The season of bikinis and short dresses is finally here, and all we want is to have glowy and bronzed skin! . Applying the right sunscreens, staying properly hydrated, and following a healthy and balanced diet are all key factors for achieving a natural and healthy tan. In addition, due to their high content of vitamins and antioxidants, certain foods might actually accelerate and promote the tanning process and help protect your skin from the damage caused by UVA and UVB rays! In this article, you will discover what are the best foods for tanning. Plus, we you will learn how to incorporate more of them into your diet with some easy and nourishing recipes!
A healthy and nourishing diet is key to achieving that glowy and uniform tan you've always dreamed of! In particular, lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and Omega-3 and 6 are all key micronutrients that can facilitate tanning by stimulating the production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for darkening our complexion. In addition, they can also boost the production of collagen. This is a protein renowned for promoting skin elasticity and tone. In addition, it plays a role in preventing wrinkles and fine lines commonly associated with excessive sun exposure.
Let's briefly have a look at these tan-boosting micronutrients, and which foods are particularly rich in them.
Beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is the precursor of vitamin A. In turn, this vitamin stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. In addition, it minimizes the aggressive action of sunlight on the skin. The foods for tanning higher in beta-carotene are yellow/orange fruits and veggies, such as apricots, mangos, melons, peaches pumpkins, carrots, and bell peppers, as well as dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, arugula, and lettuce).
Lycopene.
Even though this powerful antioxidant is not directly responsible for stimulating the production of melanin, it plays a pivotal role in counteracting and preventing cellular aging and protecting the skin from the damaging action of sunlight. Foods rich in lycopene are red fruits and veggies, such as cherries, red bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruits.
Vitamin C.
Regular consumption of vitamin C is commonly associated with healthier, brighter, and more compact skin. In addition, this incredible vitamin is essential for preventing sunburns and having a more uniform, long-lasting tan. Among the foods higher in vitamin C we can find citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, and tangerines), as well as kiwis, strawberries, papayas, red bell peppers, and parsley.
Vitamin E.
Similarly to vitamin C, vitamin E can help promote collagen production. In turn, collagen contributes to slowing down the aging process and promoting a firmer, glowier, and overall, smoother skin. All these factors are essential for having a more uniform and healthy tan. Avocadoes, mangos, extra-virgin olive oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkins, spinach, and asparagus are all excellent sources of vitamin E.
Omega-3 and 6.
Last, but not least, are omega-3 and 6, two powerful compounds that have a central role in fighting oxidative stress and preserving our skin tone and elasticity from the inside out. Among the best sources of plant-based omega-3 and 6, we can find walnuts, brussels sprouts, flax seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, tofu, and seaweeds.
By consuming more of these micronutrients, you can manage to significantly promote and accelerate the tanning process!
In order to have a glowy and healthy tan, the general recommendation is to play in advance! Here is how you can prepare your skin for sun exposure and maintain a golden tan for longer.
Stay hydrated.
We all know that drinking enough water is essential for having clearer and brighter skin and, in general, promoting the regular functioning of our body during the hottest months of the year. If drinking the recommended 2-2.5 liters (6.5-8 oz) of water per day is too challenging for you, a great solution could be to consume more water-rich fruits and veggies, such as cucumbers, watermelons, melons, peaches, oranges, blueberries, tomatoes, zucchini, and celery. In addition, you can try fruit-infused water, an aesthetically pleasing and refreshing drink for kids and adults. Here is my favorite Infuser Water Bottle, super pretty and easy to use!
Consume regularly the above-mentioned foods for tanning.
In order to reap all the benefits from the foods mentioned above, the recommendation is to start consuming them at least 30 days before exposing yourself to the sun! In addition, try to consume at least five portions of these colorful fruits and veggies every day.
Limit the consumption of alcohol.
Besides being classified by the World Health Organization as a type-1 carcinogen, alcohol contributes to dehydrating your body. This might, in turn, prevent you from getting the much-desired healthy and uniform tan.
Moisturize the skin from the outside.
Acting "from the outside" and keeping your skin well moisturized is equally important if you want to have an amber complexion. Ideally, choose natural, vegan, and cruelty-free cosmetics and sunscreens, that are good for your skin, the environment, and the animals. Among my favorites is the Thrive lightweight moisturizer with SPF 30.
Now that you know all the best tips for a fast and natural tan, let's have a look at how to incorporate the best foods for tanning into your diet with 7 easy and tasty recipes!
Light, refreshing, and highly nourishing, these are the 7 best recipes for promoting a healthy and glowy tan!
Hope you have found this article on the best foods for tanning useful and insightful! If yes, make sure to share it with your family and friends, and follow me on my socials. All the links are down below!
The post Top Foods for Tanning - Eat these for a Faster Tan! appeared first on Clean Cooking with Caitlin.