Summer's sunny days are here, and a beautiful tan awaits. To enjoy the beach without ending up red and sidelined, prepare your skin weeks ahead. Our experts share proven strategies for safe tanning, including diet, sunscreen selection, and aftercare.
A balanced diet enhances your skin's UV defenses. Start these habits before vacation:
– Carrots are a top choice, thanks to beta-carotene (also in tomatoes)—a powerful antioxidant that boosts tanning and UV protection. Begin 10 weeks prior.
– Enjoy mangoes, apricots, yellow peaches, and melon. Their carotenoids provide antioxidant benefits and prep skin for sun.
– Include Omega-3-rich foods like avocado, oily fish, and nuts to fortify skin cells against UV damage.
– Consider a one-month supplement course with carotenoids, vitamins C and E to reduce sunburn risk and promote even tanning.
Photosensitizing foods heighten sun sensitivity. Skip clementines, celery, fennel, and parsley before sunny trips.
Box: Myth Busted—Artificial Tanning Prepares Skin?
No. Tanning beds increase UV exposure and cancer risk. Avoid them entirely.
Sunscreen is your primary UV shield. Navigate options with these guidelines:
Choose based on skin type:
– Low: SPF 6-10
– Medium: 15-25
– High: 30-50
– Very High: 50+
Opt for 50+ for fair skin, pregnant women, and children. No cream blocks 100% UV—"total screen" is outdated. Darker skin still needs protection.
Prioritize health and eco-safety. Watch for endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens. Use UFC-Que Choisir's ratings for guidance.
Chemical sunscreens harm oceans and coral. Choose reef-safe options with minimal environmental impact.
Replace Sunscreen Annually!
Heat, sand, and sun degrade it. Buy fresh each summer for full efficacy.
– Wear hats and sunglasses.
– Dress kids in UV-protective clothing (their skin is thinner).
– Avoid peak hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
– Mind UV reflection from water or snow.
– Protect even on cloudy days—UV penetrates clouds.
Drink plenty of water (add mint or lemon). Eat hydrating produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, and melon. Skip alcohol, which weakens UV defenses.
After rinsing, apply aloe vera for soothing hydration or shea butter for deep nourishment. Both ease UV stress.
Sunburns are UV burns raising skin cancer risk. Prevent them always.
For mild cases, use pharmacy treatments; heal in days. For blisters or severe burns, see a doctor—try teleconsultation: https://www.mieux-etre.fr/nous-connaitre/nos-offres-et-services/sante/notre-service-de-teleconsultation.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Changing, bleeding, or spreading moles? See a dermatologist ASAP. Annual checks recommended.
Nearly 80,000 skin cancers diagnosed yearly (Ministry of Health), mostly from excess sun. Limit exposure, especially 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Balance sun enjoyment with well-being tips this summer!
Source:
https://www.medisite.fr/les-soins-de-peau-coups-de-soleil-nutilisation-pas-vos-cremes-solaires-de-lannee-precedente.5615681.524211.html
https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/risques_solaires_-_ce_qu_il_faut_savoir_pour_que_le_soleil_reste_un_plaisir_campagne_inpes_.pdf
https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/coup-soleil/coup-soleil-risque-exposition-solaire
https://www.nationalgeographic.fr/environnement/les-cremes-solaires-sont-nocives-pour-les-oceans-mais-des-alternatives-existent
https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Dossiers/DossierComplexe.aspx?doc=10-conseils-proteger-enfants-soleil-se-mefier-de-la-reverberation#:~:text=Le%20ph %C3%A9nom%C3%A8ne%20de%20r%C3%A9verb%C3%A9ration%20is,%C3%A0%2020%25%20on%20the%20sand.
