Tanning is characterized by a brownish colouring of the skin. This coloration occurs under the effect of ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun or tanning lamps. It is caused by the formation in the skin of a black pigment called melanin. Melanin absorbs UV rays. The formation of melanin is therefore a natural reaction of skin protection against UV rays. The resulting tan is a sign that the skin has reacted after suffering deep cellular damage.
The sun is essential to life. However, excessive exposure to UV rays it emits can be harmful to your health.
But first of all, what is dangerous in the sun? These are the famous UV rays, whose index can be measured today, the latter varying according to the position of the sun. Where they are most intense, it is between 12h and 16h, hours during which it is better not to expose. In addition, often forgotten, these rays are already starting to be dangerous in the spring.
If tanning is the natural defence of our skin against UVB rays, it is imperative to use a sun protection product in addition, because melanin absorbs and protects only partially solar radiation.
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen indicates the level of protection of the cream against UVB rays, ie its ability to protect against sunburn. If you get sunburns easily or use photo-sensitizing drug therapy, always choose a 50+ index. Likewise for your children.

A strong SPF index does not prevent tanning but slows down the tan. Better protected from the sun, the skin will thicken less in response and ultimately the tan will be more bright and pretty. You therefore have every interest in favouring more than 15 or 20 index in all cases. Even with the highest SPF index, some rays still pass through the cream, which can never offer “total” protection. That is why it is very important to renew the application of its sunscreen every 2 hours.
Exposure to the sun allows tanning, but it also causes several negative effects on the skin:
• Sun burn
• Intense dehydration
• Early skin aging (wrinkles, spots)
• Allergies
In order to protect the skin against these discomforts, it is recommended to use an after-sun care. But beware, not just any! Make sure it does not contain mineral oils, esterified or hydrogenated, but vegetable oils. Only the latter are rich in restorative and antioxidant compounds, be they essential fatty acids or vitamins (A and E in particular).

Recommendations from DERMAVISION :

• Protective face and body milk Sothys SPF / SPF 30- Emulsion 2-in-1 face and body ideal to protect all skin respecting the recommendations of use. Skin type – All skin types. Active ingredients: Calcified algae – Helps to fight against Infrared, Sunflower flower extract – Limit the appearance of “Sunburn cells” and enhance the natural protection of the skin, Celligent ™ – optimizes the cellular functioning of the skin and preserves its youth capital.
• Milk after sun regenerating body Sothys – Smooth and melting milk to comfort immediately and sublimate the skin. Active ingredients: Indian plant extract that provides the necessary comfort to the skin after exposure to the sun (Boerhavia Diffusa). Association of chaste berry and acetyl tyrosine fruit extract that act on the synthesis of melanin and promote a radiant and lasting tan.
• Care after sun anti-aging face Sothys – Care formula with the light and slippery texture to wrap the skin with a veil of softness and comfort and preserve the youth capital of the skin during the exposure period. Skin type – All skin types. Active ingredients: Lychee extract – known for its anti-aging properties. Indian Plant Extract: Association of Chasteberry Fruit Extract and Acetyl Tyrosine. Celligent active: a synergistic combination of active molecules of natural origin based on rice, rosemary, cane and sugar beet. It helps to optimize the cellular functioning of the skin and thus preserves its youth capital.
Watch out for sunburn!
The sunburn is a burn. If the skin changes colour afterwards, it is only for pure defense. At first it blushes (it’s vasodilatation) because the body orders its blood vessels to grow so that the flow of blood is greater and the body cools faster. Then it turns brown, producing a high dose of melanin in an attempt to save the cells. This has the effect of coloring the skin but not long lasting and especially on dry skin. After a sunburn, we peel and it is not very glamorous.
Artificial tanning – the risks :
Many organizations and governments are adamant that artificial tanning is harmful to the health of the person or the person who does it.
• In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, it is believed to cause the appearance of actinic keratoses, a precancerous condition that affects only the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis). These small lesions appear after two or three years of regular use of the tanning beds.
• It is believed to be the cause of Bowen’s disease, a rare type of skin cancer that is characterized by the presence of red and flat skinned placards (plaques). The disease is rebellious to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The risk of cancer of the lung, kidney or large intestine would also be higher among artificial tanning enthusiasts.
• Excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays would cause burns, weakened skin tissue and, in the long term, premature aging of the skin. The latter is attributable to the breakdown of collagen present in the skin, which in turn reduces its elasticity.
This degradation of the carnal envelope would lead to the appearance of wrinkles. However, people who usually look for the tanned complexion that seems healthy pledge to them are the same ones who hardly accept the appearance of these signs of aging.
The risks associated with tanning beds go beyond the effects on the skin. Many experts argue that the ultraviolet rays associated with tanning lamps can cause eye damage, inflammation of the eye, cataracts, pterygium (white veil on the cornea), or even photo conjunctivitis (red eyes and inflammation attributable to light).

The benefits of tanning :
There are multiple effects of the sun on the body. First, ultraviolet rays allow the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. This vitamin has the role of maintaining calcium in the bones so that a solid skeleton is available. Vitamin D is therefore essential to fight against osteoporosis.
Tanning is also effective to fight against certain skin diseases. Psoriasis and vitiligo, in particular, use UV as a treatment. Reasonably exposed to the sun, the skin is less prone to pimples: teenagers complain less about their acne after the holidays.
The sun is known to be effective in preventing certain cancers such as breast, prostate, ovarian, colon and blood.
Finally, tanning acts on the morale, as a natural anti-depressant. It slows the production of melatonin which sometimes causes a wave to the soul. And then, to see everything tanned in the mirror gives back the smile!

To enjoy all the benefits of the sun and tanning, the exposure must be more than moderate. Otherwise you will “benefit” from the harmful effects of the sun. And the limit between moderate exposure and over-exposure is fine. So be careful …