To protect skin from the sun, I've always believed you need to think beyond just sunscreen. Skin exposed to UV rays experiences true oxidative stress: it dehydrates, its skin barrier weakens, its radiance changes, and some of its precious natural antioxidants decrease with time and repeated exposures.
That's why, at Maison Jacynthe, we've developed a comprehensive before- and after-sun approach: nourishing the skin, helping it retain its suppleness, supporting its comfort, and preserving its natural beauty with vegetable oils rich in carotenoids, antioxidants, juices, and precious lipids.
Carotenoids, found in some orange and red plants like tomatoes and sea buckthorn, are particularly fascinating. In nutrition, studies have shown that carotenoids like lycopene help support the skin against sun-related oxidative stress. In cosmetics, certain oils naturally rich in beta-carotene and plant pigments provide the skin with exceptional nourishment, while giving it a luminous and vibrant glow.
Before exposure
Before sun exposure, I first like to apply aloe juice. But not just any aloe: one made from fresh juice, rich in that unique sensation of fresh water and packed with nutrients.
Aloe naturally contains polysaccharides, minerals, and antioxidant compounds known to support skin hydration and comfort. Some studies show that its compounds help improve the water content of the skin's surface layer and support the skin barrier against environmental aggressors. It forms a fresh, light, and comfortable veil that helps skin retain its suppleness in the heat.
I then follow with Neroli Serum, a treatment rich in vegetable oils concentrated in carotenoids and antioxidants.
Sea buckthorn, with its intense orange color, is renowned for its exceptional richness in antioxidant compounds and carotenoids. Virgin rosehip, for its part, holds a special place in our before- and after-sun rituals. Naturally rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, it has long been used in treatments for fragile or marked skin, particularly in approaches aimed at improving the appearance of scars and skin that has suffered burns.
It is precisely this plant richness combined in our formulas that fascinates me: the skin seems to regain an exceptional quality of suppleness and radiance after exposure.
Neroli Serum also combines rice bran, kukui, and vitamin E, which help maintain skin comfort and suppleness in the sun. The result is nourished, satin-smooth, deeply radiant skin.
During exposure
I also like to apply Solar Shea during exposure. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and rich, enveloping shea butter, it offers immediate skin comfort against wind, salt, heat, and summer dehydration.
I particularly like the idea that a treatment can become a true nourishing beauty mask for the skin. Shea provides softness and comfort, while sea buckthorn and precious essential oils add their plant richness and natural radiance.
After exposure
After exposure, I like to apply aloe juice again to give the skin that immediate sensation of freshness, hydration, and comfort. Its natural richness in polysaccharides helps the skin retain its suppleness and softness after a day in the sun.
I then follow with the After-Sun Body Serum, a true elixir composed of deeply rich and regenerating vegetable and aromatic oils.
Rosehip, apricot, peach, raspberry, sea buckthorn, and calendula offer the skin an exceptional richness in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Calendula provides a soothing sensation much appreciated after a hot day, while raspberry and sea buckthorn help restore the skin's radiance and feeling of freshness.
Then there's this deeply enveloping dimension: vanilla, neroli, sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense deposit a delicately scented, delicious, and captivating veil on the skin.
The skin doesn't just seem hydrated. It appears more supple, more velvety, more luminous. As if revitalized.
Over the years, I've understood that beautiful summer skin isn't just skin protected from the sun. It's skin supported before, nourished during, and enhanced after. And when given rich and deeply active treatments, the season can become a magnificent revealer of radiance.
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