They promise to tan faster, more harmoniously, without spots, without sunburn or allergy type lucite . What are solar capsules really about and, most importantly, do they really do what they say?
How do solar capsules work?
They contain carotenoids that help the skin to better prepare to receive and support the sun, and at the same time boost the natural phenomena of tanning .
These carotenoids do not tint the skin. Barely a slight golden hue, similar to the skin of a baby fed carrot juice. Their real goal is to provide the epidermis powerful antioxidants that will allow it to better withstand the stress of exposure to the sun.
Do we (really) want to take it?
Yes, without hesitation if our skin has a very light phototype that does not support UV, if we are prone to sunburn or victims of lucite. This rash of pimples on the face, décolleté, arms is benign but itches horribly and spoils our first days of vacation. It recurs after each exposure and then decreases and disappears as soon as our skin is a little halted.
Do not they cause stains?
On the contrary, they help melanin to rise and spread evenly.
Solar capsules: what dosage?
Take one capsule daily (or two depending on the manufacturer) at least 15 days before exposure, same dose during the whole stay in the sun, then 15 days back to keep a beautiful tan. In case of lucite the doses are doubled.
Be careful to take them during a meal rich in lipids: they are better metabolized and avoid intestinal debacles in sensitive subjects. Finally, we repeat: they do not protect against sunburn . We must therefore apply a solar product during any exposure .
How to choose your solar capsules?
They must contain a mixture of effective carotenoids (carrot beta carotenes, tomato lycopenes, astaxanthin), vitamins C and E, powerful anti-radicals as well as green tea extracts.
Interesting also: the presence of copper that helps an enzyme, tyrosinase to make a melanin of good quality, and fish oils whose fatty acids are valuable to prevent the solar allergy that is lucite. Some also contain excellent selenium and zinc anti-aging.
Can we take solar capsules all year long?
It's a shame: to keep a radiant complexion better bet on a plate rich in red / orange fruits, rich in beta carotenes such as tomato, mango, melon, apricot, sweet potato ... Sometimes the color is hidden under chlorophyll: think of broccoli, cabbage, parsley, spinach, green salad and olives.
According to one study, beta-carotenes are dangerous for smokers. What about solar capsules?
For many years we know the favorable role of a diet rich in vegetables, particularly rich in beta-carotene in the prevention of cancers and in particular those of the lung.
But surveys conducted in France in 2006 on 60,000 women smokers or ex-smokers have shown that beta-carotenes could have an opposite effect (paradoxical) and increase their risk of lung cancer. It is therefore better not to recommend to smokers and ex-smokers dietary supplements containing beta-carotenes.
Self-tanning capsules: what's the difference with the capsules?
These food supplements are only more loaded with phytopigments than the capsules. They give us a nice golden complexion when we can not go to the sun at all. But like any dietary supplement they should not be used all year long continuously. One month is enough for a good-looking effect.
Thank you to Dr. Nadine Pomarède, dermatologist and co-author of "My Beauty Beauty Notebook" at Marabout, Dr. Michèle Sayag, Director of Medical Strategy Bioderma, Frédéric Levy, Managing Director Biocyte, Cécile Amat, Product Manager Doriance.
