How to tan better while avoiding the harmful effects of the sun?

The sun recharges the body with vitamin D and has a positive effect on our mental health. Many of us love the healthy glow or the appearance of our skin with a tan. 

However, prolonged exposure to the sun carries risks (ranging from simple allergy to skin cancer). Even with sunscreen, sunbathing is not without risk. 

So follow our few tips to tan faster by avoiding prolonged exposure to UV rays. 

Ready, Set ? Tan!  

Dietary side

The main carotenoids (antioxidants) that reduce sun damage are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. 

Eat foods containing beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are the champions (10500ug/100g of cooked sweet potato). But other foods like carrots, peppers and spinach can help reduce sun sensitivity and therefore promote a tan. 

Also eat foods rich in lycopene. Tomatoes, watermelon, (star fruit of the summer in addition) or even grapefruit are rich in this antioxidant from the carotenoid family. Lycopene helps to naturally protect the skin against UV rays. 

This is also one of the reasons why we have chosen to include it in our La Peau formula! Lycopene helps fight free radicals that damage skin cells. R esponsible for the red color of certain fruits and vegetables , it plays a beneficial role in the complexion of the skin . 

UV rays weaken the immunity of the skin. However, when carotenoids are present in large numbers in the body, they locally reinforce the immune response, in particular at the level of the epidermis. 

We advise you to consume foods rich in beta-carotene or lycopene, cooked, with a fat (olive oil for example) to optimize absorption. Pasta with homemade tomato sauce? 

Vitamins C and E are to be consumed without moderation this summer for their antioxidant effects. UV rays on skin tissue produce free radicals and therefore inflammation. The role of these vitamins is to reduce the damage that the skin has suffered. 

Let's not forget the anti-inflammatory action of omega-3s on the skin. Oily fish, rapeseed or flaxseed oil, stock up on these good products! 

Outer side

Get ready before tanning. Prepping your skin before going outside can help your tan last longer. For example, try exfoliating your skin before tanning. Skin that has not been exfoliated is more susceptible to flaking. Using Aloe Vera gel after tanning can also help your tan last longer and rehydrate your skin. 

It's a myth: sunscreen does not prevent tanning but does protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply sunscreen every two hours to block both UVA and UVB rays. Your sunscreen is your best friend to protect the skin from sun damage. Tanning oil and others are to be banned! 

Don't stay on your beach towel longer than your skin can create melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for tanning. We all have a melanin threshold, which is usually 2-3 hours. After this time, your skin will no longer darken. No need to tan beyond this point, you will put your skin at risk. Find the shade! By taking breaks, you will reduce the risk of burns and allow your skin to rest from the intense heat.

Finally, our Skin product protects, moisturizes and repairs the skin before, during and after exposure to the sun, thanks in particular to Maïtake , which is a very powerful antioxidant. It fights against external aggressions as well as Zinc with its anti-inflammatory action , the skin is protected. Hyaluronic Acid is responsible for the plumped and hydrated appearance of the skin. Copper and Lycopene eliminate damaged connective tissue and unify the complexion: the youth of the skin is preserved.

Small bonus: its portable format is perfect for easy transport this summer!

Make smart use of the sun!