Many people take advantage of the first sunny days of spring to start stimulating their skin tone a little. But there are many false beliefs associated with sunbathing. Trusting these can ruin the end result or even lead to unpleasant sunburn!

Let's see what some of the false myths about tanning are:

• Oral supplements are of no use: False! There are many supplements that help the skin better resist UV damage. Among the most effective ingredients are Polypodium Leucotomos, vitamin C and vitamin E. They act by strengthening the skin's defences against free radicals and promoting an even tan.
• Sunscreen does not make me tan: False! Even if you use a sunscreen with a high SPF you will still get a tan, as there are no creams that can completely insulate the skin from the sun's rays.  Applying sunscreen, on the contrary, allows you to obtain a safe, gradual and longer-lasting tan, avoiding burns, erythema and reducing the risk of suffering from skin cancer tomorrow.
• Sun improves acne: It depends, the sun's rays tend to have an anti-inflammatory effect, but excessive exposure to UV rays can have the opposite effect. It is subjective, for some people it helps, for others it only contributes to making the situation worse.
• Tanning lamps help prepare the skin for the sun: It depends! The tan produced by sunbeds does not create real effective protection against UV radiation, but only has the effect of starting the melanin production process (melanogenesis) faster so that you go to the beach with melanin already 'activated'. 

Before exposure to the sun, it is always advisable to apply sunscreen evenly, remembering to reapply it every three hours.
There are many types of sunscreens, from the more watery ones suitable for oily skin to those with a creamier texture to keep dry skin moisturised. For those who want sun protection that can be reapplied often during the day, it is possible to buy powder products. It is therefore recommended to use a product not only with a high SPF, but also specific to your skin type!

It is important to protect our skin to avoid unpleasant consequences, so do not hesitate to contact our Lugano studio for any doubts or clarifications or for a personalised consultation.

Foto di Arturo Rivera su Unsplash