The dictates of appearance have emphasized for many years the importance of sporting a perfectly tanned complexion. The best is still to keep it all year round. For this, there is now an easy solution that many have turned to: self-tanning pills. However, there are all sorts of rumors about these potential harms: they supposedly cause cancer and lead to sterility, while others claim the opposite. So where does the truth lie?
The temptation is great before summer to achieve a perfect tan even before exposing oneself to the sun, just to make other naturally pale vacationers as pale as aspirin envy. For this, one can use the famous self-tanning creams, but consumers are fed up, finding the cream too cumbersome.
So the solution was easily found: the self-tanning pill. Brands are doubling their creativity and promise protection, enhancement, and acceleration of tanning. No need to sunbathe, they say, the tan comes naturally, and if the sun gets involved, the outcome should be perfect.
How does it work?
To be taken about a month before and during the sun exposure period, and sometimes even after, they are supposed to prepare the skin for tanning and even protect it. Even more impressive: some also promise to slow down the inevitable skin aging caused by harmful UV rays.
Most of these pills are composed of a nutrient everyone has heard of: beta-carotene. A natural nutrient found especially in carrots and tomatoes, but unlike UV rays, it does not act on melanin. Specialists are clear: it colors the skin but offers no protection against sun rays. So, caution is advised.
However, self-tanning pills claim to have the answer: they are said to have the virtue of accelerating melanin production in the skin, thus making tanning appear more quickly. This claim is contested by ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), which has twice explained that they see no probable link between taking a self-tanning pill and an increase in melanin.
So if you choose to use them, make sure to stay well hydrated and care for your skin daily, as these are essential complementary actions for the health of your epidermis.
The best option remains to trust nature; carrots and tomatoes will be your best allies for a beautiful summer tan, along with protected and limited sun exposure.
