Why Take a Sun Care Supplement?
Sun care supplements support the skin before, during and after periods of sun exposure. Their formulas combine different active ingredients and nutrients selected to support the skin’s natural pigmentation, preserve its radiance and promote an even, harmonious tan.
Preparing Your Skin Before Your First Sun Exposure
A sun supplement helps prepare the skin from within as the warmer days approach or before you leave on holiday. It provides pigments, antioxidants and nutrients that complement those found in a varied, balanced diet.
Promoting a Sun-Kissed Complexion and an Even Tan
Some sun supplements contain active ingredients that contribute to the skin’s natural pigmentation. Copper, for example, contributes to normal skin pigmentation. A suitable course of supplementation can therefore support the gradual appearance of a sun-kissed complexion and help maintain its radiance after sun exposure.
Helping Protect the Skin from Oxidative Stress
Sun exposure encourages the production of free radicals. Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin E and selenium help protect cells from oxidative stress. They can be combined with carotenoids or plant oils to create a complete formula.
Which Sun Supplement Should You Choose?
Your choice will depend on the formula’s ingredients, your diet and the results you are looking for. Some tanning supplements focus on plant-based pigments, while others combine active ingredients that support pigmentation with antioxidant nutrients.
Carotenoids to Support Skin Radiance and Pigmentation
Carotenoids are pigments naturally found in many fruits, vegetables, plants and microalgae. Beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin can all be combined in a single sun supplement to help support a radiant complexion.
Melanin to Naturally Promote and Prolong a Tan
Melanin is the pigment naturally responsible for the colour of the skin and hair. Supplements formulated to support its production may be chosen to prepare the skin for sun exposure, support a deeper-looking tan and help visibly prolong the tan.
Antioxidant Active Ingredients to Support Sun-Exposed Skin
Formulas may also contain vitamin E, selenium or antioxidant plant extracts. Other ingredients, such as evening primrose oil, are valued for their fatty acid content and complement supplements designed to support the skin’s beauty throughout the summer.
How Should You Use Sun Supplements?
To get the most from your course of supplementation, follow the recommended daily dose and duration of use stated on the product. Sun supplements should form part of a broader routine that includes a balanced diet, sufficient hydration and responsible sun exposure habits.
Starting Your Course Before Sun Exposure
Depending on the formula you choose, start taking your supplement a few days or several weeks before your first sun exposure. This allows the body to gradually receive the active ingredients and nutrients contained in the supplement.
Continuing During and After Your Holiday
The course can generally be continued throughout the period of sun exposure and after your holiday to help maintain the complexion’s radiance and prolong your tan. Always follow the specific instructions provided for each formula.
Combining Your Supplement with Suitable Sun Protection
A sun supplement does not contain UV filters and can never replace sunscreen. Apply a product with an SPF suited to your phototype, reapply it regularly and avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day.
