Best French sunscreens for summer

Summer is finally there! We have selected for you some French sun protection skincare products that will particularly fit your summer beauty routine, and protect your skin

How to protect your skin and where to find the best sunscreens for summer?

In summer Parisians enjoy endless hours of fun under the sun in Parks, Seine river banks, or Sea Side destinations. It’s the best season to chill out, however sunny weather is great for everything but our skin. Protecting the skin barrier is necessary all year long, and especially during summer. UVB rays tend to damage the epidermis, skin’s outer layers, and increase inflammation, redness… Find a sunscreen that is “broad-spectrum" one, gives both UVA and UVB protection, and has an SPF of at least 30. It is advised to use SPF 50 sunscreens which block 98 percent of UVB rays. SPF protects your skin from the sun’s powerful UV rays, minimizing your risk of painful sunburns, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles. Cover all sun-exposed surfaces, including tops of ears, scalp (where hair is thinning or absent), back of the neck, and entire face (especially nose). If arms, legs, hands, and feet are exposed, apply sunscreen to those surfaces as well. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming. Avoid the eye contour area.

French people have the habit to buy their cosmetics, especially sunscreens, in Pharmacies. They usually prefer pharmacies as they can get expert advice from highly trained pharmacists. So if you have the chance to visit France soon, that’s the perfect occasion to get all you need for your healthy skin care routine from a French Pharmacy. Don’t forget to check our special parapharmacy offer here.

But of course, sunscreen should not be the only strategy to protect your skin in summer: don’t forget to cover up with clothing and a hat. Avoid going out during the sun peak hours (12 pm to 4 pm). Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight. And of course to protect your eyes, wear sunglasses while being exposed to the sun.

Our selection of sunscreens

We have selected 8 French trendy sunscreens that can suit different needs and skin types, and have also different textures and ways to apply them. We hope that among all of them you will find your next favorite sunscreen!

 1

Bioderma Photoderm

Bioderma is already renowned for being one of the best and most reliable skincare brand. As a result, it's not surprising that their sunscreens are among the most recommended by dermatologist for skin protection.

Photoderm range has several sunscreens for different needs. Photoderm Spot-Age is an anti-spots and antioxidant gel cream. It of course offers a very high UVA/UVB protection but also prevents and helps reduce the visible signs of photo-aging (marks, wrinkles, and loss of firmness). Its light, dry touch gel-cream texture makes it an excellent make-up base.

Photoderm M Offers a very high UVA/UVB and blue light protection as well and also treats hyperpigmentation caused by blue light on sensitive skin such as pregnancy mask (It is of course suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women). It helps to prevent pigmentation marks, reduces their appearance, and limits their relapses. The cream has a matte, powdery finish and a golden colour

Of course, like most of the Bioderma products, these sunscreens are non-comedogenic and suit all skin types.

2

Uriage Bariésun SPF 50+

This very high protection cream is a best seller in French pharmacies during summertime. Designed to fit sensitive skin (non-comedogenic), it provides very high protection against both UVA and UVB. The cream is quickly absorbed by the skin and has a non-greasy finish, which makes it pleasant to use.

3

Clarins UV Plus Multi-protection Moisturizing Screen

Clarins UV Plus Multi-Protection Moisturizing Screen SPF 50 is a face cream that provides effective and broad protection against 5 external factors that can have negative effects on your skin: UV rays, blue light, pollen, as well as atmospheric and indoor pollution.
It has a light consistency that makes it easy to apply to the skin and keeps the skin moisturizes thanks to nourishing ingredients.

4

Avène High Protection Spray SPF 30

This mist-style sunscreen offers high protection for sensitive skin, with a broad spectrum protection (short and long UVB-UVA rays). The Avène Thermal Spring Water inside delivers natural soothing and softening properties.

Its Invisible, non-greasy texture offers an extremely pleasant application.

5

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+

Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a lightweight daily facial sunscreen made for sensitive skin providing very high UVA/UVB protection while delivering an invisible finish.

The invisible fluid sunscreen formula is non-greasy and non-comedogenic, meaning it protects your skin without clogging pores. It is non-eye-stinging.

The sunscreen comes in a stylish, flask-like bottle with a precision applicator. Because the texture of this product is so fluid, it needs packaging that will help you carry and apply it with minimal fuss. There’s a little sphere inside that ensures the product is evenly mixed when the time comes to apply it. So don't forget to shake it before use!

6

SVR Sun Secure Mist

This mist sunscreen is fresh and its ultra-thin texture offers an invisible finish. It's very easy and convenient to use, like a spray.

The filters are anti-UVA/UVB, and anti-infrared, to form a protective shield for the skin. Its biodegradable formula, respectful of marine environment is water-resistant and suitable for the whole family (children from 3 years old), including sun-hypersensitive skins.

7

Avène Tinted compact

Yes, you did not misread: this compact/powder box is actually a sunscreen. It's a high protection and make-up for intolerant skin, with an oil-free texture. This sunscreen is very convenient as it can be put in a small bag or even a pant's pocket. There is a small mirror inside, for easy reapplication throughout the day: you can apply it with a cotton pad or directly using your fingers.

8

Caudalie Milky Sun Spray

Milky Sun Spray is a SPF30 sun protection for a natural, radiant, long-lasting and luminous tan. Enriched with organic grape water, its light, milky, non-sticky texture moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin.

Its summery fragrance delicately envelops the skin in notes of frangipani flowers. The formula of the spray is highly biodegradable and non-toxic for the marine ecosystem.

Thermal Spring Water Sprays

Thermal Spring Water Spray is a must-have during warm weather: apart from refreshing, toning, and moisturizing your skin,  it can help to protect your skin from UV damage, and decrease its inflammations. This thermal spring water sourced in La Roche-Posay, France, is naturally rich in minerals and soothing, antioxidant properties.

But our favorite one remains Uriage Thermal Water spray.  Uriage water travels through the heart of the French Alps, taking 75 years to pass through the rocks. Through its journey, the water becomes enriched with minerals and trace elements, which gives its unique protective, soothing and hydrating properties. The pure and natural water, without adding anything in it, is of great use to hydrate, soothe and protect your skin. There are different formats, but the pocket 50ml is very convenient and can easily be carried all day in a bag or even a pocket.

O'bon Paris tip

All these products and many more others can be found in the Parapharmacies Monge in Paris, Aix en Provence and Cannes. You will find there all the best-sellers of the worldwide famous brands as well as niche French cosmetic brands that you can hardly find elsewhere. You can get an additional discount thanks to O’bon Paris coupon, and enjoy an exclusive 15% tax refund.

Author: Vincent Sacau

Photos: Phan Thanh Thủy and Yuka