Summer is approaching, and with it comes one of the season's biggest dilemmas: achieving a beautiful, tanned complexion. Because yes, these days, being tanned is in fashion.
But…
is it worth going to extreme lengths to get a tan quickly in the summer? Absolutely not. Due to the deterioration of the ozone layer, the sun is more dangerous than ever, so we must take care of our skin if we don't want any unpleasant surprises in the future (such as melanomas or, in the best-case scenario, blemishes or premature aging). So today, we present the best tricks to get a tan quickly but without putting your skin at risk. 6 TRICKS TO GET A TAN FAST AND RISK-FREELet's see, sun lover: you don't need to spend the moment you wake up until you go to bed trying to soak up every ray of sunshine to get a tan faster.
You don't have to be a sun worshipper. You can sit on a shady terrace and have a drink, or eat under a beach umbrella and enjoy the moment without the heat leaving you half-fainting. And it won't take you any longer to get a tan. Especially if you follow these tips below:
EAT FOODS RICH IN BETA-CAROTENE
Did you know that some foods accelerate tanning? What we eat influences everything (and more than we think). There are foods that contribute to the production of melanin, a natural pigment in our bodies that is primarily responsible for skin color. If you want to increase your melanin levels, drink a juice daily with 3 carrots and 1 orange for 3 weeks. You can also try other foods rich in carotenes and antioxidants such as tomatoes, strawberries, apricot, cherry or mango.
These products help fight free radicals, protecting the skin from premature aging. Remember that fruits and vegetables also help you stay well hydrated. In addition, we recommend using a tanning lotion with carrot and coconut extracts.
To get a tan quickly, one of the best things you can do is exfoliate your skin a few days before sunbathing. Why? Because that's how the layer of dead cells is removed, and therefore the skin tans better. As I said, do it a few days before (3 is enough) because if you do it on the same day you're going to be in the sun, you'll just get burned. And if you want your tan to last longer, continue exfoliating your skin more gently, once a week. To get a tan more safely, it's important to sunbathe before 11 a.m. and in the afternoon after 4 p.m. as the sun is even stronger during the middle of the day. And don't rush it. Ideally, during the first few days, you should expose yourself to the sun for a maximum of 30 minutes. Take it slow and steady; only then will you achieve a tan that lasts until Christmas. Well-hydrated skin is absolutely necessary for your tan to last longer. So: drink lots of water, apply sunscreen (every two or three hours) when you're sunbathing and apply after-sun lotion after showering, once you get home. This will prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated and peeling, which completely ruins your tan. Fairer skin tones are more sensitive to the sun, so this is a good way to tan quickly if you're very fair. The use of these products is very effective, as they contain DHA, a substance capable of reacting with the amino acids present in the skin. Self-tanning creams have no contraindications, although it is important to check that you are not allergic to any of the product's ingredients. Test it first on a small, inconspicuous area of your body. Get the golden tan you've always dreamed of without any risks! Never sunbathe without first applying a good layer of sunscreen. This is the most important thing of all, and don't believe the myth: sunscreen does NOT prevent you from getting a tan.
Let's get serious, but it's very important to protect your skin from the sun's rays, which are becoming increasingly harsh.
Sunscreen will be your best ally for your sunbathing sessions; it's a must-have that should always be in your beach or pool bag. And after you've finished sunbathing, don't forget to apply after-sun lotion. And the fact is, if you take good care of your skin, you won't get sunburned and you can sunbathe continuously without having to rest, so your tan will appear much sooner and last longer.
And don't just protect your skin. Hair also suffers a lot from the sun's rays, so make sure you get a good natural shampoo and a conditioner or hair mask to keep it hydrated and beautiful all summer long.
Oh, and before we finish, here are some popular home remedies you should never, ever do if you don't want to put your health at risk:
Don't put olive or sunflower oil on your face while sunbathing. Unless you have a complex about being fried. If you use any oil to accelerate tanning, make sure it's specifically designed for that purpose.
Also, don't apply Coca-Cola or lemon juice. These products not only fail to activate melanin, but they can also cause your skin to burn.
Remember, your skin has a memory, so get a tan, but always be sensible!
EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN
CHOOSE A GOOD TIME TO SUNBATHE
HYDRATE YOUR SKIN
USE A SELF-TANNER
SUNSCREEN: A MUST
