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According to a study conducted by Avène, many mistakes are made when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun. Update on sun protection with Ariadna Ortiz Brugues, dermatologist and medical director of Eau Thermale Avène.
To find out about consumer habits in terms of sun protection, the Avène brand conducted a study at the end of 2021, entitled SAFE, in 5 countries (France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States).
More than 6,000 consumers and patients were questioned about their photo protection habits. Results ? More than 30% of them do not reapply sun protection after 2 hours of protection, contrary to European recommendations. “You even have to protect yourself from the sun all year round. Beyond UV rays, you have to be careful with visible light, which is also harmful. Chronic exposure must therefore be taken into account, even if the ‘UV is weak it is the cumulative effect which is important’, emphasizes Ariadna Ortiz Brugues, dermatologist and medical director of Eau Thermale Avène.
More than 20% of respondents also believe that clouds protect against the harmful effects of the sun. “UVA and UVB rays pass through clouds. It is therefore important to apply sunscreen”adds Ariadna Ortiz Brugues.
Finally, another important figure from this study: 57% of people reuse their sunscreen products from one year to the next. “However, the solar filter degrades over time, so it is no longer effective”, explains the dermatologist.
Before giving some recommendations: “Solar radiation can have a deleterious effect on the skin. The epidermis has a capacity for skin repair throughout life, the younger we protect it, the more we maintain its solar immune system”.