Can you tan too much?
Photos FilmFour
Words Matthieu Morge-Zucconi
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Beware of the sun.
Some dermatologists believe that any tan is too much and that you should avoid sun exposure like the plague. It is difficult to hide completely from the sun (especially in summer or on holiday) but it is highly recommended to protect yourself.
Is tanning as dangerous as a sunburn?
People are frequently warned about the harmful effects of the sun on the skin. While sunburn is particularly annoying (particularly because it is painful and unsightly), a tan is still popular with holidaymakers. But is this wrong?
In the short term, sunburn is more dangerous, but in the long term, a tan is just as dangerous: it is a sign that the skin has been damaged by UV rays, which can result in premature ageing of the skin. This is the fault of the UVA rays, which do not cause sunburn, but rather activate the melanin already present: they make the skin more tanned, but they are also the ones that cause skin ageing, since they penetrate the cells of the dermis. So it's best to remain wary and, above all, to apply a sun protection product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is the case with our Mattifying Face Moisturiser SPF30, which not only protects your skin but also moisturises it.
How do you know if you've spent too much time in the sun?
Whether you've just returned from holiday or are about to leave, if there are clear signs that your skin lacks elasticity, it is probably damaged by the sun. The sun damages collagen and elastin, which give the skin its youthful vitality.
Is there a healthy way to tan?
With so many negative points, you may have already cancelled your reservation in the Cyclades and opted for a guided tour of Bergen, one of the rainiest Norwegian cities in Europe. You don't have to go that far: you can still enjoy the sunshine on your holiday, but you should enjoy it healthily.
Firstly, avoid the 'bacon slice' effect: don't lie in the sun for hours on end, ready to fry like smoked bacon in a Tefal pan. Go to the beach and do something: swim, play beach volleyball, practice stand-up paddle. In the process, you'll get tan - it's inevitable. Just don't arrive on holiday with the main objective of "coming back super tanned". At best, you'll come back with damaged skin.
Also avoid exposure at certain times: between 10:00 and 14:00, the sun is most aggressive and dangerous for the skin. It is best to avoid exposure at this time, and even until 16:00, when the UV rays remain strong. Take advantage of this time to have lunch, and then take a digestive nap.
Above all, NEVER FORGET TO USE SUN PROTECTION. We’re emphasising this for a simple reason: some men still think they don't need it, for reasons as diverse as "I'm already tanned" or "I have dark skin". Nothing exempts you from sun protection, not even a shirt and an umbrella. Apply sun protection every two hours, and don't hesitate to reapply it after swimming.
In any case, in the age of Cristiano Ronaldo and "The Marseillaise in Cancun", a tan is no longer a sign of elegance. So stay safe.
