Top tips for sun tanning
Even as one of the most common non-invasive skin procedures, tanning is surrounding by many misconceptions. To tan well, and tan safely, follow these tips!
Tip #1: Exfoliate your skin before exposing it to the sun.
Exfoliating your skin a few days before sun exposure can help optimize the tanning process. After removing dead skin cells and thereby stimulating cell renewal, smooth and uniform skin will tan faster and more effectively. As a general rule, for those with ‘normal’ , ‘combo’, or ‘oily’ skin, it should be done about 3 days before sunbathing. Those with ‘dry’ or ‘combo’ skin may want to opt for a farther date. Keep in mind that exfoliation performed a day (or sooner) before exposure risks weakening the skin to sunburn.
Tip #2: Specific Diets
A good tan relies more on just good preparation and high UV; a good tan can be aided by a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, mangoes, or peaches are particularly beneficial. Once ingested, beta-carotene is converted into retinol, the active form of vitamin A, in the intestinal mucosa. The presence of retinol in the blood stimulates melanogenesis, which is the synthesis of melanin.
You can also consider turning to dietary supplements rich in beta-carotene, which contain a higher concentration of beta-carotene than traditional foods. The initial effects of supplement cans appear within a month, though the ideal duration is three months.
Tip #3: Tanning Activator Treatments
Typically applied two weeks before exposure, so-called “tanning activators” help to prepare the synthesis of melanin. These treatments are suitable for all skin tones, but are primarily intended for those with fair skin who have difficulty tanning. Activators often contain beta-carotenes or peptides to stimulate melanogenesis. Most tanning activators are also formulated with antioxidant molecules, such as vitamin E or polyphenols, to provide skin protection against the harmful action of free radicals, which are produced following UV exposure.
Tip #4: Consider a self-tanner
The use of self-tanners is becoming increasingly common, and for good reason, these treatments give the skin a tanned hue without having to expose oneself to UV rays. People with fair skin particularly benefit from this type of care, due to their difficulty in tanning in the sun without burning. Most self-tanners contain a plant-derived molecule, called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Once applied to the skin, this compound causes a brownish hue on the skin in 4-6 hours. By reacting with the amino acids in the corneal layer of the epidermis through a Maillard reaction to form pigments: melanoidins, which are responsible for the skin's coloration.
Tip #5: Do not forget to protect yourself.
Always remember that fair skin is highly sensitive to UV rays. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with this skin type to protect themselves when exposed to the sun, or they risk developing a sunburns. For proper protection, apply of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you have fair skin, opt for an SPF 50 product, which offers greater protection than an SPF 30. The latter is more suitable for individuals with darker skin. Sunscreen should be applied approximately fifteen minutes before going outside, and this step should be repeated every two hours during prolonged exposure.
It is also recommended to tan gradually. To do this, start off by exposing yourself to sunlight for short durations (less than thirty minutes) and then slowly increase the exposure time. This will help to limit the risk of sunburn and burns. However, if you ever feel any discomfort or heat, head inside and apply an after-sun care product to hydrate the skin and prevent it from peeling.
Lastly, try to avoid tanning/sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the time of day when UV rays are usually the most intense and the most dangerous.
