THESolar supplements for the skin: yes or no? Those who try them hardly leave them because at the end of the season they notice smoother, hydrated and less “emptied” skin, as well as a more uniform tan. Solar supplements for the skin are in fact designed to be a fundamental aid in the summerso as to fully enjoy the sun.
Solar supplements for the skin: what they are
«Sun supplements are products that contain specific nutrients designed to support skin health and provide internal protection against sun damage” explains Clarissa Pirillo, Head of Communication at Rougj.
The substances that compose them they work by partly hindering the harmful effects of the sun and enhancing the positive ones: «Inside they are beta-carotene and lycopene, carotenoids able to intensify the tan and protect the skin with their antioxidant power» explains the expert.
Which? “The vitamins C, A and E with antioxidant action able to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin for a more hydrated and elastic skin. Copper, which guarantees a homogeneous pigmentation of the skin. Zinc and selenium which protect against photoaging counteracting free radicals and reducing the likelihood of erythema or skin spots developing».
Protection from UV damage and nourished skin: the functions of supplements
What are the main functions of supplements? “First of all they provide antioxidants that help fight free radicals caused by UV rays: they act in fact by reducing inflammation, thanks to plant extracts with anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the skin from future damage”.
Then «Vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that help maintain elasticity, hydration and epidermal structure».
Do solar supplements prevent sunburn?
As the expert explains, solar supplements are absolutely not substitutes for sunscreens: the cap protects the epidermis from damage caused by UV rays, both in terms of photoaging, burns and rashes.
The supplements they do not directly repair any sunburn but provide the skin with internal support preventing future damage. This is why they are an added plus to your summer routine.
Are all supplements the same? Three types to try
Although many solar supplements have ingredients in common, they are not all the same. Those antioxidants act as a barrier against photoaging: the formulation contains anti-aging ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, which keeps the levels of elastin and collagen intact, and the vitamins C and E that counteract sun damage. In some cases there are also omegas 3 and 6.
The tanning supplements instead they have the function of helping the skin in the production of melanin. They exploit ingredients such as psoralens and tyrosine which they increase photosensitivity to the skin and stimulate the emergence of dark pigments.
Post-exposure supplements, on the other hand, are taken after the holiday, are specific for stimulating the formation of elastin and collagen. They are usually based on collagen, vitamins such as C, B2, B3 and B8 which act by re-nourishing the skin tissues, and minerals such as zinc, manganese and copper which protect cells from oxidative stress.
Without particular contraindications
Who can take them? «I recommend them above all to people with a light phototype (blonds, blue eyes, freckles) and who tend to burn, to those who have overly sensitive skin and are subject to dermatological diseases caused by the sun, i.e. photodermatitis. They are also very suitable for whom suffer from frequent sunburn or have a family history of sun-related problems and premature aging of the skin» explains the expert.
Furthermore, as he points out, they are also particularly recommended to those who spend a lot of time outdoors and also to those who live in areas where there is intense exposure to the sun.
To enjoy all the benefits, take it at least one month before sun exposure quit 2-3 weeks after the end of summer. This ensures a long, golden tan all season long.
The right “solar” power supply
Yes to integrate them into the diet: «The substances contained in the supplements are the same that we find in food but they are hardly taken in a balanced way during meals» explains the expert.
In the Mediterranean diet there are naturally present foods and components that prepare the skin for sun exposure such as i tomatoes, rich in lycopenes including the carotenoid, carrots and beets with their beta-carotene, fresh fish, citrus fruits with vitamin C, olive oil. All of these are foods that reinforce and support the action of supplements.
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