Every summer it’s the same thing, we want to come back tanned from vacation. It is possible, of course, but a minimum of preparation is desirable to avoid sunburn and preserve your skin.
Beware of UV cabins
We think, wrongly, that UV cabins will allow the skin to prepare for a tan. Overexposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation is a major risk factor in the development of skin cancer and in particular melanomas. “Currently, I sometimes make cancer diagnoses on thirty-something! It’s sad, ”says Dr Roos. Moreover, it is no coincidence that in July 2009, the Cancer Research Center classified “certain carcinogenic to humans” solar UV radiation as well as radiation emitted by artificial tanning facilities. In fact, the intensity of the radiation emitted by UV tanning booths in France is in most cases comparable to that of a very intense sun. Thereby, an artificial UV session is equivalent to an exposure of the same duration on a subtropical beach without sun protection! “In addition, there is a kind of addiction as soon as you start to have UV rays. An addiction to the well-being and the golden color of the skin, it is very dangerous! »Insists dermatologist Nina Roos.
Food preparation
Two weeks before going on vacation, you can start a “special” fruit and vegetable treatment in the sun. To do this, prepare yourself carrot, melon and parsley smoothies for example. These foods are rich in carotene and vitamins. If you have dry skin, do not hesitate to cook with olive oil rich in fatty acids and omega 3. Two or three times a week, eat fatty fish such as (organic) salmon, sardines or mackerel. “In addition, it’s good for the line” specifies Paule Neyrat, dietician. For a starter, you can prepare tomatoes with new small leeks in vinaigrette. For dessert, favor red fruits such as strawberries or cherries. “It’s best to continue to eat this way while on vacation, antioxidants are great for your skin and great for your health!” »Insists the dietician.
Skin preparation
We will not have seen much sun this year. You have only one idea in mind, to come back golden from your vacation. Doctor Nina Roos, dermatologist in Paris advises to take food supplements. “They are rich in antioxidants and their effectiveness has been proven for several years”. Better to start the cure one month before exposure to the sun and continue during the stay. They have the advantage of preparing the skin for tanning and avoiding small intolerances to the sun such as these red pimples on the neckline for example. Of course, these food supplements do not exempt from protecting yourself with sunscreen. For fairer skin tones, it is better to start with an index of 50. Once the tan has formed, you can go up to an index of 30 at the end of the holiday. Beware of preconceived ideas: an index of 50 does not prevent you from tanning! Keep in mind that a tan is not good for the skin. Go gradually : “We must not force nature! Insists Dr Roos.
Additional advice: for intolerant skin, prefer to buy your sunscreen in drugstore or pharmacy, their formula will be more protective.
Warning: avoid exposing yourself during the hours when the sun is strongest, that is to say between 12 p.m. and 16 p.m.
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