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Back from vacation, it is tempting to want to prolong your tan by taking beta-carotene capsules. Although these tablets are not illegal, there are concerns about their effectiveness and even their health effects. Update with Dr. Marie Jourdan, dermatologist and member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
Capsules sold on websites like Amazon promise to prolong your summer tan. “These allegations are completely false, it is not possible to prolong your tan, it is a purely commercial name” First of all recalls Dr. Marie Jourdan, dermatologist member of the committee of experts of Doctissimo.
Products containing beta-carotene and canthaxanthin
These products, as recalled by the DailyMail, are not illegal but their regulations are not very framed. “In fact, these are products that will give a golden color to the skin due to the beta-carotene they contain. It has nothing to do with melanin which is produced when exposed to the sun and which is a protective mechanism for skin cells.“ recalls our specialist.
Indeed, the ingredients of these products vary, but most tanning pills contain high doses of beta-carotene and canthaxanthin. These two carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for the bright red, yellow and orange hues in many fruits and vegetables.
Lung and skin cancer risks
In addition to their ineffectiveness, these products pose health risks. Indeed, synthetic forms of beta-carotene, consumed in high doses are suspected to be linked to lung cancer, especially in smokers and it is very difficult to determine the right dosage when using these products.
In addition, these products may induce consumers to more exposure, as Dr. Marie Jourdan points out: “People who take this type of tablets have the impression that their skin will be protected from sunburn, which is not true!”. Conduct that ultimately increases the risk of skin cancer.
To keep a tanned complexion without risk, it is therefore better to moisturize your skin, choose a good after-sun and opt for a self-tanner, which will allow you to maintain a golden tan, without risk to your health. “Unless you don’t wash anymore so as not to remove dead skin cells, the tan will eventually go away, due to the renewal of dead skin cells” concludes Dr. Jourdan.