What is a sunscreen?

In short, a suntan lotion, as its name suggests, is a cosmetic product designed to stimulate the skin to tan. They are a good option for those people who take time to color or who simply do not have many days to do so.They can be applied to any part of the body that we want to turn golden faster.

Bronzers or tanning accelerators can have different presentations and textures, although the most common is in an oil bottle with a spray or drip applicator. Although we will deal with this issue later, it is essential to acquire a sunscreen with SPF or, failing that, combine its application with that of a product that does have it.

What advantages and disadvantages can a suntan lotion have?

Practically, all products have advantages and disadvantages, which can depend both on the composition and on the particular reaction of each person. What is good for some is bad for others. Bronzers, of course, are no exception. However, when used correctly and thoughtfully, they have many more pros than cons.

Advantages

• Accelerate the acquisition of tan.
• The results are also more durable.
• They moisturize the skin that is lost with sun exposure.
• The skin is smoother.
• Many have antibacterial properties that eliminate the bad smell of sweat.

• They can cause acne breakouts or reactions in people with sensitive skin.

How do sunscreens work?

Suntan lotions are designed for sunbathing. In other words, they don’t tan on their own, like self-tanners do. A tanning accelerator stimulates the production of melanin, which is a skin pigment that is synthesized when exposed to the sun and protects us from ultraviolet rays. The more melanin you make, the deeper your tan will be.

Be that as it may, even using a suntan lotion, there will always be people who tan faster than others, or whose tan lasts longer. This depends on your natural melanin levels, which cannot be altered. A light-skinned person will always get different results than a darker-skinned person.

How should a sunscreen be applied?

By now you should know: how a sunscreen is applied is very important so that it is not harmful. The main advice we can give you, to begin with, is that you sunbathe only at the recommended times, that you cover the most sensitive parts of your body and that you do not skimp on sun protection. Besides that:

1. Spread the bronzer on all the areas of the body that you want to darken faster. Do it before you leave home.
2. After about ten to fifteen minutes, or when the suntan lotion has been completely absorbed, apply an SPF cream. You can skip this step if your tan accelerator has a factor of 30 or higher.
3. When you finish sunbathing, cleanse your skin of possible product residue and apply an aftersun or a moisturizing and soothing lotion.

Are sunscreens safe?

Many people ask this question, so it is important to give an honest answer for which we have to consider several aspects. To begin with, there are people with very fair skin for whom sunbathing is always harmful, since they burn easily and burns exponentially increase the possibility of skin cancer.

Beyond these extreme cases, in the words of Dr. Cristina Eguren Michelena, member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), “in themselves, tan enhancers are not bad. The problem is that, for them to act, it is necessary to tan, that is, to expose themselves to the sun and that is the problem.