How to Get the Perfect Tan This Summer

Nothing says well rested after a holiday like sun-kissed skin.  Getting some vitamin D is good for us. It not only relieves anxiety symptoms but also boosts our serotonin level while helping to strengthen our bones and teeth boosts serotonin levels and is said to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. But the best way to get this essential vitamin is from the sun. Unfortunately, exposing your skin to the sun comes with a ton of side effects. So how do you maintain your tan during summer? Here are some tips.

Tips to Maintain Your Perfect Summer Tan

Don’t Skip on Sunscreen

Most people don’t think that they are going to get tanned. As such, they tend to intentionally not wear sunscreen. Now, while sunscreen can still get your skin tanned, it slows the process and makes it safer. 

But how do you choose the best sunscreen from the many products available? Well, first, you want to ensure that the product you are buying protects you from both UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeply into a person’s skin and cause premature aging and sometimes skin cancers and allergies. They make up the most significant number of rays reaching the earth and going via the clouds. On the other hand, UVB rays only get to the top layer of your skin and cause sunburns. 

It’s thus essential that you choose a product that offers protection against both these two rays since both create problems to the skin. Ensure that you are buying SPF and broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

The other thing to consider is SPF, which indicates the length of time a wearer can be out in the sun. For instance, if a product is labeled SPF 30, it allows a person to stay 30 times in the sun more than if they are wearing another sun protection product. SPF 30 is better as it gives you more security and doesn’t need frequent applications. However, for someone with sensitive or fair skin, SPF 50 is the best, while SPF 15 works well with dark skins. 

Shower with Cold Water

Hot water strips moisture from our skin, promoting peeling. Thus, it’s best to opt for cool showers instead of hot ones to make your tan last longer. Also, bear in mind that excess bubbles can remove a tan. Therefore, you should use an oil-based shower gel. 

Don’t Forget to Moisturize 

Even people with oily skin need to moisturize. Focus mainly on dry areas like your knees, hands, feet, and elbows. This will balance your skin tone and maintain your glow. But stay away from traditional after-sun products as they can dry out your skin. 

Remember to Exfoliate  

Exfoliating helps you maintain your summer tan, even though it’s a bit demanding. It helps remove dead cells, keeping your skin healthy and flawless. Therefore, before starting and after your holiday, make sure that you exfoliate.

Apply Body Oil 

Have you ever seen someone with glowing skin and wondered how they achieved it? Well, body oil is the secret. And the good thing is that you don’t even need bulk applications. Just a tiny amount will make your skin glow and work magic on your tan. However, opt for a natural botanical body oil as it has no mineral or silicon oi. Thus, it provides sufficient nourishment and repair to your skin. 

Try a Gradual Fake Tan 

This helps your tan last longer, and you can safely sit in the sun for long hours. After your morning shower, no need to wait to dry. Apply fake tan directly then you can get dressed. For best results, use it every other day.

You can also consider cooking with olive oil since it doesn’t have carotenoids. As such, it acts as a natural moisturizer that leaves your skin healthier. Also, you may want to consider tanning beds, sketchy pills (although they pose a risk to the liver), and spray on a tan. 

Include Beta-Carotenes in Your Diet  

Beta carotene is an organic compound found in many fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins. Research claims that eating foods high in this compound can help tan the skin, protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.

Hydrate and Re-hydrate

Hydration increases the life span of your cells, even the ones that have tanned. Also, water flushes out toxins in your body, keeping your skin, hair, and nails in good condition. 

Wear White Clothes 

White clothing creates an illusion of tanned skin. This simple tip is used by many to prevent sun damage. So next time you are going out, wear your white dress or shirt with a brightly colored accessory to make you looked more tanned.

Don’t Stay in the Sun for Too Long. 

Prolonged sun exposure can give you sunburns, and your skin may start peeling. Not to mention it puts you at risk of skin cancer. So, try limiting sun exposure. Also, opt for short numerous tanning sessions.

Additionally, take a break from the sun and sit under the shade. This will allow your skin to cool off hence minimizing the chances of burning. While on this break, you may want to reapply sunscreen, drink water, and eat fruits. 

