What to eat for a fast tan

The holidays are coming, and relaxation, cocktails and sunbathing are the order of the day. So now’s the time to get your skin ready for the sun! How? By adapting your diet for a fast tan and avoiding the dreaded sunburn.

Let’s take a look at the food that will help you get the tanned look that everyone covets.

WHAT FOODS SHOULD YOU GO FOR TO GET A GOOD TAN?

It’s well known that certain foodstuffs help to get the skin ready for tanning and, therefore, for a faster tan. What are they?

To get your skin ready for tanning, it is important to eat food rich in antioxidants. These foods are generally rich in vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins enable the skin to respond better to the harmful effects of the sun by helping to maintain its elasticity and hydration.

Which foods are these vitamins found in?

  • wheat germ
  • egg
  • nuts, hazelnuts, almonds
  • Brussels sprouts
  • kiwi
  • blueberries
  • strawberries
  • cauliflower
  • mango
  • etc.|

These antioxidant properties are also found in omega 3. This is because omega 3 helps prevent premature ageing of the skin. Omega 3 is mainly found in fish, olive oil, linseed oil, avocado and nuts.

It is also important to eat foods rich in carotenoid for a fast tan. The carotenoid family contains beta-carotene (well-known for giving fruit and vegetables a red-orange pigment), as well as lycopene (usually found in tomatoes) and lutein, found in vegetables with dark green leaves.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of foods to eat for a fast tan:

  • carrots
  • peppers
  • tomatoes
  • squash
  • sweet potatoes
  • apricots
  • rocket
  • spinach
  • kale
  • etc.|

The best thing to do is to pick organic seasonal fruit and vegetables. This is because they are richer in vitamins and do not contain chemical elements such as pesticides. And if you buy them from local producers, that’s even better :-)

VEGETABLE OILS TO APPLY TO THE SKIN FOR A FAST TAN

Some people opt for oil or cream to apply to the skin, for an effortless tanned look. It’s best to go for carrot oil, which gives a lightly tanned look that appears completely natural. Carrot oil has a number of qualities: it nourishes, repairs and protects.

DO YOU NEED TO TAKE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR A FAST TAN?

Using nutritional supplements can be a solution for getting a fast tan. Ideally you should choose those with a natural origin to get the full benefit. They should also be taken in the morning for best results, where possible.

The best way is to start a course at least a month before prolonged exposure to the sun.

But note that the use of nutritional supplements does not prevent sunburn at all. Apply sunscreen in the event of prolonged exposure to the sun.

FINAL ADVICE FOR A GOOD TAN

To get a good tan while protecting your skin, make sure you:

  • avoid the hottest hours when sunbathing
  • apply sunscreen suitable for the sensitivity of your skin
  • drink plenty of water
  • moisturise your skin before and after exposing it to the sun

See also our advice on preparing your skin naturally before exposure to the sun.