With the return of beautiful sunshine to the Belgian sky, many of you have been writing to ask whether you can continue using Siprès natural cosmetics during summer.
Our star ingredients, at the heart of all our formulas, are local plant oils from plants grown and processed in France and Belgium. But are they suitable for summer use on the skin? And do they really penetrate the skin?
The benefits of plant oils for the skin in summer
In summer, the skin is put under strain: sun, chlorine, salty sea water… your skin may feel tighter.
The plant oils used in our Belgian cosmetic products are mainly composed of fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as bioactive compounds: tocopherols vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids and antioxidant polyphenols.
When applied to the skin, first cold-pressed plant oils fulfil several essential functions:
✅ Restoring the epidermis’ lipid barrier
✅ Providing a semi-occlusive effect that limits transepidermal water loss and therefore helps maintain better skin hydration
✅ Delivering antioxidants that neutralise free radicals generated by UV rays and prevent skin ageing
✅ Supporting the skin microbiome, thanks to their soothing and gently anti-inflammatory properties
Incorporating plant oils into your summer skincare routine is a good idea to soothe the skin after sun exposure, maintain hydration, prevent tightness and strengthen its barrier function against external aggressors wind, salt, chlorine, UV rays…
At Siprès, we have also developed natural cosmetics that are very rich in beta-carotene in order to prepare the skin of the face : Radiance Oil Serum and body : Summer Dry Body Oil for the sun by boosting melanin production.
Do plant oils really penetrate the skin?
Contrary to popular belief, plant oils do not simply stay on the surface. Dermatological studies have shown that plant oils do indeed penetrate the upper layers of the epidermis, especially when they are applied in moderate amounts and well massaged in.
🔬 Unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, abundant in sunflower, grape seed, safflower, borage and hemp oils have a structure that is compatible with epidermal lipids. This allows them to integrate into the intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum.
👉 It is worth noting that plant oils do not reach the deep dermis, but their local action is sufficient to nourish, repair and strengthen the skin barrier function.
Plant oils and the sun: what precautions should you take?
⚠️ All year round, but even more so in summer, certain precautions are necessary.
1. Beware of photosensitising oils
Some oils or plant extracts contain compounds such as furocoumarins that react with UV rays. This can cause dark spots, redness or burns.
⛔To avoid in summer
- St John’s wort macerate
- Citrus essential oils lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, bitter orange
✅ No problem with Siprès products: we do not use these raw materials.
2.No problem with Siprès products: we do not use these raw materials.
Even though some plant oils are rich in antioxidants, they do not protect against UV rays. Their SPF is negligible.
👉 Remember to apply broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection before any prolonged exposure and avoid being in the sun during the hottest hours.
Wait a few minutes after applying your Siprès treatment based on local plant oils before applying sun protection.
3. A small amount is enough
The plant oil should penetrate the skin, not form a greasy film.
💡 Apply just a few drops to clean, slightly damp skin, then massage gently until absorbed. This allows better penetration and better product performance.
If your skin is still shiny several minutes after applying the oil, it means you have used too much product. The skin takes what it needs.
When and how should you apply a plant oil in summer?
We recommend applying your oil-based treatment
- in the morning: to nourish the skin before exposure
- in the evening: to soothe and repair the skin after sun exposure
Whether for the face or body, apply your Siprès natural treatment to slightly damp skin after the shower or after misting a floral water, to optimise absorption. Then protect your skin with suitable sun protection.
In summary: plant oils, allies of your natural summer routine
Local plant oils, like the ones we use at Siprès, are perfectly compatible with summer use, provided that you :
- choose them well non-photosensitising
- apply them in small amounts
- complement them with suitable sun protection
They provide effective hydration, strengthen your skin barrier and help prevent skin ageing.
Q&A
No. Their SPF is insufficient to protect against UV rays.
Yes, if they are chosen according to skin type and applied in small amounts.