Health experts in France warn that attempting to prepare the skin for sun exposure using UV cabins, dietary supplements, or auto-bronzants is ineffective [1].

These warnings come as residents prepare for the summer season. The practice is concerning to medical professionals because these methods do not provide actual protection against ultraviolet rays and may expose individuals to additional health hazards [2].

Julien Ménielle, a health expert, said that these common solutions have never demonstrated scientific efficacy [1]. He said that the belief that one can build a protective layer of pigment through artificial means before a vacation is a misconception [1].

This lack of protection is particularly dangerous given the rising rates of dermatological issues in France. Annual skin cancer diagnoses in the country range between 141,200 and 243,500 cases [3]. This represents a more than three-fold increase in new skin cancer cases from 1990 to 2023 [3].

Experts said that UV cabins are especially risky. These devices emit concentrated radiation that damages the skin's DNA, which can accelerate the development of tumors [2]. While auto-bronzants do not carry the same radiation risk, they provide a false sense of security that may lead people to skip essential sunscreen application [1].

Dietary supplements marketed for sun protection are also viewed as ineffective by the medical community. There is no evidence that these pills create a biological shield against the sun's rays [1]. The only reliable way to prevent sun damage is through consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sunlight hours [2].

“These solutions have never demonstrated efficacy”

The persistence of 'skin preparation' myths suggests a gap between public perception and dermatological science. As skin cancer rates in France triple over three decades, the reliance on artificial tanning and supplements may be contributing to a delayed adoption of proven preventative measures, potentially increasing the long-term burden on the public health system.