Perfect tan. it’s the right time to get a tan, completely safe

While 39% of French people think they can do without sunscreen (a figure that rises to 46% among men and 25-35 year olds), brands are doubling down on mass protection weapons against the various harmful effects of the sun. And for good reason, the latter is responsible for more than 85% of skin cancers. Not forgetting the short-term effects of UV radiation: thickening of the epidermis, oxidative stress, risk of allergies or even erythema.

Sometimes irreversible damage that encourages players in a prosperous market to redouble their efforts. Their goal. Automate a gesture that’s still simple and less and less restrictive. Because in 2024, taking a safe tan and thinking about the planet is no longer utopian. Above all, respecting an action plan that makes no compromises between protection, sensitivity and respectful resolutions.

D – 1 month We prepare our skin

When the first rays of the sun come to warm hearts and bodies, the desire to adopt a few colors becomes more than tempting. However, we don’t give in to the challenge of the Tanning Olympics without minimal preparation. So in Biologique Recherche, the solar range aims to help the body realize its natural defenses, such as by increasing the cornea, skin pigmentation or even the enzymatic DNA repair system. And is divided into three phases, one of which must be started a month before exposure with a UV drug that promotes melanin synthesis without sun exposure while preventing the formation of pigment spots.

Also perfect allies, nutritional supplements remain a preferred option to reinforce the skin’s natural defenses and “prevent premature aging,” recalls naturopath Aurelii Canzoneri, who advises everyone to wait at least a month before exposure. “They will help to preserve the tan faster and longer. He recommends focusing on “urukum, a plant also called achiote that is 100 times richer in carotenoids than carrots.” But also on omega-3, which helps the skin resist the attacks of UV rays and regenerate. Finally, she notes that vitamin C helps restore collagen and heal, while antioxidants help fight the effects of free radicals responsible for skin aging. “It could be zinc, selenium, uric acid, vitamin E…” In any case, good preparation does not prevent a good defense when the time comes.

H- 30 minutes : We protect

After less than two years of sunscreen filters, new products are coming out to better convince us to use them. “We’re talking more and more about the problems with filters, both for health and for the planet. Many new brands have emerged with cleaner formulas, without endocrine disruptors, more respectful of the oceans… This has also shocked industry leaders who have reviewed and corrected their formulas,” notes Savéria Coste. Its brand, Garancia, made a big splash last year by offering a 100/100 solar range in the Yuka app. This season, it comes with two new products: Gentle Sun Milk and Transforming Red Sun Water, a two-step (and therefore less greasy) treatment that uses seaweed extract to activate and prolong the tan.

“The idea was to convince those who don’t want to protect themselves for fear of not wearing their color.” Even if, contrary to popular opinion, the SPF 50+ index (the highest) does not prevent the production of melanin from UV rays. However, it is recommended to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure. “Since organic filters block light, the skin had to have time to absorb them. However, there is no need to predict if you choose mineral filters because they work by reflecting light.”

Mist, oil in water, milky spray, jelly… Textures multiply to evoke desire, elicit reflex and automate gesture. “In order for consumers to want to protect themselves, and especially for them to want to repeat the application, galenicity and sensuality must be a real bias,” believes the founder of Garancia. Another big winner of the year for its portability and practicality, the stick format. A favorite of lazy people or those allergic to greasy hands, it also tastes good enough to hit all the forgotten or often neglected areas (ears, hands, lips, etc.).

Like the new Payot stick, which can even be applied around the eye contour, a highly sensitive area of ​​the face. Among the arguments favored more and more by brands, everyone is taking a stand. Now the words “for the whole family” or “body and face” lighten the beach bags and mental burden. Embryolisse thus presents a short range of two products designed to without effort. With achiote oil and its antioxidant properties as the star ingredient.

And if sunscreen manufacturers have revised their formulas to exclude controversial ingredients, they also display more demanding latest generation filters: SPF 50 and 50+, PA++++. To respond to the awareness of the harmful effects of UV rays on skin aging (which is at the podium of the motivations of the French to protect themselves), sunscreen must be integrated more than ever with skin care. At Lancaster, we’re even talking about “skinning” this area, while the brand is working on its Sun Perfect line with anti-aging properties. The latter combines several technologies that work on both shine and protection and repair. As a highlight, two sides with SPF 50 Sun Stick, one shimmery and the other tinted, for a blurring and correcting effect. Beyond UVA and UVB, Olivier Dausse, vice president of research and development, warns of the effects of a third enemy: blue light. The latter can lead to hyperpigmentation and premature aging. Savéria Coste has also included in its specifications the fight against oxidative damage caused by blue light and the protection of our elastin capital, which does not regenerate.

After the exhibition relax and lengthen

Often overlooked, the post-discovery phase is also important. After taking a shower to remove traces of filters, chlorine or salt, do not forget to nourish and moisturize the skin. For lovers of new technologies, the Lightinderm device offers a program based on repair, but also on strengthening and reconstruction. His goal? “Repair changes at the cellular level, slow down premature aging and maintain skin integrity by activating anti-inflammatory mechanisms and stimulating collagen synthesis.”

And for those who have had heat stroke, cold-acting gels—mist, cream, gel, spray—also work double-edged as a way to prolong your tan. Like the Sorbet and Sublimatrice creams from Sunissime’s after-sun range, Lierac, enriched with red algae. Tip for overheated skin. Apply this treatment as a mask to soak it in. Finally, Garancia’s Fresh Milky Mist Express is also fortified with vitamin D-Like, because “80% of the population is deficient.” It is enough to reconcile ourselves to the sun in order to reap its benefits in complete safety.

* Febea barometer, OpINIONWay