Bronzer: understand how the product accelerates the tanning of the skin

Currently, it is no secret to anyone that all exposure to the sun – whether on beaches or swimming pools – must be done consciously and with adequate protection. If done improperly, it can pose serious risks to the skin and general health of the person.

In this sense, Carolina Marçon, dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, highlights that it is extremely important that the product used before and during sun exposure has a broad spectrum of protection, that is, it protects against UVA and UVB rays. “This way, cancer and premature aging of the skin are avoided,” she says.

When it comes to sun exposure, in addition to sunscreens, many people immediately think of tanning products – products with the proposal to accelerate or enhance the tan – and then, inevitably, the question arises: are they safe?

Carolina Marçon explains that these products available on the market generally do not offer photoprotection and may pose risks. “So, suntan lotions can be used, as long as they are approved by Organs regulatory bodies (Anvisa) and their use is associated with effective sunscreens”, she highlights.

How do bronzers work?

To react to the effects of UVA and UVB rays, the skin produces more melanin, darkening itself in an attempt to produce natural self-protection. Carolina Marçon highlights that the result of skin darkening began to be valued by aesthetics and fashion, being considered a healthy effect for the skin’s appearance. “That’s why so many people exposed themselves to the sun inappropriately for several decades, aiming for the so-called ‘perfect tan’”, she comments.

To increase the tanning potential, according to Carolina, a product made up of tyrosine was invented – a substance that acts by accelerating the natural production of melanin and inducing greater pigmentation, even in the lightest skins. “Tyrosine is an amino acid that acts on the skin, reaching melanocytes, which are the cells specialized in melanin production”, explains the dermatologist.

Carolina Marçon also highlights that, exposed to the sun – with or without tanning cream –, melanin will always be produced to dye the skin in order to prevent the passage of too much solar radiation and, consequently, cellular damage. “Some skins, which are lighter, will have less protection due to the lower (genetically determined) ability to produce melanin, and erythema and burns will occur more frequently and in a shorter time. Black skin, which has melanin as an abundant protection, will not need to tan as a response to the aggression of the sun”, she explains.

Bronzer X Protector

Most people have doubts about the subject, but the fact is that sunscreen and suntan lotion are different substances – and the use of one does not affect the performance of the other at all.

Carolina Marçon explains that the filter has the role of creating an artificial barrier to the harmful effects of the sun’s rays on the skin. The tanning cream, on the other hand, is a product that accelerates the production of melanin in any type of sun exposure.

“Actually, today, many of the tanning products available in the national and international market are equipped with sunscreens, which are generally very powerful. In the same way, it is possible to purchase several types of filters that contain bronzers in their composition”, highlights the dermatologist.

A lot of people don’t know, but with the use of the two products together, the effect is much more efficient, because tanning occurs quickly, without the need for the person to abuse sun exposure to obtain a pleasant aesthetic effect. “Furthermore, the tan is obtained in a healthier and more natural way, and the result is that it is gradually lost over time, not generating the unpleasant effect of ‘peeling’ that, in addition to being ugly, can leave more permanent marks on the skin”, highlights dermatologist Carolina.

Bronzers tested and approved by bloggers

Thássia Naves, from Blog da Thássia, has already declared that her “darling” bronzer is the Australian Gold brand. She also tested and approved the tanning lotion from the Nivea Sun line.

Lalá Noleto, on the other hand, said on the blog that she loves Lancaster’s Sun Beauty Tan Deepener Tinted. Blogger Claudinha Stoco, in turn, highlighted that her favorite bronzers are Banana Boat’s Deep Tanning SPF 4 Bronzer and Australian Gold’s Instant Bronzer Spray Gel SPF 8.

How to achieve a beautiful and healthy tan?

Carolina Marçon cites below some fundamental measures for those who want to tan in a healthy way and keep their tan longer:

• Maintain a balanced diet;
• Drink adequate amount of fluids;
• Sunbathe in the right measure;
• Constantly use sunscreen (passing all over the body);
• Reapply the sunscreen several times a day and properly, spreading the product well;
• Wear a hat;
• Wearing sunglasses;
• Use after-sun moisturizers.

Carolina Marçon adds that some oral supplements, containing beta-carotene, vitamin C, lycopene, among others, can prevent sunburn, enhance and prolong the tan and inhibit free radicals. “But they must be indicated by the dermatologist”, she highlights.

After-sun skin care

After-sun skin hydration is extremely important to keep it looking healthy. “The appropriate moisturizer will depend on the individual characteristics of each one’s skin. With the skin hydrated, we keep the skin barrier intact, which prevents flaking and the appearance of areas of opaque color, keeping the tanned tone for longer”, highlights Carolina Marçon.

Sun care needed

Too much sun is dangerous even with sunscreen. According to dermatologist Carolina, many people delude themselves into thinking that using a high SPF just once a day, or a low SPF several times a day, is enough, and they end up exposing themselves too much to the sun. “Or, many times, people do not spread the product evenly throughout the skin, not even after contact with water”, she comments.

“Some people also believe that using FPS automatically means that they can abuse the sun at all times. In this illusion, many people have suffered the evils due to the sun much earlier. All care is little”, adds the dermatologist.

self tanners

Carolina Marçon explains that self-tanning products are a great option for women who want to get a healthy tan without exposing themselves to the damage caused by solar radiation.

According to the dermatologist, the product contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that reacts with the skin’s keratin, producing a brownish substance, melanoidin. “The reaction is healthy and does not harm the body. However, it is important that the person knows how to apply the product in the correct way, since, when spread poorly, it can cause orange spots”, she says.

Below, the professional explains how to use the self-tanner correctly:

Exfoliation: before applying the product, exfoliate in the bath to eliminate excess dead cells. After showering, dry yourself well and do not apply any other cream or moisturizer before the self-tanner.

Application: It is important to wear gloves or wash your hands immediately afterwards. Otherwise, the palm will also be dyed, and may even stain clothing.

Distribution: the self-tanner should be applied with long, methodical movements to ensure an even distribution. “The tan tends to get darker in certain areas of the body, such as heels, knees and elbows. If this happens, apply a moistened cotton pad to these parts to dilute the self-tanning shade”, says Carolina.

Face: when applying the self-tanner on the face, put a little on the forehead, nose, chin, cheekbones and neck, and then spread the product well, from the inside out. “Don’t forget regions like the back of the neck and the area behind the ears”, adds the dermatologist.

Reapplication: after the first application, the product can be reapplied daily until the desired effect is obtained. “To maintain color, apply self-tanner 1 to 2 times a week. Wait approximately 30 minutes before getting dressed, until the product dries completely”, explains Carolina.

Finally, the doctor highlights that tanned skin is not synonymous with protected skin! “It is always necessary to use a sun protection factor to prevent skin damage, especially when the woman goes to the beach or pool”, concludes Carolina Marçon.

Now you have good tips to achieve a beautiful tan without harming your skin and health!