Photo courtesy of Ruhl Plage Beach Club
The French take holidaying seriously, often taking off several weeks in the summer to soak in the sun, swim and simply relax. However, you rarely see burnt holiday faces or peeling backs. This can in part be attributed to France’s excellent sunscreens, which we explored in our last article. While applying SPF is crucial before sun exposure, the French dedication to sun care is not merely skin deep.
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Since the French prioritize a healthy complexion and natural radiance over masking imperfections with makeup, their sun care routines have multiple steps. To protect themselves inside and out, they follow timeless practices passed down through generations to maintain their naturally glowing skin.
Read on for their advice on how to safely enjoy the sun and protect yourself in style.
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1. Load up on SPF
Whether planning to spend time in the sun or not, sunscreen application is seen as crucial a part of the daily skincare routine as brushing one’s teeth. French women are known to apply sunscreen generously on the face, neck, and décolletage, as well as other exposed areas like the hands and arms. Reapplication is equally important, especially after swimming or sweating, ensuring protection throughout the day.
Fortunately, French pharmacies are renowned for their high-quality sunscreens, which rarely leave a greasy feel. Instead, they often include added skincare benefits, such as ingredients that target hydration, hyper-pigmentation and signs of aging. Brands like La Roche-Posay, Avène, and Vichy’s are household favorites as their sunscreens come in wide range tailored to different skin types. To see our selection of our favorite French sunscreens, from SPF gels for stressed out complexions to mineral formulas for sensitive skin, click here.
2. Accessorize with Protective Clothing
Beyond sunscreen, the French have perfected the art of using accessories for sun protection. Perhaps one of the reasons French women look so chic, wide-brimmed hats, headscarves, sunglasses and protective clothing are staples in their summer wardrobes. Not only do these items evoke the timeless style of icons like Bridgette Bardot and Jane Birkin, but they also provide a fashionable barrier against the sun’s rays, which in combination with sunscreen help to prevent skin damage and premature aging.
3. Seek the Shade
Timing is another vital consideration in the French approach to sun exposure. Avoiding sunbathing during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 12 PM and 3 PM, they instead seek shade under umbrellas or in cafés, enjoying an apéro.
For those tired from the morning sunshine, afternoons are spent indoors with the shutters closed. This practice keeps homes cool and protects their skin from additional exposure — a typical display of the French embrace of seasonal living.
4. Maximize Hydration
Hydration also plays a central role in French suncare. Drinking plenty of water is a must, and using face mists throughout the day is a popular option among French women wanting to keep their skin thoroughly hydrated.
Summer skin can suffer from dryness and irritation, so start your morning skincare routine with a focus on hydration. Hydrating and soothing serums and masks are great to add in at this time of year, providing a dose of refreshment and calming any irritation after sun exposure.
5. Nourish With Post Sun Care
Finally, nourishing the body inside and out is vital to the French, especially in the summer. Antioxidants — both in diet and skincare — are a cornerstone of both modern and traditional French sun care. Topical antioxidants, like serums and creams containing vitamins C and E, offer protection against free radical damage while antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, citrus fruits, nuts and leafy green vegetables into your diet supports skin health from within.
Nourishing after-sun products, like lotions and aloe vera gel, are also summer essentials. These products are best applied on damp skin after a cool shower as part of your evening routine. Not only do they help to repair any damage and improve the general health of your skin, but can help to prolong your summer glow, minimizing your need for time spent sun bathing.
Pro Tip: Want to know the French secret to a year-round bronzed look? Beta-carotene! From face oils and supplements to just eating plenty of carrots, French women swear by it.
Stay tuned for Tish Jett’s “Just About Us” column in the September/October 2024 issue of My French Country Home magazine, where she share’s her insights on health-conscious summer living in France
