Summer rhymes with sunbathing! Unfortunately, this pretty honey complexion gradually disappears as soon as we return from vacation. And about 3 weeks later, much of our skin regains its light color. Why do we lose our tan and are there ways to keep it a little longer?
Why do we tan when we expose ourselves to the sun?
Our skin absorbs UV rays when we are exposed to the sun. This stimulates the production of melanin, the brown pigments responsible for the honeyed color of the tan. These are inserted into the cells, called keratinocytes, which gradually rise to the surface as cell renewal occurs. This is how our tanned complexion appears little by little if we expose ourselves during the holidays.
Why do we lose our tan?
Like all cells, keratinocytes die after a certain period. Moreover, the new cells that are formed no longer contain as much melanin if our skin no longer absorbs UV rays. This is how our tan ends up disappearing about 21 to 30 days after our exposure to the sun and we then regain our clear complexion.
Are there ways to keep the tan a little longer?
If the tan is not eternal, there are however some practical tips to make its effect last as long as possible.
1- Take time to tan
Above all, opt for a gradual tan to make its effect last longer. So, only expose yourself for about twenty minutes during your first days of vacation. Afterwards, gradually increase your exposure time to 45 minutes, then to 1 hour and so on. However, be sure to stay in the shade between 11 a.m. and 16 p.m. because the strong intensity of the sun's rays could harm your health.
2- Adopt a diet rich in vitamins
Beta-carotene and tyrosine promote the production of melanin which, as we saw above, is at the origin of the tanned tint of the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to favor foods such as carrots, watercress, mango, melon, sweet potato, soybeans, apricots, avocado or even hard cheeses during and after your vacation. Not only will they help you tan faster, but they will also help maintain your wonderful honey complexion for longer.
3- Use a tan extender
Tanning extenders, in the form of cream or milk, are currently on sale on the market. The latter are composed of active ingredients intended to activate the melanocytes. When you return from vacation, just apply it to your skin twice a day (morning and evening) and expose yourself to the sun for about twenty minutes to make your tan last.
Conclusion
Finally, do not forget to drink at least 1,5 L of water a day and to hydrate your skin well with a treatment rich in water and fat. Also, always use an after sun cream to keep your skin healthy.