I am Dr. Fátima Moreno-Suárez, Dermatologist . I am a specialist in Skin Cancer, Trichology, Laser, Cosmetic and Therapeutic Dermatology and a member of the Andalusian Section of Dermatology and the Spanish Society of Dermatology and Venereology. You can find me at the Hospital Universitario de Jaén and in my private practice (@dra.fatimamorenosuarez.com).
The sun can be dangerous to our health if we don't take the proper precautions. The sun's UV rays can cause irreparable damage to our skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other health problems.
For dermatologists, correct daily and year-round protection of the skin with a sunscreen is essential to delay the signs of aging such as spots and wrinkles, and prevent the appearance of skin diseases. . For this reason, we do not recommend long-term sun exposure. However, for those people who like to have a tanned skin tone, a good ally is to apply an effective self-tanner with quality ingredients to achieve the desired tone.
The damaging effect of the sun on the skin
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage in a number of ways. One of the most common effects is redness and inflammation, also known as sunburn. Additionally, the sun's UV rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer. And furthermore, in the long term, repeated sun exposure causes wrinkles, age spots and other signs of premature aging.Given the damaging effect of the sun on the skin, it is important to take measures to protect ourselves from the sun.
- Use sunscreen: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every time you go out in the sun. And reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing: wear clothing that covers most of your skin when out in the sun, and wear hats.
- Find Shadow: try to avoid direct sun during the hours of greatest intensity (from 12 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon).
It's important to remember that people with lighter skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair are at higher risk of sun damage and should take extra precautions. For example, Combining topical sunscreen with photoprotective food supplements may provide additional benefits in protecting against sun damage. . These supplements contain antioxidants and carotenoids that reduce inflammation and cell damage.
But this does not mean that only people who have these traits should use these plugins. To maximize sun protection, they are recommended for any skin phototype, even the darkest skin. . Oral photoprotection is also recommended for people who do photoexposed work (construction workers, farmers, sailors, drivers, athletes, lifeguards).
¿What does it mean to be brown?
Brown skin is a defense mechanism of the body to sun exposure. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they stimulate pigment-producing cells called melanocytes . These produce melanin , which is the pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair and eyes. The more time we spend in the sun, the more melanin the melanocytes produce, resulting in a darker skin tone.
However, being tan is not synonymous with being protected from the sun . In fact, people with brown skin can still develop sunburn and other skin problems caused by sun exposure.
Self Tanner Benefits
What can we do if we want to have a tanned appearance knowing that UV rays can be harmful in long exposures. Well, a perfect alternative is self-tanners since they allow you to show off a darker skin tone in a safe and healthy way. These products contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the top layer of the skin to produce a temporary tan color.
Some people may have concerns about the safety of topical self tanners. However, Studies have shown that topical self-tanners are safe and do not cause long-term skin damage. It is important to remember that topical self-tanners do not offer protection from the sun's UV rays and that it is still important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to a dermatologist to learn more about taking care of your skin and getting a healthy tan.
Here I leave you some of the benefits of tanning with topical products:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays
Due to its rapid action, you can darken the skin tone without the need to expose yourself to long periods of time under the sun's rays, thus reducing the probability of developing any skin pathology, whether serious or mild.
- healthy skin glow
Topical self-tanners can help improve the overall appearance of the skin, providing a healthy, even glow. Unlike the sun's UV rays, which can cause skin damage and accelerate aging, topical self-tanners can help hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- easy to apply
Topical self tanners are easy to apply at home. They do not require a lot of time or effort to get a healthy tan. Simply apply the product evenly on the skin and allow it to dry. Within hours, you'll have a healthy, even tan without spending hours in the sun. To achieve better results, exfoliate and hydrate the skin two or three days before applying the product, especially on elbows and knees, so you will achieve a natural effect without stains.
Skin tone customization
One of the biggest advantages of topical self-tanners is that they can be customize to fit each person's individual skin tone. If you want a subtle and natural tan, you can choose a lighter shade or if you prefer a deeper tan, you can choose a darker shade or apply for more days in a row. Besides, topical self-tanners allow you to touch up your tan year-round, which means you can maintain a healthy skin tone even during the winter months when sun exposure is limited.
HeMasderm Self Sunmas Self Tanner It is an excellent option for those who are looking for an effective and safe product to tan naturally. Its formulation is ideal for respecting and hydrating the skin and increasing its tone without having to sunbathe and expose the skin to ultraviolet rays, thanks to some of its active ingredients such as carrot oil, red vine oil, sunflower oil, among others.
