Tanning is a natural phenomenon
Since it would be impossible for us to discuss this subject without talking about the tanning process, let's start with that. Tanning is a natural phenomenon which results in coloring of the skin when exposed to the sun's UV rays. This process is melanogenesis: upon contact with the sun, skin cells called melanocytes produce a dark brown pigment, called melanin, which is the cause of tanning. The more the skin is exposed to UV rays, the more melanocytes produce melanin, and the more intense the tan is.
The majority of UV rays responsible for this phenomenon are UVB. They penetrate directly into the epidermis (second layer of the skin, after the stratum corneum) to stimulate melanocytes. The latter then increase the synthesis of melanin in the deepest layer of the epidermis. The melanin produced is then transferred to the surface layer of the skin.
Tanning and ability to tan differ from person to person
Melanogenesis is regulated by several factors including exposure to the sun of course, but also by hormones, genetics or age for example. Thus, the hormones melanocortin and ACTH boost melanin production, while certain genetic factors can influence the quantity and quality of melanin produced. Age also impacts melanin production because melanocytes become less and less efficient over time.
As we have said: melanin is the pigment at the origin of tanning, but it also acts as a natural filter which absorbs UV rays. It thus protects the skin from the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to the sun which can vary depending on the color or type of skin and the duration of exposure. Fair skin will tend to blush and get sunburned while darker skin tans more easily.
Remember that it is absolutely necessary to take precautions to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. For example, wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen and avoiding direct exposure to the sun during the hours when it is most harmful (between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.).
Not everyone being equal in the face of the sun, several solutions exist to color your skin without exposing yourself to UV rays, whatever your skin type.
How to boost your tan?
Now that you have a better understanding of what happens under your skin when you go out in the sun, let's take a look at how to achieve that beautiful, tanned complexion you're looking for.
Diet plays a key role in obtaining a tanned and luminous complexion.
It is possible to promote the tanning phenomenon by consuming foods rich in carotenoids. These are natural pigments responsible for a yellow, orange or red coloring. They can help give the skin a darker shade and also help protect the skin from skin aging thanks to their rich antioxidant content.
There are two types, carotenes and xanthophylls:
- Carotenes : they are responsible for an orange to red coloring. The main beneficial carotenes are beta-carotenes, lycopene and astaxanthin.
The foods that contain the most are carrots and sweet potatoes. Lycopene, for its part, is particularly important in tomatoes.
- Xanthophylls : they are generally responsible for a red coloring. The best known are zeaxanthin and lutein.
The foods richest in xanthophylls are kale and spinach.
Supplement your diet by taking sun preparation or self-tanning supplements
Faced with these observations, it is possible to turn to food supplements to support nutrition and further optimize the tanning process.
Self-tanning food supplements are generally composed of the natural pigments mentioned above. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which stimulates melanin production. Lycopene, astaxantin, zeaxantin and lutein are antioxidants that help protect the skin against free radical damage, which helps prolong your tan.
There are other nutrients that protect the skin from oxidative stress, and help maintain a beautiful, even tan. Among them vitamin A, C and E, polyphenols, but also zinc, copper and selenium.
Poméol has exploited all these active ingredients to offer a complete solar offer composed of 2 solar preparers, but also a self-tanning formula to display a tanned complexion with or without sun, whatever the season
At the heart of the formula, the exclusive Nutricible ® ColorBoost complex, resulting from Poméol research, combines 5 natural pigments: lutein, zeaxantin, astaxantin, B-carotene and lycopene for a natural and uniform progressive tan. These very precisely dosed pigments act in synergy with vitamin C, copper but also a virtuous apple polyphenol with the aim of getting the most out of the sun while limiting the harmful effects of UV rays.
Using Poméol self-tanning sun food supplements you should expect a gradual coloring, for a color more intense than your base shade, without orange effects or streaks. It is advisable to follow this treatment for several weeks (ideally 3 months) to obtain visible results.
Note that food supplements should not replace a varied and balanced diet. And they do not exempt the use of appropriate sun protection when exposed to the sun.
If you want a faster but less lasting result, there are self-tanning cosmetics. We'll explain this to you right after.
Opt for self-tanning cosmetics for a quick but ephemeral effect
As for the self-tanning food supplements , a self-tanning cosmetic aims to give the skin a tan color without exposure to the sun. The active ingredient in self-tanners is usually DiHydroxyAcetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, it reacts with amino acids to produce compounds called melanoidins that give the skin a brownish or golden hue.
There are several types of textures on the market, such as self-tanning mousses, sprays or creams. All must be applied carefully and require preparation in advance. We advise you to prepare your skin by cleansing and exfoliating it to remove dead cells and make the tan more uniform and long-lasting.
When applying, we advise you to wear gloves to prevent the product from staining your hands. Spread a small amount of product on your skin, evenly, avoiding rough areas such as knees or elbows. It is advisable to wait 6 to 8 hours before going swimming or taking a shower.
It is important to note that unlike food supplements, cosmetic self-tanner will not tan the skin in a lasting manner. The color is solely due to the chemical reaction between DHA and the amino acids in the skin. To prolong the life of your artificial tan, we advise you to moisturize your skin well. You must prevent the skin from drying out to prevent the tan from fading too quickly.
Remember that self-tanners do not protect the skin from UV rays. It is therefore essential to apply appropriate sun protection when going outside.
Finally, the different self-tanning solutions represent an interesting solution for those who wish to have a tanned complexion without exposing themselves to the dangers of the sun, who have difficulty tanning or who wish to have a tanned complexion all year round! Depending on your desires and your situation, opt for:
- A “tan friendly” diet for a soft result
- Taking self-tanning food supplements for a moderate and lasting result, without risk of streaks or non-uniformity.
- The use of self-tanning cosmetics for a moderate and ephemeral result
You can even combine the three for even more results, without forgetting sun protection
