On June 21st, IMCD France in Saint-Denis was buzzing with an inspiring and educational initiative aimed at the youth: the first edition of the "Sea, Safe & Sun" program.
Imagine a day where chemistry and cosmetic formulation help explore skin function and guide young people toward a better understanding of today's health and environmental issues. That's exactly what "Sea, Safe & Sun" offers—an educational and immersive experience at the heart of the sun care world, for an eighth-grade class from a Parisian school, led by IMCD's Beauty & Personal Care experts.
Understanding to Act: UV Rays, Sun Protection, and the Environment
At the core of this educational event was raising awareness about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of proper sun protection. Through impactful presentations, IMCD teams informed the students about the risks of early skin damage, including erythema in young children, which can lead to skin cancer at a later age, due to excessive UV exposure. Then, they headed to the Skin & Sun Care Excellence Centre, where the young participants discovered the world of cosmetic formulation, the science behind sun care products, and techniques for evaluating their effectiveness.
Ambitious Goals, Concrete Achievements
The event went beyond raising awareness. Through a structured educational program, it aimed to trigger action. In the second part, the teenagers engaged in creating an “Ocean Collage”. This fun and collaborative workshop fostered deep reflection on the impact of our individual and collective choices on the environment, particularly the health of coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
Business and Education: Together Towards a Responsible Future
The event was memorable for its immersive and collaborative approach, building a bridge between the school environment and the corporate world. This enriching, stimulating, and open dialogue allowed students to discover the professional world with its challenges and opportunities, while reinforcing their awareness and commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
Reflections and Future Prospects
Emmanuel Colette (Managing Director, France), stated, "As a company rooted in Seine-Saint-Denis, we embrace our responsibility to positively impact our community and contribute to its growth. We recognize that the future of our region rests on the engagement and education of our youth, and we are proud to be a catalyst for change through initiatives that seamlessly blend innovation, sustainability, and education”.
The enthusiasm of the young participants and their positive feedback after this first edition show that such initiatives are extremely beneficial. This encourages us to continue in this direction, and we are excited to pave the way for future editions worldwide!