We’ve been waiting for it for a long time, it’s finally here: after weeks of rain, the sun is back in (almost) all of France, to the great delight of July and August visitors alike!
To protect against skin cancer, sunscreen is essential
But be careful: the ultraviolet (UV) rays it emits, if they are the cause of tanning, can also be harmful to our health. Thus, dermatologists estimate that more than 80% of skin cancers are linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVA et UVB).
To protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays, it’s imperative to invest in sunscreen and slather it on every time you go out in the sun—that is, even when the sky is a little cloudy. The most effective sunscreens have a high protection factor (SPF): dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30and (if possible) SPF 50+ for more sensitive skin.
“Classic” sunscreen comes in liquid form, in a tube: it is more or less thick, more or less scented, more or less opaque depending on the brand. Modern alternatives include spray sunscreen or (even more recently) stick sunscreen – also called “sun stick”.
What is stick sunscreen (or sun stick) used for?
Sun stick: is it as effective as a classic sunscreen? Yes, answers Dr. Erwin Benassaia, dermatologist: “Sunscreen sticks can be purchased in pharmacies, and you should choose an SPF of at least 30.“Here again, you have to apply it every time you are exposed to the sun, reapply it every 2 hours and after each swim.
Sun stick or classic sun cream: what should we choose? For Dr. Erwin Benassaia, stick sunscreen cannot replace classic sunscreen (in a tube or spray): “It is mechanically complicated to cover the whole body (arms, legs, torso, back…) with a stick, even if it is thick!“
On the other hand, the sun stick constitutes a good complement to traditional sunscreen : “It allows you to reach areas of the body that are difficult to access and/or often forgotten when applying sunscreen: the eye area, ears, tip of the nose, lips, etc.“Because skin cancer can also develop in these places – “carcinomas (basal cell or squamous cell) and melanomas do not spare the ears, nose and lips, it is even quite common” confirms the dermatologist.
In addition, more “targeted” than traditional sunscreen, the sun stick also provides good protection for areas poorly covered by the liquid – scars, for example.
Sunscreen stick, practical with children!
Final argument in favor of the sun stick: “The object can be experienced as playful by children, so it can help parents when putting on sunscreen, at the beach or by the pool” adds Dr. Erwin Benassaia.
Please note: like traditional sunscreen, sunscreen sticks do not last from one year to the next (especially if they have been opened and used). You will therefore have to buy new ones every year!
Which sun stick to choose? Our selection
- A pleasant texture. Formulated with sunflower wax and poppy seed oil, this stick sunscreen promises a non-greasy texture that doesn’t stick and doesn’t leave white marks. And in terms of UV protection, it really performs: SPF 50 and a barrier against UVA and UVB rays. It can be used from the age of 3, especially on the face, scars and tattoos. Unbottled SPF 50 facial sun stick – 17.90 euros in pharmacies, drugstores, Sephora and on www.unbottled.co.
- Extreme sun protection. With SPF 50+, this sun stick also contains extracts of red algae Porphyra Umbilicalis which boosts sun protection against long UVA rays – so it’s the perfect product for going out and sunbathing by the pool! Bonus: a virtually invisible texture and plant oils that hydrate the skin. Payot very high protection SPF 50 solar stick, 25 euros on www.payot.com or in a beauty salon.
- For sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, this SPF 50 sunscreen stick is ideal for sensitive skin. It also contains microalgae (Phaeodactylum Tricornutum) known for its anti-itching and anti-redness action. Of course, it is also effective against UVA and UVB rays. Invisible Stick SPF 50 ISDIN, 17.95 euros in pharmacies and drugstores.
Thanks to Dr. Erwin Benassaia, dermatologist in Paris.
Source: www.topsante.com
