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It’s a revolution in the world of swimwear! A new generation of swimsuits would make it possible to obtain an even tan, without any unwanted marks. On social networks, we find it under the hashtag ‘Tan-Through Swimwear’ which has already generated more than 47 million views. A real success, which should not, however, overshadow the recommendations for use in terms of sun protection. Explanations.
Unless you spend the summer locked up or are a fervent follower of nudism, there was until then little or no chance of displaying a uniform and integral tan at the start of the school year. An experience that could quickly become a thing of the past in view of the brands and designers who have recently developed and offered innovative and ingenious swimwear that would let in the sun’s rays – not all but some – to minimize tan lines. A novelty that has already been appropriated by TikTok users, who have already tested and approved it extensively. The proof, the hashtag #tanthroughswimwear already has more than 47 million views, testifying to the public’s enthusiasm for these new generation swimsuits.
microscopic holes
The latest innovations in swimwear have mainly focused on eco-responsibility, menstruation, or even inclusivity. Tan lines did not seem to be at the heart of the concerns of ordinary mortals, and yet… You only have to take a look at the opinions and comments posted on social networks to realize that these swimsuits were in fact expected by the greater number. The idea is simple: to develop a specific fabric that lets in light, and therefore certain rays of the sun, to tan despite the presence of said garment. A revolution on paper.
This is the challenge that the brands Kiniki and True Tone Swimwear, two of the specialists in the field, have succeeded in meeting, who have developed a fabric with thousands of microscopic holes. “Our patented Tan Through Swimsuit is a unique advancement in fabric technology that helps the individual achieve an all over tan and minimize tan lines by allowing the sun’s UV rays to pass through the swimwear fabric” , explains the first on its e-commerce platform.
As for the second, it specifies under the leadership of its creator Isabella Biscarini: “True Tone Swim fabric is a premium tanning bikini that has been scientifically developed to remain soft, stretchy and flattering. It filters out the majority of UV-B rays while allowing tanning UV-A rays through.” A detail that is important, because if these swimsuits can indeed boast of being practical and innovative, they nevertheless require special vigilance in terms of sun protection.
Protect yourself from UV rays
By allowing certain ultraviolet rays to pass through, these new generation swimsuits expose the wearer to sunburn, and more generally to the harmful effects of prolonged exposure. According to the national cancer institute (INCa), “exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from the sun or artificial (UV cabin) is the main factor in skin cancer”. And if UVB rays are a thousand times more powerful than UVA rays, the institute reminds us that the latter “penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for its aging”. And to specify: “We now know that both UVA and UVB rays increase the risk of skin cancer”. So many reasons that should encourage the public, not to give up these swimsuits, but to apply suitable protection to the whole body before putting on any of these models.
On its e-commerce platform, the True Tone Swimwear brand indicates that “wearing this unique fabric is equivalent to wearing an SPF 8-15”. Which is not enough for optimal protection. Information confirmed by Dr. Marisa Garshick, dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, to Health Magazine. “By allowing sun exposure to penetrate, swimwear and see-through clothing leave the area susceptible to sunburn and potential sun damage”.
As reminded the World Health Organization (WHO)protection against excessive exposure to UV radiation requires the application of a “broad-spectrum sunscreen on areas of skin that cannot be covered” or in this specific case, which allow the rays to pass through, but it is also a question of privileging the shade, of limiting the exposure time, and, as far as possible… of wearing protective clothing.