“We need a little sun, it provides vitamin D and it’s good for mental health“, explained Dr Nina Roos, dermatologist during a previous interview on preparing the skin for tanning. Indeed, as soon as the sunny days return, we feel it on our morale! We want to go out, have a little coffee in the sun, walking, relaxing in a park or by the sea for the lucky ones. But be careful not to forget that even in spring, you can get sunburned and it is important to protect your skin and control your UV exposure to do so without risk.
How to effectively protect your skin from the sun for a safe tan?
You want to take advantage of the May holidays to go sunbathing and stock up on vitamin D, but don’t forget to prepare and protect your skin. We remind you of some useful tips.
How to prepare your skin for exposure to the sun?
Dr Roos reminds us that the most effective method for preparing your skin for tanning remains “taking sunscreen food supplements. In fact, these formulas “contain in particular beta-carotene, an antioxidant which is deposited in the skin, thus offering protection, via an orange filter, which limits UV penetration”, as detailed by the expert. The treatment generally begins between 15 days and 3 weeks before exposure. “Please note, these supplements do not in any way replace sun protection.“, insists the doctor. Vitamin D yes, but not to the detriment of health!
Perfect tan: how to properly apply your sunscreen and protect yourself from UV rays to avoid sunburn?
To effectively protect your skin from UV rays, Dr Roos reminds you that clothing is the best protection. Also, it is imperative not to expose yourself during the hottest hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The doctor specifies that after 5 p.m., there is generally little risk of sunburn, enough to stock up on vitamin D without danger.
And obviously sunscreen is your ally. Dr. Roos recommends the use of a “index 30 or 50 in sufficient quantity and repeat the process every 2 to 3 hours depending on where you are” and therefore depending on the intensity of UV rays.
Carrot oil, self-tanning food supplements, tanning in salons or at home: how to get a beautiful tan without exposing yourself?
And if you want to have a beautiful tan without exposing your skin to UV rays, solutions exist. Carrot oil is known to be a natural method to tan faster. In reality, this product should not be applied before exposure, especially not without SPF, but the latter is very rich in beta-carotene and its yellow and orange pigments will give a healthy glow. Therefore, prefer an application in the evening before going to bed to maintain your tan.
Then, to tan without sun, we obviously think of self-tanner. The latter can be taken in the form of food supplements or applied to the skin. You can opt for a solution to apply at home, whether it is drops to put in your body or face cream or foams, jellies, milks, etc. to apply directly to the skin. The effect is certainly temporary but it allows you to look good in spring without exposing yourself. You can also go to an institute to get a tan, where they will spray you with self-tanner in a booth. Practical to ensure uniform application!
How to prolong your tan through diet and care?
Once we have gained a beautiful, sun-kissed complexion (taking all the necessary precautions), we often seek to prolong it as long as possible. And with a few simple steps, you can preserve this shine for a long time.
If I took a lot of color
You want the effect to last as long as possible, with the added bonus of a shot of radiance. Have a light hand on make-up and fill your skin with moisturizing and repairing treatments.
The booster food. Turmeric, a super antioxidant spice that gives a healthy glow. Use it instead at the end of cooking or as a seasoning on rice, fish, meats, etc.
Appropriate care. A treatment that prolongs your tan and prevents aging + a sun powder infused with sparkling particles, to apply as a touch, avoiding fine lines.
If I start to lose my tan
Don’t wait for your colors to fade in patches. To regain an even complexion, first of all play the card of gentle exfoliation and hydration before a little self-tanning touch-up.
The booster food. Papaya, an exotic fruit rich in beta-carotene, which also helps stimulate cell renewal and strengthen the skin’s protection against UV rays. Eat it in salad, puree…
Appropriate care. A mechanical exfoliation, which helps eliminate dead cells and even out skin texture + a self-tanning serum, which also fades wrinkles.
If my skin is barely golden
It’s time to cheat but always with an ultra-natural effect thanks to tinted treatments lighter than foundation.
The booster food. Apricot, preferably eaten dry, because it is in this form that it contains the most carotenoids. Take it as a snack whenever you have a little craving.
Appropriate care. A formula based on buriti, rich in beta-carotene, which promotes tanning and instantly colors the skin thanks to its orange tint + a moisturizing, anti-pollution tinted cream, the shade of which is perfectly adjusted for summer.
If I don’t really tan
However, it is possible to display color thanks to a routine that colors the skin neither seen nor known, which does not exempt you from good protection when you expose yourself.
The booster food. Annatto seeds, a fruit from South America, because they contain 100 times more beta-carotene than carrots. They are consumed in powder form, to be put in rice, sauces, soups, drinks, etc.
Appropriate care. Food supplements that color the skin even without sunlight thanks to natural pigments + a BB cream for fair skin, which boosts the radiance of the face.
If I have dark skin
To enhance your radiance, use treatments and makeup products that reveal the skin’s texture in transparency.
The booster food. Grapefruit, rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain luminous and more supple skin. In juice, in salad, we don’t deprive ourselves.
Appropriate care. A hydrating and anti-aging formula, full of warm pigments to warm the complexion + a sun powder with strong color, for the rounded areas of the face.