5 mythes sur la protection solaire percés à jour

08/05/2025

Astuces & routines beauté

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Arcadie B.

When it comes to skincare, sunscreen remains one of the simplest, yet most misunderstood, steps you can take. Many misconceptions still circulate: from those who swear by tanning without protection to those who believe that an SPF in their foundation is enough... these misconceptions die hard.

Today, we're breaking down 5 major myths about sun protection to help you adopt the right habits all year round.

I don't need sunscreen when it's cloudy

FALSE - UV rays pass through clouds

Gray skies? That doesn't mean you're safe. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover . Clouds only partially filter UV rays , especially UVA rays, which account for about 95% of UV rays reaching the Earth's surface.

Invisible and painless, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause long-term effects, such as skin aging, loss of elasticity and even pigment spots.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, and although they are partly blocked by cloud cover, they remain present even in overcast weather . The sensation of freshness can then be deceptive: you don't feel the heat, but your skin is still exposed to the aggression of UV rays.

This is why applying sunscreen remains essential, even when you think you are protected by the weather.

Why protect your skin all year round

Contrary to popular belief, sun protection isn't just for summer or vacation . UVA rays, in particular, are present year-round, even in cold weather, and they penetrate deep into the skin, causing pigment spots, premature wrinkles, and sagging skin.

Daily care with SPF , such as HYDRA+ Protective Day Cream SPF50 , is ideal for moisturizing while protecting your skin from invisible aggressions.

2-SPRAYS-HYDRATANTS-SOLAIRES-SPF30-SPF50

An SPF 30 protects half as much as an SPF 60

FALSE - A difference in SPF depending on your phototype

SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates the level of protection against UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn). But the difference between SPF30 and SPF50 is less significant than you might think:

SPF30 blocks approximately 96.7% of UVB
SPF50 blocks 98% of it

This slight difference can make all the difference depending on your skin type or habits:

If you have fair skin , freckles, a history of frequent sunburn, or have trouble tanning, SPF50+ is essential . It will provide better defense against harsh UVB rays.
If you have darker or more matte skin, which tans easily without burning, and your skin is already used to gradual sun exposure, an SPF30 may be sufficient for moderate daily use.
Finally, for children or sensitive skin , whatever the phototype, very high protection (SPF50+) remains recommended, due to increased skin sensitivity and more fragile sun capital.

The most important thing is application and reapplication.

A high SPF is only effective if it is correctly applied and renewed :

Apply the equivalent of two phalanges to the face
Reapply every 2 hours , especially after swimming or sweating

Improper application makes protection almost useless, even with a high index.

Applying too thinly or forgetting to apply it to certain areas leaves the skin vulnerable, even with a high protection factor. For optimal effectiveness, take the time to apply your treatment evenly and completely. Read the complete TOPICREM guide to learn how to correctly apply your sunscreen .

I can't tan if I wear sunscreen

False - Sunscreen is different from total screen.

There is no sunscreen that blocks 100% of UV rays. Even SPF50+ allows a small amount of UV rays to pass through , enough to allow the skin to tan.

This is why the term "total sunscreen," although still sometimes used, has been removed from the authorized claims in Europe . It can be misleading: no sun protection is absolute. The term can lead people to believe that no rays pass through, which is never the case.

The difference? Your tan will be more gradual, even , and, above all, less harmful . With the right sunscreen, you can protect your skin while enjoying the sun safely.

Preserve your sun capital

Each skin has a "sun capital" , limited from birth. Excessive exposure, without protection, depletes this capital and promotes:

The appearance of pigment spots
Premature skin aging
The risk of skin cancer

Prolonging the youth and health of your skin also means taking care of your sun exposure .

Applying sunscreen in the morning is enough for the day

FALSE - Sun protection is limited in time

Sunscreen, even when applied correctly, does not offer unlimited protection . On average, its effectiveness decreases after two hours , due to the gradual absorption of UV filters, contact with clothing, perspiration or even natural skin friction.

And this degradation accelerates in certain situations:

You sweat profusely , as during physical activity or in extreme heat.
You swim , even with a so-called "water-resistant" cream, some of the protection is eliminated.
You wipe your face or body , which can remove a lot of the product, even without realizing it.

This is why it is essential to reapply your cream generously every two hours , or after any activity likely to reduce the protective barrier. This simple action is the essential condition to fully benefit from the SPF index indicated on the product.

Actions to take to stay protected

For sun protection to be truly effective, a few simple daily habits are essential:

Reapply every 2 hours
Use the right amount
Don't forget sensitive areas : ears, neck, eyelids, feet, hands, back of legs

To facilitate reapplication, even on the go, TOPICREM offers portable and sensory formats , such as the Hydrating Sun Milk SPF50+ SUN PROTECT face and body , ideal for quick, even application without direct contact with the hands.

If I wear SPF foundation, I don't need sunscreen.

FALSE - SPF in makeup is not enough

Foundation, mineral powder, BB cream... Some makeup products display a sun protection factor. But in reality, they're not enough to effectively protect the skin . Why? Simply because the amount applied is far too small to reach the SPF indicated on the bottle.

Result: even if your product displays SPF 30 or 50, your skin is only partially and irregularly protected, leaving UVA and UVB rays to act in depth. A false sense of security that should not be underestimated, especially during prolonged exposure.

What sun routine should I adopt with makeup?

Fortunately, it is entirely possible to combine makeup and sun protection , provided you adopt the right habits.

Apply a high-protection facial sunscreen as a makeup base. HYDRA+ Protective Day Cream SPF50 is ideal: it hydrates, protects, and leaves an invisible finish under makeup.
During the day, use a transparent sunscreen mist or sunscreen stick to reapply without altering your makeup. These formats are perfect for quick touch-ups, especially on exposed areas like the forehead, nose, or cheekbones.

It guarantees a unified, luminous and protected complexion , without compromising between care, beauty and safety.

Sun protection isn't just for summer or vacation. It's part of a comprehensive skincare routine that cares for your skin today and preserves its health tomorrow. By breaking down preconceived notions, we're adopting a fairer, gentler, and more effective approach.

With high-tolerance care, formulated for sensitive skin, TOPICREM supports you every day to protect, soothe and moisturize your skin, with complete peace of mind.