29% of French people believe that self-tanning is a good alternative to avoid exposure to the sun (1).
The harmful effects of UV rays for the skin and health are already well known to them: risk of cancer, acceleration of the signs of skin aging, degradation of DNA... Hence the interest in using this product. to show off a pretty golden tan all summer long, without putting yourself in danger.
"Self-tanning is an aesthetic solution recommended by dermatologists to obtain a "tanned" complexion by escaping exposure to the sun", confirms Doctor Toni Ionesco, dermatologist in Paris and researcher for clinical studies of Uriage sunscreen products.
On one condition, however: “That people who use these products understand from the outset that they will not be protected at all from damage caused by UV rays.
They do not replace sun protection, insists the doctor.
If you go in the sun with a self-tanner but without SPF cream, the risk of skin cancer and photo-aging is always present.
Read alsoSun creams: the most innovative products for a good tan this summer
New innovative formulas
Those who have not (yet) taken the step justify their decision in particular by the fact that the self-tanner does not give a natural result (30%) or believe that the composition of the products does not suit them (18%).
Fortunately, cosmetic brands are innovating to allow us to easily adopt this new gesture in our summer beauty routine.
Cleaner formulas , a naturally sun-
kissed
effect, simplified application, uniform rendering without white streaks or orange marks... Self-tanners are revolutionizing and sweeping away the received ideas that have stuck with them until now.
Depending on the needs and preferences of each, they are available in cream, mousse, fluid or liquid drop formats.
In video, the areas where it is absolutely necessary to apply sunscreen
anti smudge tip
Admittedly, the secret of a pretty veil hauled on the body lies partly in the choice of a quality product, but also in a good helping hand: "The trick to obtaining a perfect finish is to not not be afraid to work the product on the skin”, reveals Dominique Rist, International Director of Spa Protocols at Clarins.
The right technique to not miss?
“We apply it with both hands by making circular movements, slightly supported, as if we wanted to impregnate the material in the skin.
It's almost like a massage”, describes the expert.
On the face, the more cautious can first try it gently thanks to a simple recipe: "If you're afraid of applying it incorrectly or leaving traces, you can first mix a few tanning drops with your moisturizer.
Thus, it is easier to realize the intensity that it will bring, ”recommends Dominique Rist.
Read alsoSelf-tanning: mistakes not to make
As for the so-called "self-tanning" food supplements, they do not really pigment the skin, but help to enhance the tan of those who cannot help exposing themselves to the sun: "Their primary objective is not to color the skin, but rather to protect the cells from damage caused by the sun's UV rays”, specifies Erwan Leroux, Director of the Oenobiol Control & Formulation Laboratory.
On the other hand, the presence of beta-carotene in the formulas helps to obtain “a more homogeneous pigmentation at the melanin level in order to have a more beautiful tan, without an orange effect”, adds the scientific expert.
Be careful, just like self-tanners, they do not in any way replace sunscreen.
The best self-tanners for a tanned complexion without burning
In images, in pictures
See the slideshow13 photos
See the slideshow13 photos
Run away from UV cabins
On the other hand, it is extremely inadvisable to rely on UV cabins.
“It is catastrophic on all levels.
Not only does this not prepare the skin at all for sun exposure, but it also increases the risk of skin cancer even more, especially in young people", warns the dermatologist "Dermato Drey" (her nickname on YouTube).
She specifies: “the UV cabins found in aesthetic centers diffuse UVA, rays which cause aging of the skin and do not even induce a real tan but a kind of oxidation of melanin, d 'where the very orange color that results from it'.
In France
,
43% of melanoma cases in young people are attributed to the use of tanning booths before the age of 30, according to the National Agency for Health, Environmental and Occupational Safety (ANSES).
Moreover, in some countries like Brazil or Australia, they are now banned.
(1) YouGov study “
Do the French pay attention to the composition of sunscreens?
», 2020.
