Ideal foods to tan your skin
We are ready and raring to enjoy the sun and the beach the way it should be done: lie down on the towel, enjoy a good book, listen to the waves in the background, and most of all, sunbathe. We want to say goodbye to pale skin and see a new golden colour when we look in the mirror. But our appearance is only a reflection of what is inside, therefore in order to show off a healthy, hydrated and glowing skin, we need to pay attention to what we eat.
The sun can bring benefits for our body (happiness, vitamins, among other things), but it can also become a health risk if we don't take precautions. Above all, before you bake yourself wrecklessly and suffer from sunburn, keep your skin hydrated and always apply the appropriate factor sun cream for your skin type (25, 30, 50 or higher). The face and body also need different types of sun protection, given that the skin on your face is more sensitive to UVA and UVB rays.
We tan because the UVA and UVB rays stimulate the production of melanin in our skin, which in response, protects us from its harmful effects by making our skin darker. There are certain foods that, as well as looking after our health, will help to boost this dark pigmentation for longer, as has been demonstrated in a study by the University of Bristol.
What should you eat to get the glow of a tan?
- Oranges, kiwis, strawberries and papaya: Foods rich in vitamin C help to keep our skin young and supple, thanks to their high antioxidant These pieces of fruit can also be a great choice of afternoon snack or nibble during a day in the sun.
- Carrot: try to eat raw carrots, in salads or in juices (mixed with orange is a rich and also refreshing drink). Its high beta-carotene and Vitamin A content stimulates a healthy tan and the production of melanine.
- Sardines, tuna and salmon: aswell as counteracting high cholesteral, fatty acids such as Omega 3,6 and 9 hydrate your skin and help your golden colour to last longer.
- Nuts: such as pistachios, walnuts or almonds at snack-times or when you feel a drop in energy, as well as filling you up, keep your dermis safe thanks to their magnesium content, which acts as a filter to UV rays.
Remember that, as well as food, to show off an oily and silky skin, we must increase our intake of water by up to 3 litres per day. Any liquid that you drink will be welcomed, as we have to prepare ourselves for the high temperatures.
By looking after our bodies over these next few months, we will be more than prepared to sit back on the sand, enjoy the relaxation, and have healthy, tanned and smooth skin. Ready to eat healthy and enjoy the summer?
