Getting tan quickly is the goal of many when summer is here. But how does this actually work in a healthy way? BRIGITTE will show you.
Summer lures us to the door with its warming rays of sunshine, which provide a pleasant feeling on the skin. But in addition to the feeling, there is also a visible effect of these UV rays: tanned skin. But how does this tanning process actually work and how can you speed it up so you can tan quickly? We’ll tell you.
How does the sun tan the skin?
When skin tans, it doesn’t do it to bless you with a darker complexion. It’s actually a Protective mechanism of your skin to protect your genetic material. This is attacked by the UV-A and UV-B rays in sunlight. Therefore, when exposed to UV-B radiation, the skin produces melanin as a skin pigment that protects the cell nucleus, in which the DNA is ultimately located. The UV-A rays, on the other hand, strengthen the light calluses that have already developed, which is why, conversely, we become browner and browner with prolonged exposure to the sun. As quickly as the tan comes, it can also go away as soon as the strong protection is no longer necessary. This usually happens when you fly back home from vacation. Not every person can do one of these Self-protection build up. This always includes children and people with skin type I.
Sunbathe in the sun – but with caution!
A leisurely sunbath sounds tempting, but it also has its dangers. Sunburn occurs quickly, especially with Nordic skin, which is otherwise less exposed to direct sunlight. Sunbathing is taboo for children and people with the first skin type. The risk of getting sunburned quickly is simply far too great. Especially then, the use of sunscreen is extremely important and not only protects against sunburn, but also against skin cancer.
Your own skin type and the appropriate sun protection factor
Where you live and where you come from play a crucial role in the sun protection factor you need for your skin. The lighter your skin type, the more sun protection you need. Basically, it can be said that no one can go wrong with a sun protection factor of 50. Because there is a widespread misunderstanding here. A sunscreen 50 or even 50+ protects not stronger from the UV rays, but longer. This means reapplying less often throughout the day – because, yes, sunscreen has to be reapplied every few hours. But how do you find the right sun protection for yourself? You can use the following information as a guide:
Skin type I
Very fair skin, gets sunburned easily, reddish-blond hair, light eyes (blue, green), freckles, doesn’t tan. Self-protection time: 3 to 5 minutes. Sun protection factor: at least 50
Skin type II
Fair skin, often gets sunburned, blonde or brownish hair with red accents, lighter eyes, freckles possible, rarely tans. Self-protection time: 10 to 20 minutes. Sun protection factor: at least 30
Skin type III
Light to medium complexion, sometimes prone to sunburns, dark blonde to brown hair, medium to dark eyes, tans slowly. Self-protection time: 20 to 30 minutes. Sun protection factor: 15 – 30
Skin type IV
Medium-dark complexion with olive-colored accents, rare sunburn, dark brown hair, dark eyes (occasionally also light ones), tans quickly. Self-protection time: 30 to 40 minutes. Sun protection factor: 10 – 15
Skin type V
Dark complexion, sunburn very rarely, dark brown to black hair, dark brown eyes. Self-protection time: 40 to 60 minutes. Sun protection factor: 6 – 10
Skin type VI
Very dark skin, sunburn very rarely, black hair, dark eyes. Self-protection time: 60 to 90 minutes. Sun protection factor: 6
This is how you apply sunscreen correctly
A small dab of sunscreen is not enough. Use at least that much for the face Sun protection the size of a 2 euro coin. Spread the cream evenly over your face until everything is covered. Pay particular attention to the forehead and nose, as these two highest points can quickly burn.
The rest of the body will too not skimped on and applied generously, so it almost feels like you’re using too much lotion. Only then is it the right amount.
You apply cream depending on your skin type and sun protection factor every two to three hours after. By the way, you can use a simple formula to calculate when it is time to reapply the sunscreen. You now know your own protection time by determining your skin type. Multiply this number by your sun protection factor. Here’s an example: As skin type II, you have 10 to 20 minutes of self-protection and your chosen sunscreen has SPF30. Now it’s 10 x 30 = 300. This means you can stay in the sun for at least 300 minutes after applying sunscreen without having to renew your sunscreen. You should renew the sunscreen after 600 minutes at the latest, because: 20 x 30 = 600 – i.e. the maximum of your own protection times the protection that the sunscreen offers you.
This formula can be used from skin type II, Skin type I and children should reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after going into the water.
In our sunscreen test we show you the best lotions and creams to protect your skin.
Get tanned quickly despite sunscreen?
You can always get a tan if you don’t have skin type I – even with sunscreen. Even much healthier than without using sunscreen. This is because your skin doesn’t burn as quickly. With sunscreen, the melanin can be built up evenly without burning your skin first.
By the way, not only your skin should be protected from UV radiation, but also your hair. Of course, we would also be happy to show you the perfect sun protection for your hair.
Self-tanner as a healthy alternative? That’s how quickly it works
If you burn easily or want a less damaging alternative to sunbathing, self-tanner is a good idea. It doesn’t matter whether it’s gel, lotion or foam – you can also treat yourself to a spray tan in a studio. Just make sure you don’t wear any clothes that are important to you for the first 24 hours. Besides, you should Wear long pants when sleepingotherwise you’ll quickly have the color in your bed linen.
Things are a little different with self-tanners for at home; lotions and gels in particular are absorbed more quickly. Long pants still don’t hurt when sleeping. It is best to apply the foam with a suitable glove so that you can distribute it evenly.
Get a tan quickly thanks to a solarium?
A tanning bed is just another form of sun. This is where lamps come into play that act like UV rays that occur near the equator when the sky is clear at midday. So it’s not healthier, but a way to get some tan in winter when the sun is hidden behind thick clouds. You typically don’t apply sunscreen beforehand; instead, the strength is adjusted to your skin type.
Particularly quick tan with tinted day cream
There’s no quicker way to get a tan on your face than with a tinted day cream or use a tinted sunscreen. The ones included Pigments lie over your skin like a foundation without appearing mask-like. A healthy complexion is conjured up and your skin is also hydrated thanks to the additional nourishing substances in the cream.
How effective are tanning capsules?
Tanning capsules certainly have a positive effect on the complexion, but they also tend to give the skin an orange-colored tone. This is mainly due to the ingredients such as beta-carotene. This substance is contained in carrots, for example, which give them their distinctive color.
The myth of brown skin due to carrots – what’s true?
Do you want a golden complexion? Then carrots are your keyword. Three pieces a day If you eat these healthy vegetables, they cause your skin to discolor. But as already mentioned, you won’t actually get a tan; if you use too much, you’ll end up with an orange-colored skin tone. That’s why three carrots are completely sufficient. After three months, you will not only see a change in your complexion – your general health will also improve, as carrots are good against acne or eczema, among other things, but also boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. They also relieve fatty deposits in the arteries.
Sources used: bfs.de, tk.de