Some sunbathers minimize the effects of tanning on their skin, specifically claiming that it will turn into a tan. A dermatologist appreciates this idea received.
Once exposed to the sun, dermatologists are adamant. you should protect yourself with a treatment with an appropriate SPF. However, some people who hope to speed up their tan willingly skip this step so that the rays work faster. “It’s not a good idea because it will create an uneven tan,” warns Dr. Sylvie Perez, a dermatologist and co-founder of cosmetics brand Alaena.
If the skin turns brown in this way, it is a defensive reaction on its part with the production of large amounts of melanin. “Fake tan”, which turns out to be very transient. “The most burned areas will be red and crusty. Therefore, they will experience less sunburn than neighboring areas. The tan will be uneven, and the skin will dry out,” adds the specialist. Therefore, the resulting unattractive result defeats the original purpose. Best behaviors to adopt, according to an expert: “Get a tan very gradually and thus guarantee an even and lasting tan with a glowing tone.”
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Long-term effects
In addition to the simple aesthetic consideration, there is also, and above all, a real risk to health. The sun’s ultraviolet rays, which are responsible for these actinic burns (known as “sunburns”), attack skin cells, especially the keratinocytes in the outermost layer, the epidermis. These keratinocytes are the site of the inflammatory reaction. “Of course, there is an immediate risk of burning, which is unpleasant, can be severe and lead to hospitalization,” recalls Dr. Sylvie Perez, noting, however, that fearing the worst is in the long run; “A history of sunburn is common in people who have melanoma (skin cancer) as well as many other skin lesions associated with repeated sun exposure.”
Prevention
For those who can’t resist the temptation to soak up the sun this summer, the doctor recommends preparing your skin for exposure by eating “foods rich in carotenoids, such as orange-colored foods like sweet papaya, squash, oranges, and green vegetables like spinach.” The dermatologist also recommends giving preference to those “rich in omega 3 and 6 to properly moisturize the skin, such as small oily fish, rapeseed oil, camelina, hemp, walnuts or hazelnuts…”.
When it comes to the bathroom, there are also a few gestures that contribute to your beauty routine to maintain your beautiful summer tan. First, “layer your skin for an even tan. Then moisturize your skin well with nourishing oil. From the first sunbathing, we think of applying a cream containing SPF50, which is renewed every 2 hours. We also don’t hesitate to favor shade and clothing, especially for sensitive areas such as the face, such as the hood, as well as the neck and arms,” says Dr. Perez.
If you still get a sunburn in our summer, “first of all, it is necessary to moisturize the skin well with local treatment, as well as drink a lot of water. In case of a burn, be sure to apply a thick layer of restorative cream and ease the pain with compresses soaked in cold water,” he concludes. In the presence of extensive burns, blisters, the area should be disinfected with an alcohol-free antiseptic and, first of all, consult a doctor.
This article, originally published on September 24, 2021, was updated on August 11, 2023.
Source: Le Figaro
