roche-Posay's ANTHELIOS DERMO-PEDIATRICS SPF 50+ product range is designed especially for babies and toddlers, and includes "wet skin" formulas that can be applied directly from the pool to maintain consistent protection.

The Australians, who have a lot of knowledge about the sun, coined the iconic slogan Slip, Slop, Slap. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat. Sun protection is super easy once you get the hang of it. And thanks to the right protection, you can enjoy the sun with complete peace of mind.

TO AVOID PHOTOSENSITIVITY REACTIONS, DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND NOT USING PERFUMES ON SUNNY DAYS.