How the skin works
EPIDERMI
- The first layer of our skin, protected by a hydrolipidic film on the surface.
- Made up of 90% keratinocytes producing keratin, responsible for the hardness of our skin.
DERMIS
- The second layer of our skin, irrigated by blood.
- Composed of collagen, elastin and immune system cells.
HYPODERMIS
- The third layer of our skin, the deepest.
- Interface between the dermis and the muscles, tendons, etc. located below it.
Solar radiation on my skin
There are several types of radiation: visible light, infrared and UV rays that are most harmful to our skin and body. UV rays are divided into two categories: UVA and UVB. UVAs penetrate further into the skin, up to the dermis. They are responsible for allergies and skin ageing. UVBs are stopped by the epidermis but are the cause of burning and sunburn.
Adverse effects
Beneficial effects
- Premature ageing of the skin
- Burns and sunburn
- Heat stroke
- Sunstroke
- Skin cancers
- Natural antidepressant
- Vital to life
- Essential source of vitamin D (which helps to strengthen bones and teeth).
Types of sun protection
To overcome this problem of aggressive radiation and protect our skin and our bodies, it is necessary to learn about photoprotection (i.e. all the means available to act as a barrier to UV rays).
Natural photoprotection
- Hair growth– hair protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.
- The stratum corneum– located on the surface of the epidermis, it thickens on contact with UVB rays and becomes a natural barrier to the sun.
- Pigmentation – some cells in the epidermis, melanocytes, produce melanin (a pigment). Melanin absorbs 90% of the UV rays that are able to penetrate the corneal layer.
Photoprotective clothing
- Clothing – Note that not all textiles are equally effective at protecting against UV rays (the loose stitches in linen, for example, are less protective).
- Hats – They protect the skull as well as the face, neck and nape of the neck.
- Sunglasses
Artificial photoprotection
- Sun cream with mineral filter – this type of cream does not penetrate the skin and allows the reflection of UV rays. They are highly effective and recommended for fragile skin.
- Sun cream with chemical filter – these creams penetrate the epidermis. They do not reflect UV rays but absorbs them.
Know your phototype
Choosing the right sunscreen means knowing your phototype well. But what is a phototype?
We need to start with pigmentation to understand how it is formed. In the epidermis, melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that exists in two forms: eumelanin (brown-black) and pheomelanin (yellow-red). The distribution of these two types of pigment defines our phototype and therefore the colour of our skin, eyes and hair.
Very white skin. Blond – red hair. Blue or green eyes.
Do not tan. Systematic sunburn.
Matte skin. Brown or black hair Dark eyes.
Tan well. Little sunburn.
Fair skin. Blond or brown hair. Light or brown eyes.
Tan a little. Frequent sunburn.
Dark brown skin. Black hair. Black eyes.
Tan a lot. Rarely has sunburn.
Intermediate skin. Brown or brown hair. Brown eyes.
Tan regularly. Occasional sunburn.
Black skin. Black hair. Black eyes.
Tan a lot. Exceptional sunburn.
Sun care dietary supplements
Knowing how the sun’s rays work, your phototype and the different types of photoprotection is the best way to enjoy the sun and make the most of your summer without putting yourself at risk.
But before the first summer rays, it is also possible to anticipate and prepare our body for this intense exposure.
Sun care supplements make it possible for the skin to prepare. It will then be more resistant to UVA and UVB rays. The formulas used in these dietary supplements will also improve skin hydration and slow down the ageing of the skin. From an aesthetic point of view, taking them in advance gives the skin a more even tan which, moreover, will last longer.
What provides all these beneficial actions for our skin and our body? What is found in Nutreov dietary supplements?
Natural pigments that lightly colour the skin and give an even tan.
Vitamin C, which contributes to better elasticity of the skin. This is because it is rich in collagen (a fibre found in the dermis).
Precious oils (evening primrose, argan, safflower) that help moisturise the skin.
Vitamin E, which has antioxidant action and thus contributes to the protection of cells.
Selenium, which supports vitamin E and reinforces the antioxidant action of dietary supplements.
As you can see, there’s no need to shun the sun – it’s good and enjoyable – you just need to know how to protect yourself from it. Hats, sunglasses, creams and food supplements are all essential to protect your body and make the most of the sun’s rays all summer long!