Note that your body can tan for an average of three to four hours per day. After this, it stops producing melanin. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure that exceeds these hours. We also advise against sunbeds as they don’t offer any vitamin D compared to the sun. 

Take Advantage of Salt Water 

Saltwater can lead to fast tanning by promoting the sunlight onto a person’s skin. It works like natural body oils that help one tan quickly. So when you are from the sea, you shouldn’t dry out your skin or head straight to shower. 

How to Get a Dark Tan in a Day 

If you keenly follow the above tips, you may notice your skin darkening in a day. However, the truth is that it’s not possible to get a dark tan within a day. Allow your skin to build it up during the summer. 

But some individuals opt for a self-tanning lotion.  These lotions are designed to give you a dark tan within a few minutes. They are the safest tanning options that don’t risk one burn. 

What Can Foods Boost My Summer Tan? 

Spending too much time outside, even when the weather is cloudy, exposes you to the direct UV rays of the sun. These can cause burns, skin allergies, and in severe cases, skin cancer. However, individuals can avoid these issues by using sunscreen products responsibly. But apart from that, you may also want to watch what you eat. Here are some foods that you should consume in high amounts.

Sweet potatoes– These are versatile vegetables that you can use in different recipes. Since they are rich in carotenoids, the nutrients help them give a natural tan effect. Additionally, they contain high amounts of vitamin B6, which improves your heart health. If you don’t want to bake sweet potatoes, you can try boiling them or deep frying. 

Carrots-Although it is said that carrots can alter the skin color, they’ll not turn it into orange. Like sweet potatoes, they also contain carotenoids that give one lovely skin glow. Carrots are also loaded with vitamin A suitable for your eyesight and protect you from sun damage.

Kale- This nutrient-dense green vegetable is loved by many for good reasons. Thanks to their high levels of carotenoids, kales can enhance your skin tone.

Cantaloupes– We talked about the importance of staying hydrated during the summer. But sometimes, drinking water can be difficult for some people. Thankfully, cantaloupes offer an alternative to plain water. 90% of the fruit is water, which makes it very hydrating. Also, it has carotenoids, hence the orange color. If you want to stay hydrated during summer, make melon your best friend. 

Broccoli- We get vitamin C mostly from citrus fruits. But did you know that a cup of broccoli has higher vitamin C levels than one lemon? Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles while boosting collagen production and immunity. Apart from vitamin C, broccoli also has carotenoids. So, combining these two properties gives one an improved color and function of their skin. 

Pumpkin– If your tan has started fading, pumpkins will be great additions to your diet. They contain carotenoids and high amounts of fiber. Fiber helps improve digestion and makes you stay fuller for an extended period, which allows you to lose weight. So apart from self-tanning, pumpkins are also suitable for those who want to shed off some calories. 

Spinach– Maybe if we knew about the skin tinting effects of spinach, we’d eat more of it every day. This veggie contains carotenoids and vitamin K in high amounts. Vitamin K prevents blood clotting in your arteries and veins while improving your bone health. Additionally, spinach helps to reduce depression. 

Mangoes- We love mangoes, as you can include them in different smoothie recipes. Mangoes boost carotenoids that act as natural tanners. They also contain antioxidants that prevent certain cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and prostate cancer. 

Red bell peppers– High in carotenoids, red bell peppers are an excellent addition to a diet for those who want to tan skin. These carotenoids help give you a summer glow. Apart from carotenoids, these peppers also have a lot of vitamin A and C that benefit your skin and eyesight. 

Tomatoes- These universally used foods can be made in salads, ketchup, pasta sauces, etc. They get the red color from carotenoids like lycopene. Apart from skin tanning, lycopene is also said to prevent heart disease, cataracts, certain types of cancers, and asthma. Some people also link it to HPV treatment. 

Peaches- Aside from their delicious juicy taste, there are more reasons you should be eating peaches. They have high levels of carotenoids and potassium, which help regulate your blood pressure. Potassium also plays a role in the proper functioning of the brain. Eating peaches, therefore, benefits your skin and body as well. 

Other Foods to Eat;

• Cottage cheese 
• Bell peppers 
• Hazelnuts 
• Lemons 
• Eggs 
• Butternut squash