Skin tans when cells called melanocytes react to UV damage by producing a pigment called melanin to protect skin cells by absorbing UV radiation. In short, it is not possible to induce tanning without first exposing skin to damaging UV radiation that puts skin at risk of burning, premature ageing and skin cancer. The best way to tan without damaging skin is to use a self-tan product.
Sun exposure puts you at risk of sunburn, as well as the long-term dangers of premature ageing and skin cancer. To stay safe in the sun, seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm, wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses. In addition to these measures, generously apply broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen every 2 hours to any area of exposed skin.
For the first 4 weeks after your tattoo procedure, the skin is still healing which means it is very vulnerable to the sun and at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark brown discoloration), as well as pigment fading of your tattoo. Protect it with a skin barrier recovery cream integrating SPF50 such as CICAPLAST Baume B5 SPF50.
SPF stands for “sun protection factor”. It relates to your sunscreen’s ability to protect skin against UVB rays which cause burning. The higher the number, the greater the protection. When in the sun, you are recommended to apply a minimum of SPF 30 every 2 hours. A golfball-sized amount is required for the whole body.
Absolutely not! Spray tans react with dead cells at skin’s surface to “dye” the skin. This has no bearing whatsoever on the skin’s defences against the sun. Spray tanning is much safer than conventional tanning, but you must continue to protect your skin from the sun after a spray tan using broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen.
For these reasons, when skin is damaged, weakened or healing, it is especially important to protect it with sunscreen you can trust, which should be formulated to be well tolerated even on fragilized skin. Your top formulas should also integrate soothing active ingredients such as thermal spring water to help calm your vulnerable skin as you protect.
In the articles below, you will find our expert recommendations about which sunscreen to use on fragilized or healing skin in different situations. For example, a non-comedogenic formula is the way to go for acne-prone skin, while an ultra-hypoallergenic formula would be the best choice for allergy-prone skin.
We’ll also tell you how to cool, calm and protect sunburnt skin, plus when you might need to see a doctor.
This section is also the place to find information about sun protection in the context of cancer treatment.
Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.
