Faced with the lack of sunshine in Paris, a booming anti-seasonal depression business

In Paris, the weather for the month of January promises to be auspicious. The sun's rays are expected to shine over the capital until the end of the month. Enough to rejoice Parisians lacking vitamin D. If some have been patient, others turned to alternatives in order to compensate for the lack of solar radiation.

Light therapy, tanning centers or therapy sessions… The solutions are numerous to help people affected by anxiety or seasonal depression linked to lack of clearing. “The sun is necessary for mental health, bones… The body and head need it,” underlines Régine Ferrère, president of the National Confederation of Aesthetics and Perfumery.

Light against antidepressants

The daylight has never been very faithful to the Paris sky, especially in winter. According to Météo France records, the City of Lights experienced a significant shortage of sunshine in December 2024 with only 42 hours 25 minutes of sunshine during the last 31 days of the yearagainst a normal of 57 hours. Every other day didn't even have a single minute of sunshine on average. Enough to lower the morale of Parisians, especially since this time of year is made up of the shortest days of the year.

To treat this winter spleen, light therapy seems to be emerging as a leading therapeutic option. According to a study dating from 2019 and conducted by Pierre Alexis Geoffroy, psychiatrist and sleep doctor at Bichat AP-HP hospital, light therapy is as effective as antidepressants to treat seasonal depression. As a reminder, nearly 5% of the population in France is affected by this pathology.

“In Scandinavian countries, light therapy is a very common practice,” also says Parisian hypnotherapist Grégory Renaux. “It should be more widespread in France,” he pleads. Because in other countries, such as Switzerland, light therapy is considered a full-fledged treatment to treat seasonal depression. On medical prescription, it is reimbursed by compulsory health insurance.

Two customer profiles

Light therapy is proposed for its medical virtues but not only. In Paris, photobiomodulation devices are arriving here and there. In department stores and shopping centers, such as Galeries Lafayette or Beaugrenelle, pop-up stores invite customers to try the concept for aesthetic reasons. “There are people who come because they were sent by their doctor. There are also others who want to take care of their skin, for wrinkles and appearance,” indicates Marguerite*, expert advisor in light therapy. “Most of our clients make an appointment for the benefits it brings for the skin. But over time, they realize that it also calms them down », abonde Sylvia*.

For her part, Régine Ferrère regrets the negative image that still conveys tanning centers. The passage in the cabin is also a vector of good mental health, according to her. “The body needs heat and UV […]. And then at least for five minutes we can say to ourselves: 'I'm dreaming, I'm in the Seychelles.' It feels good. »

*First names have been changed

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