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Like every year, capsules that offer to better prepare your skin for the sun and tanning appear in our shop windows and on the web. But do these treatments really have an effect on our skin? We take stock with Isabelle Gallay, dermatologist.
“Prepare your skin for the sun.” This is a message that comes back year after year as summer approaches, and which seems to go hand in hand with sun prevention messages. The skin must be protected from UV rays, in particular to avoid the onset of skin cancer. But do sun capsule treatments play a role in this protection? Do they protect the epidermis against the harmful effects of the sun, and do they really boost tanning? We asked Isabelle Gallay, dermatologist and vice-president of the national dermatology union, the question.
A “beautiful skin” effect, but nothing more
A priori, there is nothing wrong with being tempted by a cure of solar capsules… if you know what to expect. These capsules contain active ingredients, such as carotenoids, which are also found in colored fruits and vegetables, essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) as well as trace elements, which allow on the one hand to obtain a slightly more supple, smoother skin, and an antioxidant action. “But these capsules do not activate the tan” interrupts Isabelle Gallay, dermatologist.We will have a nice complexion, nice skin, and a slight coloring on the lightest skin, but which will only be a coloring. The capsules do not activate melanin or tanning in any way.”
A benefit for the most reactive skin, excluding exposure
On the other hand, the dermatologist recommends this “preparation” for people with the lightest phototypes (1 and 2), whose skin is weakened as soon as it sees the sun, outside the hottest hours. “You can take them if you are the type to get sunburned at the slightest exposure in the morning, or if you have sun allergies. In this case, the capsules will however strengthen the skin barrier and slow down the phenomenon of oxidative stress a little.” But the effect must be combined with a responsible attitude towards the sun.
No protection against sunburn and cancer
Taking a course of sun capsules with the idea of avoiding the harmful effects of the sun is, however, a misconception.It is wrong to think that antioxidant means protection and sun protection. But protection against the sun is based on reliable instructions: do not expose yourself during the hottest hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., or wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. If you think that you can take these capsules to be able to expose yourself at these times and still be protected, you are completely wrong! You should definitely not use them for this purpose.”
The dermatologist points out that on the contrary, according to studies, a high level of beta-carotene, or antioxidants, increases the rate of lung cancer in smokers in particular. “High doses of antioxidants do not protect. By blocking free radicals too much, we promote the development of cancer.”
Sun protection: moderation is everything
Ultimately, for the expert, sun protection and a tanned complexion are all about moderation: not too much sun, and at the recommended times, using protective clothing, taking capsules if you want, but to have beautiful skin and an even complexion… “And why not stock up on fruits and vegetables instead for the same effect? It seems to me that this is the perfect season for that and at a lower cost!” she concludes.